Chapter 158

Zimmer quickly plucked a red dahlia from beside the fountain and held it out to Tanya.

"Then, would you dance with me, my lady?"

Tanya took the flower with trembling hands and carefully took hold of his hand. The moment her palm met his, she flinched without meaning to, but Zimmer quickly tightened his grip around it.

"Now, slowly does it. One, two, one-two..."

Keeping time with Zimmer, Tanya murmured softly along with him.

"One-two, one-two..."

Awkward at first, their steps gradually fell into rhythm together.

Before long, they were spinning slowly around the fountain in the garden, dancing.

There was no music to be heard. But a sound more beautiful than any music wrapped around them —

the night wind brushing through the leaves, the chirring of insects in the grass, the cool rush of water leaping up from the fountain.

And beneath it all, Zimmer's low, humming voice.…