SCENE Lucien's eyes gleamed in the moonlight, a predator's hunger softened only by affection. He had appeared in silence, like a shadow drawn to flame. Standing at the edge of Ari's bed, he watched her sleeping—her breath steady, lashes resting like feathers on porcelain cheeks. The bite mark on her neck tempted him, glowing like a forbidden jewel. But the moment his lips neared her skin, her eyes fluttered open. Startled, Ari gasped and sat up, clutching the sheets. "Lucien?!" He froze, hands lifted slightly, then offered his usual smirk. "Hey... sorry, I didn't mean to shock you," he whispered, voice low, teasing. "Just missed you, that's all." Ari's breath slowed, her gaze softening. "Me too," she murmured, a faint smile blooming on her lips. Lucien sat on the edge of her bed, careful not to come too close this time. "I couldn't resist," he said. "You look... exquisite in sleep." Ari rolled her eyes slightly, flustered, then looked down. "You shouldn't be here, you know. What if Rowan saw you?" Lucien leaned forward with a grin. "Let him. I'd vanish before his sword leaves the sheath." Ari shook her head, hiding her smile. "You're reckless." "I'm in love," he said simply. As the night deepened, moonlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a silver glow across the floor. Lucien's eyes darkened with hunger, but his voice was low, velvet-smooth. "Ari... I want to suck your blood." Ari's heart skipped. She stepped back, panic flashing in her eyes. "No... please, not again," she whispered, edging toward the door. But with a whisper of air, the door shut tight. Lucien was behind her in a blur. He caught her wrist, his grip gentle but unyielding. "Please," he said, his eyes pleading beneath the hunger. "Just one bite. I promise it won't hurt." Ari trembled, her breath shaking. "Lucien... no..." "I need this. Just one minute," he murmured. A long silence passed before Ari finally gave in, tears glistening in her eyes. "...For you," she whispered. "Just one bite. One minute." The instant she said it, Lucien vanished—then reappeared behind her like a phantom. His arms wrapped around her tummy, pulling her into him with reverence. "Thank you, my flame," he breathed into her ear. Then his fangs pierced the tender skin of her left neck. Ari's body tensed, her breath caught in her throat. The pain was sharp, but dulled by familiarity. She squeezed her eyes shut, bearing it in silence. Lucien's grip tightened, his thirst pulling deeper. The taste of her blood, rich with warmth and immortality, enchanted him. One minute became two... then three. When he finally let go, Ari collapsed to her knees, gasping, her hand flying to her neck. Her body was weak, her chest rising and falling with rapid breaths. Lucien stood front. He knelt in front of her and smirked. "That was easy," he said, voice like silk. "Thank you, my flame." And with that, he vanished into the night.
SCENE Moments later, the wind shifted, and soft footsteps echoed in the hallway. Rowan. He had come to check on Ari, just as he always did—drawn by instinct, or maybe something deeper. As he opened the door, he found her kneeling on the floor, breathless, her hand clutching her neck. "Ari?" he called, voice sharp with concern as he rushed to her. She looked up at him, her eyes glassy, lips parted in shock. Rowan knelt beside her and gently moved her hand—his heart nearly stopped. A fresh bite. Another one. "He came again, didn't he?" Rowan asked, his voice trembling between fury and heartbreak. Ari nodded slowly, whispering, "He said he just needed one bite... I couldn't say no." Rowan closed his eyes and clenched his jaw. "You're not just anyone anymore, Ari. You're a half-vampire—your blood is powerful. Addictive." "I know," she whispered. "But I... I still care for him." Rowan exhaled slowly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Then promise me something," he said, more gently. "If he ever comes to you again, if he ever tries to take more than you can give—you'll call me. No matter what. I'll protect you, even from him." Ari nodded, eyes brimming with emotion. "I promise." Rowan helped her to bed, staying with her until she drifted to sleep—though sleep didn't come easy for him. His heart was caught between love and fear.
SCENE That same night, deep within the shadows of his dark marble chamber, Lucien stood before his mirror. His lips still tingled with the memory of her blood—sweet, warm, intoxicating. He clenched the edge of the sink, his knuckles pale. "She let me," he whispered to himself. "She said yes." But guilt crept in like a storm cloud. He hadn't stopped at one minute. He had taken more—because he couldn't help it. Lucien was satisfied by Ari's blood. So he did not disturb her for four days. Ari felt relieved. After four days, she was picking flowers with her friends and was left alone. Lucien appeared because she was lonely. Lucien talked with Ari friendly and kind. Ari stepped closer and offered Lucien a rose with a smile enough to melt his heart.
SCENE 143Lucien stood still for a moment, staring at the rose Ari held out to him. The sunlight spilled across her face, glinting off the soft petals and the sincerity in her eyes. He slowly reached out, took the rose delicately from her fingers, and said with a low, amused voice, "Is this a peace offering, or an attempt to enchant me further, my flame?" Ari gave a light smile, tilting her head. "Maybe both," she said gently, her voice like a breeze through the wildflowers. "You've been quiet for days. I was starting to think you forgot me." Lucien smirked and twirled the rose between his fingers. "Forget you? That's a sin I'm not capable of committing." He paused, then stepped closer, voice softer now. "You look calmer… less scared." "I am," Ari said honestly. "I think… I'm getting used to you." His smirk vanished, replaced by something warmer in his crimson eyes. "Then I'll try to be worthy of that trust." He gently tucked the rose she gave him behind her ear, his fingers lingering near her cheek. "It suits you, princess. But if you keep tempting me like this, I can't promise I'll be so well-behaved next time we're alone." Ari blushed and looked away, laughing nervously. "Stop saying things like that." He leaned in and whispered, "Why? You like it when I do." Before she could answer, the sound of footsteps in the distance made Lucien vanish in a swift gust of black mist, leaving only the rose behind her ear and the heat of his presence still lingering.