The clock struck 00:00, and both of them, along with Aether, were transported into Selena's realm during their sleep.
Everyone, other than Lucian, bowed their heads out of respect.
"Welcome, everyone," her ethereal voice said.
Lucian, facing Selena, rested his hand on the marble table, fingers tapping out a rhythmic pattern.
"I have a few questions," he said.
She waited for his questions, and he inquired, "This night something happened to me and Lucy. We don't remember what had happened. Do you know anything about that?"
Selena pondered for a moment and then transported herself, Lucy, and Lucian into the realm of images.
Inside, they saw the carriage stopping, a blurry man in a purple suit extending his hand towards the carriage, and blue fog emerging from his hand, seeping inside and causing both of them to fall asleep.
Then he opened the door and took Lucian away with him.
The image changed, now revealing Lucian on the ground in some street, rising and trying to defend himself against the blurry man. Ultimately, he was stabbed.
Then they heard Selena's loud shriek, causing the man to flee the scene, clutching his ears, and Lucian regaining his senses, rushing towards Lucy's home.
So that's what happened, he thought.
The image changed once again, revealing Sigma being killed in the darkness by the same man they had seen earlier.
The images fractured, and they were transported back into her realm.
"Thank you for revealing this to us," Lucy expressed her gratitude.
Lucian turned to Selena with urgency. "Is there more you can tell us about this man? His deity, powers, or appearance?"
Selena responded with a slow, deliberate shake of her head, signifying she had no further information.
How can an all knowing deity not know a single person's face even after seeing it. Why is she hiding that. Would danger come to us if we were to investigate that man? At least he did, in a way help me, by killing Sigma.
They abandoned their attempts to gather information of the man. Lucian turned to Lucy and said, "Can you look into this further, you know where."
She nodded and said, "Yes."
Throughout, Aether observed and listened, maintaining a silent presence as though she were invisible. Finally, she inquired, "Why have we been brought here?"
Selena responded, "You're here to receive tasks from me. This space also serves as a place for exchanging information amongst yourselves. Or you can seek my assistance, much like they did just now."
"What if we require your assistance in the real world?" she inquired.
"Ask for me and I shall respond," Selena assured.
Turning to Aether, Lucian asked, "Could you enlighten me further about the Cult of Everlasting Bliss and your Pact?"
Aether agreed, setting her own condition, "Of course. In return, share with me the details of your Pact and powers, and when I call, be ready to aid me."
Lucian nodded, signifying his agreement.
Aether went on to elaborate, "The Cult of Everlasting Bliss worships the Goddess of Lust and Love. It's exclusively composed of women, who infiltrate noble or wealthy families to acquire power and wealth. We convene weekly at a location I won't disclose. Our primary objective is to share her faith, and in return, we are endowed with extraordinary abilities."
Then she murmured to herself, "Or at least that's what I believed."
"I have a Pact 3, known as Enchantress. I possess the ability to emit an irresistible scent that draws men near. I can weave a hypnotic hum that enthralls them. Through touch, I sense their emotions, employing them to my benefit. And I have the capacity to 'perceive' their most profound desires."
Although these abilities don't center around strength, speed, or offensive power, they are undeniably unique. A true master of influence, no wonder they target nobles and wealthy people, Lucian thought.
"What's my most profound desire?" he asked.
She locked eyes with him, the weight of his question palpable. After a minute that seemed to stretch into eternity, she confessed, "I... I don't know... This has never happened to me."
Huh, maybe her powers don't work inside this palace.
"Alright, I'll begin now. I'm in a Pact with 'Her'. I don't know my Pact name, but I do know its powers. I can see better in the dark. I can transform my nails to be stronger and razor-sharp. I can control a shadowy void and my healing is faster."
Aether was genuinely impressed with his powers, though she concealed any hint of jealousy and remarked, "Impressive."
Selena's voice commanded everyone's attention. "I have a task for each of you."
"Lucy, request to go on field missions and earn their trust."
