Chapter 300: Dance Of The Phoenix
Chapter 300: Dance Of The Phoenix
"See, I told you not to fear," Bella chuckled softly as they continued walking through the pristine Royal District.
Evan and Stella blinked nervously, their apprehension fading slightly but replaced by a growing self-consciousness as they glanced down at their simple, worn clothing. Despite this, they dutifully led the way through the lavish surroundings.
The walkway beneath their feet was perfectly smooth, paved with polished like asphalt, flanked by vibrant gardens and opulent, intricately designed mansions that exuded noble prestige.
Aengus silently observed the children, noticing their discomfort but choosing not to comment, allowing them the dignity to carry on.
What truly caught his attention, however, were the numerous women they passed by on their journey.
All The women carried an ethereal elegance, all with fiery hair that ranged from blazing crimson to soft auburn, paired with strikingly fair complexions. Their features were refined, and their demeanor was proud, embodying the traits of those with Phoenix bloodlines.
Yet it wasn't just their beauty that stood out. Many of them exuded an undeniable aura of power, with vibrant characteristics that hinted at their connection to the mythical Phoenix. Some bore subtle signs—feathers that shimmered like precious gems, faint fiery wings that flickered behind their forms, or gracefully arched, long eyebrows that resembled a Phoenix's crest.
But of course, they still couldn't stand a chance against Bella in beauty and grace.
"Why are your eyes only on the women, hubby?" Bella asked with jealousy.
Aengus immediately shook his head,
"Who? Me? Of course not. I was also observing those men with Dragon bloodlines. It's fascinating to see that the legends are true—Dragon and Phoenix bloodlines intertwine, just like the tale of the Dragon God and the Phoenix Goddess."
Bella's expression softened at the mention of the tale. "Oh yes, my mother told me their story too. Their love, their sacrifice for one another—it's so beautiful. I'd do the same for you, hubby, without hesitation. Would you ever make such a sacrifice for me?"
She looked up at him, her purplish amber eyes filled with raw emotion and vulnerability.
Aengus met her gaze and responded firmly, "Of course, Bella. But I promise you, that time will never come. I'll make sure of it."
Their heartfelt exchange caused Evan and Stella to exchange awkward glances. They subtly distanced themselves, acting as though they hadn't heard a word.
As they continued walking, Bella unfurled her magnificent Phoenix wings, a shimmering display of fiery feathers glowing with a brilliance that captivated everyone nearby. The sight was so mesmerizing and regal that people instinctively moved aside, bowing their heads as if in reverence.
Aengus glanced at her wings, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Beautiful!"
"Hehe, I thought this would help us avoid some unnecessary problems." she laughed.
"Hubby, look!"
Bella suddenly paused, her attention drawn to the lively scene on one side of the regal city.
Aengus followed her gaze and saw a street performance—a man and a woman were dancing gracefully in vibrant, flowing clothes.
"Yes, I can see that," Aengus said with a slight frown. "But why do you want to go there now?"
Ignoring his reluctance, Bella eagerly made her way toward the crowd.
Aengus, unable to resist her enthusiasm, followed helplessly, like a devoted husband. Evan and Stella, finding no other choice, trailed after them.
The crowd, dressed in elaborate attire, had formed a large circle around the dancers. When Bella and Aengus arrived, people instinctively made way, sensing an overwhelming presence that made them feel as if predators had entered their midst.
Even the arrogant noble brats in the crowd remained silent, subdued by the aura of the newcomers.
The dancers in the center of the circle moved with elegance and poise, their colorful clothes swirling in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the music. It was a breathtaking performance.
Evan leaned closer to Bella and whispered, "That's the famous Phoenix Remembrance Dance, my lady and lord. It's performed to honor the legends of the Phoenix Empire."
Bella's eyes lit up. "Oh, right. My mother used to perform this dance when I was young too. It's been so long—I'd almost forgotten how beautiful it is."
Suddenly, Bella turned to Aengus with a mischievous smile. "Hubby, would you like to dance with me?" she asked, extending her soft hand in an elegant, inviting gesture.
Aengus blinked in surprise, clearly startled. "Me?"
Bella nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
He hesitated, realizing he had never danced before. There wasn't even a skill he could copy from the dancers at that moment.
After a moment of thought, he sighed and nodded, already committing the basic steps of the Phoenix Remembrance Dance to memory through observation.
"Alright," he said with a small, reluctant smile. "But don't blame me if I step on your feet."
Bella giggled and took his hand. "I'll guide you, hubby. Just follow my lead."
With that, they stepped into the center of the circle, their commanding presence drawing all eyes to them.
The two performers who had been dancing suddenly paused, an inexplicable instinct halting their movements. They turned toward the regal couple approaching the stage, their hearts pounding with awe.
Without hesitation, the performers bowed low and stepped aside. "Please, my lady, the stage is yours!" they said with utmost respect before blending into the crowd of curious onlookers.
Bella grinned playfully, placing her left hand on her hip and extending her right hand toward Aengus. "Shall we start?" she asked, her tone teasing yet graceful.
Aengus sighed with mock defeat, his lips curving into a small smile. "I can't say no to you, can I?"
Taking her hand gently, he leaned in and kissed it lightly, his gesture a perfect mix of charm and respect.
"🎵🎼🎶🎵🎼🎶🎵🎼🎶🎼🎵🎶🎼🎵🎵🎼"
The soft melody of flutes and string instruments resumed, blending into a harmonious rhythm that filled the air with a sense of tranquility and anticipation. Aengus and Bella stepped forward, standing face to face at the center of the stage.
The crowd gasped softly, enchanted by the chemistry between the two. Bella's radiant smile lit up the entire scene, and Aengus's calm, commanding demeanor added an air of regal dignity.
"🎵 🎶 🎼 🎵🎵🎼🎶🎼🎶🎵"
As the music restarted, a quiet murmur spread through the audience, and all eyes remained fixed on the couple about to begin their dance.
"🎵🎼🎶🎵🎼🎶🎵🎼🎶🎼🎵🎶🎼🎵🎵🎼"
The soft melody of flutes and string instruments resumed, blending into a harmonious rhythm that filled the air with a sense of tranquility and anticipation. Aengus and Bella stepped forward, standing face to face at the center of the stage.
Bella led the first move, her body flowing gracefully as she swayed to the left, her right hand still in Aengus's. She stepped back lightly, inviting him to follow. Aengus mirrored her movements, his steps firm yet elegant, matching her energy with ease despite his earlier hesitation.
🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
The rhythm picked up slightly, and Bella spun once, her flowing dress creating a mesmerizing whirl of colors.
Aengus caught her hand with perfect timing, guiding her into a seamless twirl before bringing her close to him. Their gazes locked, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them in sync with the music.
With the beat quickening, they stepped into a circular motion. Bella moved with feather-like lightness, her feet gliding across the stage as Aengus maintained his steady, grounding presence.
Their movements were fluid, like water weaving through fire, each step perfectly complementing the other.
Aengus lifted Bella effortlessly, her arms spreading wide as she soared briefly, mirroring the grace of a phoenix in flight. The audience gasped in awe, their breaths stolen by the sheer harmony and beauty of the performance.
As they landed back into the rhythm, their movements became more intricate. Aengus led her into a dip, lowering her gracefully as Bella arched back with a radiant smile. The music swelled, and they rose together, their steps now more confident, their synchronization flawless.
The final beats of the melody brought them into a climactic spin, where Bella twirled around Aengus, her phoenix-like energy blending perfectly with his grounded strength. With the last note, Aengus caught Bella firmly by the waist, their faces inches apart as they froze in their final pose.