Lost in his thoughts and unaware of the path ahead, Demirs suddenly bumped into someone, stumbling and nearly falling. The other person quickly extended a hand, firmly gripping Demirs' arm to steady him. Demirs slowly lifted his gaze to see the face of the person in front of him: a man with calm, handsome features, soft brown hair that lightly swayed, and captivating violet eyes that looked at him with a warm smile. 

“What’s your name?” the man asked with a gentle smile, as if trying to break the ice. 

“Demirs,” he answered quietly. 

The man’s smile froze for a moment, and a look of surprise crossed his face. He leaned in slightly, as if trying to confirm what he had just heard. “Demirs? It seems your name is somewhat derived from…” 

But Demirs quickly interrupted, not letting him finish. “It’s derived from yours… Uncle Demic.” 

Demic raised his eyebrows in hidden admiration and smiled warmly. “It seems my nephew is very clever… you recognized me right away.” 

“My father always talked about you… he blamed himself for your disappearance, and Uncle Alan’s too.” Demirs’ words trembled as he spoke, carrying the weight of a past he didn’t live but could still feel its impact. 

Demic looked at him kindly, carefully studying his features as if they reminded him of someone else. “You look a lot like your father.” 

Demirs gave a sad smile, tinged with nostalgia. “Everyone tells me that… and it makes me happy.” 

There was a moment of silence before Demic spoke words that made Demirs’ heart tremble: “So… has he told you about his illness?” 

Demirs’ emotions surged, as if the question had hit him with unexpected force. He felt a lump in his throat and couldn’t respond. At that moment, Demic moved closer and embraced him gently, patting his back as if trying to calm his turmoil. “Don’t worry, little one… we’ll find a way. We won’t let him die. Your father is very strong and has kept going this long, and he’ll keep going for much longer. But you have to be strong, so he knows you’re okay. Evering draws his strength from you, little one… don’t let him down.” 

Demic released the embrace gently and looked into Demirs’ eyes, trying to convey hope through his gaze. “I was on my way to meet the dance instructor… as you know, we have a big party in a few days. What do you say you join us? Your uncles will be there.” 

Demirs nodded, a slow smile returning to his face, as if Demic’s presence had lit up some of the darkness weighing down his heart. The two walked together, exchanging conversations filled with a mix of memories and hopes, until they reached the hall where the dance instructor was waiting.

A wide hall with gleaming white marble floors, shimmering with the reflections of light streaming in from large, ornate windows adorned with luxurious golden decorations. The ceiling was high, with crystal chandeliers casting warm lights on the walls, which were adorned with classical dance paintings. Plush couches were scattered in the corners of the room, where some family members sat, waiting for the training to begin. 

As Demirs and Demic entered the hall, the atmosphere was filled with the usual anticipation and laziness from some of those present. Phoenix lay carelessly on one of the couches, a bottle of drink in his hand, drinking heavily as usual, his face reflecting his usual indifference. Next to him, Kaylos sat, his sharp eyes surveying the place, as if constantly on guard, even in moments of rest. Evianus, with his calm face and usual smile, stood near the window, while Alan, their cousin, leaped to his feet the moment he saw Demirs, exchanging warm greetings with him. 

Everyone exchanged greetings and took their places, noticing that the dance instructor had not yet arrived. People moved around restlessly, as if waiting for something to break the monotony. 

Phoenix, with his usual sarcastic laugh, raised his bottle and said, "You know, we’re waiting for the dance instructor, but I think Demic here is the best dancer among us. Even the instructor won’t match his skill." 

Evianus responded with a smile, "Demic? That was a long time ago, wasn’t it? Who knows, maybe he’s forgotten those old moves." 

Demic chuckled softly, looking at them with a gaze filled with confidence and nostalgia. “Do you want a challenge?” 

Amid their laughter, a young maid, Elizabeth, stood at the side of the hall, observing from a distance. Demic approached her with confident steps, looking at her with a charming gaze as if she were the only one in the room. He flashed his dazzling smile and, in his usual soft tone, asked, “What’s your name, little one?” 

Elizabeth stammered slightly, trying to hide her nervousness as she responded in a trembling voice, “Eli... Elizabeth, sir.” 

Demic smiled seductively and bowed slightly, “A beautiful name. May I have this dance?” 

With her hand trembling in his, Elizabeth nervously placed it in his outstretched hand, as if she couldn’t believe what was happening. Demic gently placed his hand on her waist and began to move her lightly and gracefully, as if they were weaving their own painting to a hidden rhythm only their hearts could hear. He spun her effortlessly, his steps quick and precise, leading her with ease as if they had been dancing together for years. Every step was flawless, every twirl captivating, and his movements reflected unmatched expertise, while Elizabeth’s eyes widened with amazement, her heart racing with every move. 

Her brown hair floated around her, and her face gradually turned red from the intensity of her nervousness and embarrassment. Everyone watched in awe and admiration; no one had expected such a spectacular performance. As the dance ended, Demic stopped gently in front of Elizabeth, and the room erupted in applause, filled with admiration and amazement. 

Elizabeth, shy and flustered, tried to hide her embarrassment as she looked down at the floor. Demic placed his hand lightly on her forehead, like a reassuring touch, and said, “Why is your face so red, little one? Are you alright?” 

Elizabeth, her voice trembling, replied, “Y-yes, your Highness… I’m fine.” 

Phoenix laughed softly and said playfully, “My brother never stops his tricks with women, even here.” 

Elizabeth hurried off, her face turning crimson with embarrassment, while Demic watched her with a curious gaze and said with a puzzled smile, “What happened to her?” 

Demirs laughed and said, “When my father told me that my uncle was a heartbreaker in Cassial, I didn’t believe him. Now I think I understand what he meant.” 

Everyone burst into laughter, and Demic joined them, looking at them as if he was reclaiming a part of himself that had been lost for too long