"Do you want to be part of my world, Lady Vivienne?"
The words hung in the air, thick and weighted, like mist refusing to lift. Vivienne's breath caught. Her brows twitched, her lips parted slightly. It wasn't fear that clouded her face—it was disbelief, awe, confusion. As though she were struggling to dilute the question, to find its meaning buried beneath his gaze.
Lucian tilted his head, a knowing look in his eyes, and chuckled softly. The sound curled around her like smoke, warm and dangerous.
"You truly look so alluring in this dress, my lady," he murmured, reaching forward to gently raise her chin with his fingers. "You should dress like this more often."
Vivienne's heart gave a treacherous leap. She wasn't even sure she heard the words clearly—only the weight of them. Her thoughts stumbled over themselves. Her gaze fell to his lips, then back to his eyes. Why does he affect me like this? she screamed silently to herself. What is he doing to me?
Lucian's touch lingered a moment longer than it should have, thumb grazing just beneath her jaw. His eyes never left hers.
And then—
"Vivienne!"
The sound of her name pierced the moment like a blade. She turned sharply.
Seraphina was hurrying down the steps of the great hall, her dress gathered in her hands, eyes searching.
"I saw you leave. Is everything alright?" Seraphina asked, her tone touched with worry as she drew closer.
Vivienne blinked, turning back to face Lucian—
But he was gone.
Again.
As if he had never been there at all.
The spot where he stood now held only the soft rustle of wind, the faint scent of rain-drenched pine, and the echo of something impossible.
Seraphina reached her now, gently touching her sister's arm. "Honey, are you alright?" she asked again, searching her face.
Vivienne didn't answer immediately. She stared at the empty space before her, her fingers lightly brushing her own chin as though trying to convince herself that someone had truly touched her.
"I want to go home, Sera," she finally whispered.
Seraphina nodded without hesitation and turned to where Sir Frederick waited not far off. "Sir Frederick, I must take my leave. My sister seems to be feeling unwell," she said, dipping her head slightly in apology.
Sir Frederick nodded, eyes filled with understanding. He took Seraphina's hand and bowed over it, pressing a courteous kiss to her knuckles.
"Of course. May the rest of your night be gentle," he said.
With that, the two sisters turned, making their way toward the carriage waiting at the edge of the lantern-lit court. Vivienne did not speak. Her hand rested lightly over her chest, the spot where her heart seemed to race against her palm. And Seraphina, ever protective, wrapped an arm around her sister's shoulders.
But even as they left the ballroom behind, Vivienne could still hear his voice.
Do you want to be part of my world, Lady Vivienne?