His kiss was gentle, making Anran feel cherished and protected. She couldn't help but blush, burying her face in his chest.
Though his body lacked the warmth of a human, and no heartbeat could be heard, to her, there was no place in the world that felt more secure than his embrace.
And so, they held each other, dancing song after song tirelessly, only stopping when the ball was nearing its end. By then, Anran was already glistening with sweat.
On the stage above the lake, the host, wearing an elaborate clown mask, announced, "Ladies and gentlemen! The Halloween ball is about to conclude."
A faint murmur of disappointment rippled through the crowd.
"But let's not forget the most important part of the night," the host added.
"Richard, is there more?" Anran asked curiously.
Richard shook his head slightly, smiling. "Listen."
The host's voice echoed again:
"Now, I'm about to announce the results of the vote. But before that, let me tease you for a moment. Can you guess who tonight's undisputed prince is?"
Almost immediately, someone from the audience shouted, "Prince Dylan!"
After that first call, more and more voices joined in, chanting Dylan's name.
Anran frowned in confusion. "When was this vote? I didn't know about it."
Richard pointed to a table on the right, where pens and papers were laid out. "From the very beginning of the ball, attendees could write down their chosen prince and princess. Even if they didn't know the names, they could just write the character each person was dressed as."
Hearing this, Anran pouted. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? I would've definitely voted for the vampire prince."
Richard chuckled. "At a ball like this, who could possibly outshine Dylan's popularity?"
Sure enough, the host announced, "Congratulations to Prince Dylan! Our band's lead singer is truly the people's choice for tonight's prince!"
As the announcement was made, the crowd erupted in cheers. Amid the applause, Dylan emerged from the crowd, leaped onto the stage, and waved to the audience.
"Next, it's time to announce the most dazzling princess of the ball," the host said mysteriously. "This princess has a very special title. Now, let's welcome the beautiful Rose Fairy Princess!"
Anran froze in place, and the entire venue fell silent.
She had never imagined the princess could be her—not until she noticed the envious and admiring gazes of those around her. It was then she realized the host truly meant her.
"Go on," Richard said. "I'll wait here."
From the look on Richard's face, it was clear he hadn't anticipated this outcome either.
Anran snapped out of her shock and smiled sweetly at him. "Richard, this idea came from you. When I get the prize, I'll share it with you."
Richard smiled back, watching her as she made her way to the stage.
However, when he saw Dylan and Anran standing together on the stage, looking like a perfect pair, an inexplicable ache settled in his heart.
Richard's eyes lingered on the stage with mixed emotions, but then, in the next moment, he heard a sudden scream!
In an instant, Richard dashed toward the stage like a ghost, breaking through the crowd.
His face was filled with unprecedented panic because the scream had come from the girl he loved. And as she screamed, the center of the stage began to collapse!