"Lucian, gather the materials I mentioned."
"Aether, continue to play the role of an unsuspecting member in the cult. Focus on climbing the ranks. You're ready for advancement. With a higher position, you'll be even more influential."
As each name and command was called out, they all nodded in agreement.
"Is there anything else you would like to share with each other?" Selena asked.
They each shook their heads in turn, signaling that there was nothing else to add. With that, the realm fractured, and they found themselves back in the real world, still in their slumber.
...
In the morning:
Lucian changed into the remaining dry clothes and entered the living room, where he found Lucy Hall still asleep on the floor.
"I feel bad for her, sleeping on the floor," he thought.
He cleared his throat discreetly, letting out a soft sound to rouse her.
She stirred, making a low sound of acknowledgment, and shifted to another side to continue her slumber.
Lucian suppressed a chuckle and headed to the kitchen to prepare two cups of coffee, knowing that the aroma of her favorite brew would be a gentle wake-up call.
Returning to the living room, he placed the steaming cups on the table. Lucy finally stirred, her voice still heavy with sleep as she spoke in a broken Sulorian dialect, "You didn't have to do that, I could have made it."
"It's alright," he assured her, a small smile playing on his lips.
...
*A worried Henry appears.*
Returning home, Lucian was met by a worried Henry. "I suppose I'll have to get used to this. You're no longer my little brother. You're grown up now, with a job and a girl."
Lucian responded with a nervous chuckle and settled down to have breakfast.
After finishing his meal, he informed Henry, "I'll be going out to dinner with Elizabeth today."
Surprise flickered across Henry's face. "Good luck," he offered, his support evident in his tone.
He retreated to his room, mulling over everything.
Whoever that man was, he possessed enough strength to shatter our memories.
Selena's intervention saved me from potential death in the street. I must uncover more about him, perhaps Lucy can gain additional information tomorrow.
Victoria's arrival on Saturday, along with her attendants handling household chores, raises concerns about the hidden chamber. If it's discovered, it would lead Henry to the knowledge of the Believers.
I could always claim a fall to explain my mended clothes.
As for my financial status, the recent expenses—acquiring the revolver, holster, and carriage fees—have eaten my funds. Now I only have a mere three valling notes, far from enough.
I must fasten up my progress in acquiring strength. If that man were to pose a threat to anyone dear to me, I would be powerless to defend them. Employing bodyguards is costly, and for now, he seems fixated solely on me, for reasons unknown.
Maybe I can persuade Aether to use her connections and help me find some gigs. I only have one week to gather all the necessary materials.
Yes, I'll head over to Aether's and then pay Elizabeth a visit for our long-awaited date. I'm really looking forward to it.
...
Artin family's residence:
"Why are you here, Lucian? You can't just barge right in. You know I have a husband, and he can become extremely jealous," she said.
Lucian adopted an innocent posture and replied, "Uh, I need money. Can you use your connections to find me people who need piano performances?"
Aether gracefully rose from her seat, moving with deliberate, elegant steps. Her expression was charged with desire. She approached Lucian, her touch gentle as she traced his face. "And what would you give me in exchange?"
Lucian leaned back, resisting the pull of her seductive scent. "A percentage, 10% of every performance."
She stopped using her powers, visibly surprised.
How can he resist this? It's only possible if he's stronger than me.
Then she conceded, "Alright. Having more money never hurts."
...
Lucian paused for a moment, realizing he wasn't dressed in his finest attire. With a sense of urgency, he hastened home, taking the opportunity to freshen up and change into a meticulously tailored three-piece suit that seemed to have been crafted with him in mind. He didn't wear a top hat. So he dedicated extra care to his hair, coaxing it into a polished arrangement that complemented the overall refined look.
As Lucian arrived he knocked, the door swung open to reveal not a servant, but Elizabeth herself, her presence radiating an air of eager anticipation.
