A Smile Under Moonlight - Just as the wind carried away the last trace of his presence—he returned. Lucien appeared again, behind her. Silent. Gentle. No haunting glow in his eyes, no wicked smirk—just him, vulnerable beneath the night sky. Ariana turned slowly, sensing him without fear this time. And she smiled. Soft, polite… but there was something more. Something warm. "You're back," she said quietly. Lucien blinked. He hadn't expected that. Then, before another word passed between them, Ariana stepped forward—and hugged him. Her arms wrapped around his neck, her head resting near his shoulder. Lucien froze for a moment, taken by surprise, before melting into the embrace. His arms circled her, drawing her close as if afraid she might vanish again. There were no whispers, no flirtations, just the quiet thrum of hearts in the night. Ari's fear was gone. At least for now. Because in that moment, she didn't see fangs, didn't hear the echo of chains, or feel the sting of betrayal. She saw Lucien, the one who returned again and again for her. From the shadow of a distant marble column, Rowan stood, silent. His hand curled into a fist, his expression unreadable. He saw everything. His sister. His flame. In the arms of the vampire he swore he'd never forgive.The Prince's Ultimatum - From the shadows, Rowan's blood boiled. He had seen enough—more than enough. His eyes locked onto the image of his fiancée wrapped in the arms of a vampire. The vampire. Lucien vanished just as Rowan stepped forward, swift as rage itself. And then—silence. A quiet storm began to brew. That evening, Rowan summoned Ariana. The great doors shut behind her with a soft thud, muffling the tension in the air. He stood tall, regal, eyes unreadable, voice calm—but only on the surface. "Ari," he began, voice low. "I've made a decision." Ariana blinked. "A decision?" "Yes. I will wed you. Tomorrow." "It's decided." Her eyes widened, her lips parted in disbelief. "What? But I'm… I'm not ready yet," she stammered, confusion welling in her chest. Before she could say more, Rowan strode across the space between them and gently but firmly took her by the wrist, pulling her closer. His eyes weren't angry now—they were desperate. "Listen to me," he said. "I know it's sudden. I know you're confused. But if you keep slipping toward that vampire… that blood-drinker… you'll only get hurt again." "He's tempting you. He's charming, yes—but he's dangerous, Ari. You are not his prey. You're my bride." Ari looked down. Her heart felt torn between the comfort of duty and the ache of something she couldn't name. "So listen to me," Rowan whispered, his forehead pressing softly against hers. "Let's end this confusion. Let's wed tomorrow." She could barely speak. The world spun with expectation, with fear, with grief… with guilt. And all she could manage was—"…okay." Just one word. Lucien Hears the News - The halls of the vampire palace were dim, but Lucien stood by the high windows, bathed in moonlight. His mind was oddly quiet. The scent of Ariana still lingered faintly on his coat—like jasmine and stormy rain. And then—Knock knock. A guard stepped in, eyes lowered. "Your Highness… there's word from the Human Kingdom." Lucien turned slightly, one brow arched. "Speak." The guard hesitated. "Prince Rowan is to wed Princess Ariana… tomorrow." Silence. For a moment, Lucien didn't react at all. And then—his gloved hand tightened around the glass he held. Crack. The goblet shattered in his grip. Blood—his own—slid down his fingers, and still, he didn't move. His crimson eyes burned. "Tomorrow?" he whispered. "So soon?" He let out a breathless chuckle. "How clever of him." "To force her hand… while her heart is still trembling." Lucien's fangs grazed his lower lip—not in hunger, but in grief. In wrath. He turned his back to the window, cape swaying with his steps. "Prepare the black carriage." "I'm going to see my flame." The Wedding Morning - The Human Kingdom buzzed with celebration. Trumpets sang in gold, roses were scattered along the path to the chapel, and nobles flooded in wearing gowns of silk and satin. But inside her chamber, Ariana sat in silence. Her white bridal dress shimmered like moonlight, delicate and pure—but her eyes were dull, her hands trembling. Flora helped with her veil, smiling softly. "You look like a dream, Ari." But Ari didn't respond. She just stared at her reflection. "I don't feel like a dream," she whispered. "I feel like I'm disappearing." Just then, Edward entered. He looked proud… but cautious. "Are you alright?" Ariana forced a smile. "Yes, brother…" But her voice cracked. He noticed. Edward stepped forward and took her hand. "If you say the word… I'll stop the wedding. No one will force you." Ari looked down. "Rowan has done so much for me," she murmured. "I owe him… but…" She didn't finish. Outside, Rowan stood at the altar, dressed in regal black and red, proud and confident. The crowd hushed. The music began. "Here comes the bride." And Ariana stepped in. She walked slowly. Like every step stole a piece of her. Her eyes scanned the crowd… hoping. Searching. But he wasn't there. Lucien hadn't come. Rowan took her hand, whispering: "After this… no one will take you from me again." The Storm Breaks - Lucien stood at the highest spire of his castle, wind twisting his raven cloak as the rain whispered around him. He held the scroll—the wedding announcement—tight in his hand. His eyes flickered crimson as he read Rowan's name beside Ariana's. "So... he's rushing to bind her with vows," he murmured. "How clever of him." The parchment burned in his palm, turning to ash that drifted into the air. Then a slow, confident smirk spread across his lips. "But like I'll let that happen." He turned to the storm, his voice like velvet soaked in fire—"Dress the night in shadow, summon the horses. I'm going to the wedding."
