Bonds at War: The Untouched is Mine novel Chapter 425

**TITLE: Attachment 425**

**Chapter 425 Dance Together**

**MINA**

“Mr. Knight,” I exclaimed, taking a step back, or at least attempting to.

His hand lingered gently on my arm, a subtle anchor amidst the whirlwind of swirling bodies and the thud of stomping feet.

I frowned, feeling a sense of urgency. “I need to move. You don’t have to—”

His grip softened, yet he didn’t release me. “The ground is quite slippery from the spilled drinks,” he remarked in a calm tone. “Someone might bump into you again, and you could easily fall.”

Around us, the dance floor throbbed with energy. No one seemed to notice us; not even Calista’s friends, who were too engrossed in their own excitement over their dance partners.

For a fleeting moment, it felt as if the cacophony of noise had dimmed, leaving only his presence in focus. I cleared my throat, reminding myself of the reality of the situation. I was conversing with the newly appointed leader of Montrose. This was my chance to express my true feelings.

“Thank you for taking care of Montrose until now,” I murmured, my gaze dropping to the ground.

He chuckled softly, warmth radiating from his voice.

“Thank you,” he replied, a hint of breathlessness in his tone. “That’s the first time I’ve heard those words tonight. Everyone else keeps showering me with congratulations or asking about my next steps.”

“It’s understandable,” I said, finally managing to pull my arm away. This time, he allowed it. “The people have been suffering for a long time. They’re filled with hope. And when hope runs high, it often overshadows gratitude.”

His head tilted slightly, a look of contemplation crossing his features.

“You’ve been striving to aid this country,” I continued, “yet your hands were tied, hampered by the power of the Roses. Now that you hold authority, you have the chance to truly enact change.” I pressed my lips together, stealing a glance at the lanterns swaying gently above us. “So, I wanted to thank you for what you’ve accomplished thus far. But I also hope you strive to be better—for everyone, not just those celebrating tonight.”

A moment of silence enveloped us.

The music crescendoed, the dancers’ feet pounding against the snow-dusted ground.

I felt his gaze linger on me, as if he were searching for something deeper within.

I averted my eyes, focusing on the crowd, unwilling to meet his intense stare, even though I could feel its weight beside me.

He was undeniably handsome; that much was evident to anyone with eyes. Noble features, a strong physique, a commanding presence that didn’t require an introduction. Yet, I had never been swayed by such superficial attributes. A handsome face didn’t feed the hungry, a chiseled jawline didn’t rebuild a nation, and a charming smile didn’t foster trust.

What truly mattered was a person’s actions.

And here was this man, regarding me as if he were unaccustomed to being spoken to without flattery.

“What’s your name?” he asked suddenly, breaking the tension.

“…Mina,” I replied after a moment’s hesitation, tucking a stray strand of hair back into my hood. “Just Mina.”

“Just Mina,” he echoed, a hint of amusement dancing in his voice, which only deepened my frown.

I noticed his hand reaching toward me once more, as if he intended to grasp my arm again. But before he could, a voice sliced through the ambiance.

“Mina, there you are!”

My eyes widened in shock.

His head turned instinctively toward the sound.

In that split second, my stomach plummeted.

I pivoted toward the voice, an immediate sense of dread coiling tightly in my stomach.

Of course, it had to be him:

Elias Rue strode through the crowd with an air of ownership, his eyes locked directly onto me.

Before I could gather my thoughts, his hand seized my wrist with a firm grip.

He yanked me away from Aiden Knight in a smooth, bewildering motion. My feet stumbled in his wake, my mind too dazed to protest. Aiden stepped back, surprise flickering across his features.

The two men faced each other, tension crackling in the air.

“Elias,” Aiden said, his tone calm and measured.

“Aiden,” Elias replied, his voice dripping with casual familiarity.

Aiden’s gaze flicked to me. “So, you know Mina?”

“Yes,” Elias answered far too quickly, a smirk playing on his lips.

Then, without a hint of shame, he added, “Mina the nitpicker.”

I turned my head sharply toward him. “What are you talking about?”

He didn’t even spare me a glance, simply grinning.

“So, you two are close?” Aiden inquired, maintaining his polite demeanor.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify