SCENE The soft breeze rustled the petals around them as Ari and Flora sat beneath a flowering archway, the garden blooming in full glory—roses, lilies, and violets painting the world in soft pastels. The sun filtered gently through the leaves, dappling their gowns with patterns of light and shadow.Flora plucked a tiny violet and twirled it between her fingers before glancing at Ari with a teasing grin. "Ari," she said with a playful pout, "you were a pathetic little thing before. Quiet, scared… like a kitten."Ari raised an eyebrow, mock-offended, and Flora laughed. "But now? You're a lucky one. How can you resist him? His touch, his smile, that voice? If I was you, I would've fallen for him right then and there!"Ari giggled, shaking her head, her cheeks tinged with pink. "Oh? I do like him too… I'm just…" She paused, toying with a petal. "It's just the way he treated me before. The chains, the fear… I can't forget all that so easily. But…" Her voice softened as she stared into the blooms ahead. "I admit it now. He is attractive. Terribly so."Flora covered her mouth and blushed. "Oh gods… you saying that makes me blush! You're so lucky. I've only had daydreams. You actually got bitten by him and still get those smirks in real life."They both burst into giggles like giddy girls in love, their worries momentarily forgotten under the sunshine and perfume of flowers.Flora leaned closer, her voice lower. "Do you think you'll ever… you know… give in to him fully?"Ari smiled, her eyes thoughtful. "Maybe. Someday… if he truly proves he's not just temptation—but love."From behind the vines of the garden trellis, hidden in shadow and the fragrance of blooming roses, Lucien stood silently—his arms crossed, a slow, devilish smile curling on his lips as he listened."Oh?" he murmured under his breath, his voice smooth as velvet. "So she admits she likes me… and wants proof of my love?" His crimson eyes glinted like rubies under the dappled sunlight. "Then I'll prove it, my flame."He stepped back, fading into the shadows, but not before adding with a sly smirk, "She thinks she can resist me?" A low chuckle escaped his lips. "Let's see… how long that fire of hers can burn without being consumed."And just like that—whoosh—Lucien vanished, leaving behind nothing but a faint trail of cool air and the lingering whisper of temptation.
SCENE Evening Ball – First AttemptThe grand chandeliers bathed the ballroom in golden light. Ari wore a gown of crimson silk, her hair cascading like moonlight down her back. Music swirled around her as nobles danced, laughed, and exchanged glances. She stood near the marble balcony, sipping sparkling nectar from a crystal flute.From the shadows, Lucien emerged, dressed in obsidian black with a silver crest at his collar. His eyes immediately locked onto her.He walked toward her slowly, confidently, like a predator approaching a flame."Ari," he purred, holding out a gloved hand, "one dance. Just one. Let the whole kingdom envy us tonight."Ari looked at him, heart racing—but she stepped back with a polite smile. "Not tonight, Lucien."Lucien blinked. "You're turning me down?""I'm trying not to fall harder," she whispered softly, and walked away, leaving him stunned amidst the golden lights.
Secret Moment – Library, Second AttemptLate that night, Ari tiptoed into the palace library. The moonlight slipped in through stained-glass windows, casting colorful reflections across the shelves. She traced a finger along the old books, lost in thought—until she felt him.Lucien was behind her, silent, like a shadow.She turned. "Lucien?"He was closer than expected. "You ran away from me again, my flame," he whispered, voice low. "But this time, I won't let you escape so easily."Ari's breath caught. "Lucien, this isn't—"He stepped forward, trapping her gently between him and the bookshelf. "Do you know how long I've dreamed of you choosing me? Now that you have…" His fingers brushed her cheek. "Let me tempt you fully, Ari. Let me steal your breath the way you stole mine."Her heart pounded. But before she could answer, a loud knock echoed at the library's door."Ari? Are you here?" It was Edward's voice.Lucien's smirk widened. He leaned in and whispered against her ear, "Next time, you won't run. I'll make sure of it." Then, in a blink, he vanished—leaving her flushed, breathless, and trembling in the moonlight.
SCENE Ari's Feelings – That NightAri stood alone in the silent library, her fingers still trembling where Lucien had touched her cheek. The scent of old parchment and roses lingered in the air, but all she could feel was the heat rushing through her chest.She leaned against the bookshelf, heart racing wildly."What's wrong with me?" she whispered.She wanted to resist him—every part of her wanted to. He was dangerous, unpredictable… a vampire. But then, why did her body betray her every time he came near? Why did her breath catch when he called her my flame, as if she belonged to him?She touched her neck—the fresh bite had faded, but the memory hadn't."Let me tempt you fully," he had said.She closed her eyes, trying to calm herself. "I can't let him control me like this. I'm not just some prey for him to seduce."And yet… there was something in the way he looked at her now. It wasn't just hunger. It was longing. Possession. Maybe even… love?She sighed deeply, hugging herself as she slowly walked back to her chambers. The night air through the corridor windows was cold, but her skin still burned where he had stood."If he keeps this up," she thought, "I'm afraid I might not want to resist anymore."
SCENE Princess Ceiley and Princess Julia, draped in flowing silks and jeweled gowns, stood near the grand marble staircase, giggling softly as they watched Prince Rowan approach. He looked princely as ever—regal, composed, yet carrying a spark of mischief in his stormy eyes.As he walked past them, he offered them a graceful nod, then turned slightly with a teasing smirk and blew a subtle, charming flying kiss in their direction.Ceiley gasped, her hand fluttering to her chest, while Julia's cheeks flushed a deep rose. Both exchanged glances, dreamy smiles spreading across their lips as they whispered:"He is even more charming than they say…"From the balcony above, Ari caught the scene. She couldn't help but chuckle softly to herself, amused by Rowan's effortless ability to charm any princess in the room—even as her own heart was in conflict with another prince of the night.