Aetherion looked at Selene.
Their eyes met for a few seconds before he spoke, a bit embarrassed.
"I… don't know how to dance, Selene."
He turned his head slightly, clearly affected by the nectar.
His cheeks were flushed, and his eyes darted around awkwardly.
"Huh?"
"Huh?"
The reaction came not only from Selene and Metis, but also from those around them.
Their eyes widened in surprise.
For Metis and Selene, however, only one thought filled their minds.
They had never seen Aetherion like this before.
He was always calm, teasing, and mischievous—his eyes constantly observing, his presence playful yet composed.
Even when he joked or caused harmless trouble, there was always control.
But now…
Because of the nectar, his guard had slipped.
And for the first time—
He looked… vulnerable.
"…Cute."
The word escaped both Metis and Selene's lips at the same time, barely above a whisper.
But Aetherion heard it.
"What are you two saying?"
he asked, turning more toward them, causing Metis to lift her head from his shoulder.
A soft chuckle followed.
Selene.
"You don't need to worry about that,"
she said smoothly.
"I'll guide you."
She extended her hand toward him.
Aetherion looked at it for a moment before raising his head, trying to suppress his embarrassment.
The nectar coursing through him made it harder—his emotions surfaced more easily, his control slipping just enough to reveal what he usually hid.
"…Fine,"
he said at last, taking her hand.
"But don't blame me if I step on your toes."
A faint blush remained on his cheeks as he stood.
Around them, the immortals watched in disbelief.
The nymphs, the gods, the spirits—everyone.
It was the first time they had ever seen Aetherion like this.
Even his siblings were stunned.
"I didn't know brother could act like that,"
Poseidon whispered.
"Yeah… first time I've seen it,"
Zeus replied.
Hades simply stared, eyes wide.
"Same here."
They all watched as Aetherion and Selene walked toward the dance floor, where others moved gracefully to the music.
His sisters reacted as well.
Hestia smiled softly, and Demeter nodded.
"Good for him."
"Yeah… maybe he'll learn how to dance."
But Hera—
"Hmph. Idiot."
She turned her head away, though her eyes couldn't help drifting back toward them.
At last, they reached the center.
Selene placed his hand gently on her waist, while her own arms rested around his neck.
The music softened.
They began to move.
Slowly.
Their bodies drew closer as they followed the rhythm, their steps gradually syncing together.
Selene guided him with ease, her movements fluid, confident.
Aetherion hesitated at first—
But then, he adjusted.
Followed.
Adapted.
His hand steadied at her waist, his posture aligning with hers as they moved together beneath the music.
Their eyes met.
And as the dance continued—
Aetherion began to take the lead.
As Aetherion spun her gracefully, Selene let out a soft, alluring chuckle, her eyes glimmering under the dim light.
"You learn quickly… don't you?"
she murmured, her voice smooth and teasing.
Aetherion, still slightly affected by the nectar, met her gaze without hesitation.
A faint, confident smile tugged at his lips.
"Of course."
His voice was low, steady—almost effortless.
He didn't say anything more.
He didn't need to.
As he pulled Selene back toward him after the spin, their bodies drew closer.
She leaned in, closing the distance between them until her face was only inches from his.
Her breath brushed softly against his skin.
Their eyes locked.
Aetherion's pupils lingered on her luminous, moon-like eyes, while Selene's gaze held his with quiet intensity.
A slow, seductive smile formed on her lips as she tilted her head slightly, her voice dropping into a softer, more intimate tone—
"I'm curious…"
Selene whispered, her voice soft and laced with teasing warmth.
"What other things are you such a quick learner at?"
Her nose lightly brushed against his as she leaned in, then pulled back just enough to meet his eyes, a seductive smile playing on her lips.
Aetherion understood.
A faint smile curved his own lips, his gaze steady, confident.
His hands, which rested at her waist, slid slightly lower—slow, deliberate—before settling again, just enough to make her feel it.
"You might be surprised… by what I'm capable of,"
he replied, his voice low.
He paused for a breath, then added with a hint of cockiness,
"After all… I tend to excel at anything I try."
Selene felt the movement.
Her body reacted before her thoughts did.
A faint golden blush spread across her cheeks as she looked up at him, momentarily caught off guard.
"I… didn't expect that from you,"
she said softly.
For a moment, she was quieter.
More aware.
And quite… flustered.
Meanwhile, Aetherion continued the dance, his movements growing smoother, more natural with each step.
The initial awkwardness had faded—replaced by fluid confidence.
A warm smile rested on his face as he looked down at her.
Selene, however, avoided his gaze now, her expression softer, her composure slightly shaken.
Then—
The music slowed.
And came to an end.
Selene finally looked up again, her usual seductive charm returning, though a trace of something deeper lingered beneath it.
"My, my… already over?"
she said lightly.
"What a shame."
Aetherion noticed it—
That glint in her eyes.
Something deliberate.
Before he could respond—
She moved.
Tilting her head, she leaned in—
—and placed a quick, soft kiss on his cheek.
Then she pulled back, smiling—slow, playful, unmistakably mischievous.
"That… is your reward."
Her voice carried a teasing edge as she stepped away from him.
And just like that—
She turned, her figure swaying gracefully as she walked off, leaving him standing there.