Elizabeth's grace was evident in the slight tilt of her head, a subtle blush gracing her cheeks, adding a delicate flush to her already alluring features. Her lips, adorned with a touch of makeup, seemed to invite with a subtle warmth. She was dressed in a stunning, figure-hugging black ensemble, the fabric accentuating her curves in a way that left Lucian momentarily breathless.
"Hello, Elizabeth," he stammered, his voice betraying his awe. It was as if he was seeing her for the first time, struck by the sheer beauty that seemed to emanate from her every gesture.
She quickly snapped out of her reverie and teased, "Lucian, what's going on with your hair? Haha."
He appeared puzzled, his hands instinctively reaching for his hair. "Uh, what's wrong with it?"
She chuckled and playfully commented, "Messy hair suits you better," before mischievously tousling his locks with her own hands, standing on her toes to reach just the right angles.
She tilted her head up, now close to him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She smiled and declared, "Now it's better."
Oh, she has such a hold on me. Every gesture of hers radiates love—her smiles, her touch, even her playful mischief.
She's perfection in every sense.
As they strolled along the bustling streets, his mind couldn't help but fixate on the idea of holding her hand. Occasionally, he would gently brush her fingers with his own in a fleeting touch.
Alright, it's now or never. Be a man, he urged himself.
Summoning his resolve, he finally reached for her hand. Her warmth enveloped his cold fingers, and as they walked, she turned her gaze to the left, gracing him with a radiant smile.
They entered a middle-class restaurant, the Sunday leisure having drawn a crowd of people seeking respite from the week's toils. The air was alive with the gentle hum of couples, their conversations punctuated by the soft, melodic lilt of laughter.
The establishment bore a polished marble floor, gleaming under the warm light. Deep red curtains framed the windows, lending an air of intimacy. Tables of ebony wood, adorned with silken drapery.
In their chosen corner, a cozy table awaited, the perfect space for two. It sat slightly smaller, an embrace for intimate conversation.
A brief hush settled over them until a poised waitress came to their aid. They placed their orders, and it was Elizabeth who suggested they include a bottle of wine.
"I still find it hard to believe, being here, together, alone," he confessed, his words tinged with wonder.
Her smile, graced by the appearance of dimples, illuminated the moment. "I hope every day could be like this."
As time flowed, Lucian found his voice. The hesitancy of their first moments dissipated, unveiling a charming, well-mannered gentleman. Conversations wove a tapestry of shared interests. His touches, gentle and fleeting, added an unspoken layer of connection.
The meal drew to a close, and the wine flowed, a total of seven glasses, though it was she who partook most.
When the bill came, Lucian settled it with a graceful flourish, left with a single valling note and two valka notes. Together, they left the comforting embrace of the restaurant.
In the quiet of the night, she confessed, "I've never drank this much."
He chuckled, the sound a gentle caress on the evening air. "Let's keep this between us, shall we? I'd rather not face your father's anger," he teased, the warmth of his affection dancing beneath the humor.
They arrived at her doorstep, sharing a lingering embrace before Elizabeth turned to open the brass-handled door. As she stepped inside, her father emerged from the living room, intending to address Lucian.
"Did you take good care of her? After what happened..." he began, but faltered, mindful not to discuss the matter too near Elizabeth.
Lucian's expression turned serious. "Would you mind sharing what happened?" he asked.
Thomas Price considered for a moment, then invited Lucian to his private office for a conversation.
Once inside, they both took their seats. Thomas cleared his throat and began, "I'm sharing this with you so that you can remain vigilant."
Lucian nodded attentively, encouraging Thomas to continue. "Last night, there was a gruesome murder just behind our house. We're fortunate that nothing befell her, or us. I couldn't bear experiencing another loss; the loss of my wife was already too much to bear."
Empathy filled Lucian's gaze. "Rest assured, I'll do everything in my power to keep her safe. Is there anything else you know about the incident?" he inquired.
Thomas nodded solemnly. "No, that's all I know for now."