Lucian hesitated, his gaze flickering to her as if searching for the right words. Then, with a gentle yet firm motion, he pushed her away. The action stung, but Violet had known him long enough to understand his guarded demeanor. She stepped back, giving him space, as he finally spoke again.
"It's not that I'm unhappy," he said in a low, measured tone, careful not to wake the sleeping Alicia. "I just… I can't help but wonder why. Why did you turn into a flower petals for eight years, disappearing without a word, and now… now, you're here. A human again. As if nothing happened." His voice dipped into a whisper, but the weight of his words struck deeply.
Their eyes met, his cold gaze locking onto hers. Violet broke the connection first, looking down at the grass beneath her feet. She didn't answer right away, instead trying to shift the conversation to something lighter. "Why not call me by my name, Lucian?" she said with a small smile, her violet eyes softening as she looked up at him. "It's been so long since I've heard you say it."
He studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable, before finally relenting. "…Hana Violet," he said, her name escaping his lips like a reluctant sigh.
Her smile blossomed, lighting up her face with a beauty that seemed almost otherworldly. Hearing her name from him, even in his usual cold tone, was enough to soothe her heart.
A radiant smile broke across Violet's face, her eyes shimmering with delight. "You haven't changed completely," she teased softly. "Hearing you say my name again… it feels like home."
Her gaze drifted, she noticed the small bunny nestled in Lucian's hands. A spark of amusement lit up her expression. "Snowflake," she said, her tone gentle as she reached out. "You're holding her so delicately, like she's your treasure."
Lucian glanced at Snowflake, who wriggled slightly in his palm, her soft fur catching the moonlight. Violet stretched out her hand, her fingers delicate and inviting, as she looked to Lucian expectantly. "May I hold her?"
Lucian hesitated, his brow furrowing. "How do you know her name?" he asked, his tone tinged with both suspicion and curiosity. "It's Snowflake."
Violet chuckled softly, her laughter like the gentle chime of bells. "You've forgotten, haven't you?" she said, effortlessly taking the bunny from Lucian's hands. She cradled Snowflake against her chest, her touch so tender that the little creature immediately relaxed. "I am nature's ally, Lucian. I can communicate with any creature, including her. Their thoughts are as clear to me as your voice is now."
"Yeah, you are," he replied, nodding. They fell into silence, Lucian unsure of what to say. Violet gazed up at the sky, her favorite escape from the world of Disillusionment. She missed the beauty of the stars, their shimmering light easing her mind from the troubles and failures she faced on Earth. As she observed each star, one familiar face caught her attention, a memory flickering like a candle in the dark.
Lucian watched her, curious about why she had chosen to be a flower petal for eight years instead of living as a human. He wondered what secrets Violet held close to her heart. Her expression, once filled with relief, shifted to one of curiosity. He could sense she was deep in thought. "Oh! Up there, that's Princess Alicia," he said, his voice flat. "She was chosen by the universe. I had to use telekinesis on her."
Violet's memories clicked into place like pieces of a puzzle. She recalled Alicia, the girl who had ascended the mountain with graceful steps. Flower petals danced around her, their gentle caress unnoticed by the entranced climber. Alicia's simple attire had transformed into a magnificent hanfu, its flowing silhouette evoking a sense of elegance. The rich black fabric was adorned with intricate patterns, while a delicate pink petal rested on her chest, as if placed there by the whispers of the wind. This whimsical touch added a serene beauty to her outfit, the striking contrast between black and pink conjuring images of refinement and harmony with nature.
Violet stared at the radiant figure in the sky, unable to believe that this breathtaking vision was the same girl from her past. Back then, she had been just a flower petal, and memories of that time were vague. Now, the sky reflected Alicia's beauty, illuminating the connection between their worlds.
"Okay, but what is she doing here alone in the lair where creatures feed instead of at the castle?" Violet asked, her voice low but thoughtful, her brow furrowed with curiosity.
To her surprise, Lucian chuckled softly in front of her, and Violet blinked, wondering if she had said something wrong or funny. The laughter caught her off guard; she was used to his cold demeanor, not this unexpected glimpse of warmth.
Lost in his thoughts, Lucian didn't notice Violet's surprise. How does Alicia get herself into trouble like a little bunny? And since she is a bunny, what good does it do to chase after another one? he pondered. But when he caught sight of Violet's curious gaze, he quickly reverted to his usual icy expression. Violet, noticing the shift, turned her eyes away, feeling the tension in the air.
"That's what I don't know yet," he replied, his lips forming a straight line devoid of emotion. "But it's time for her to start her training tomorrow, and I'm putting you in charge of showing her around and keeping an eye on her." He moved forward, and Alicia, suspended in the air, followed him, leaving Violet behind. Panic stirred within her; she felt abandoned with the bunny still cradled in her arms.
"Hey, Lucian, slow down! Can't you wait for someone for once? You always leave me behind, and you know you have longer legs!" she called out, sprinting after him as he continued to walk without pausing.
When she finally caught up to him, breathless and slightly flustered, she asked, "Why did you choose me to watch over her?" Lucian turned to her, his expression softening for a brief moment.
"It's because you are the right person for this," he said, looking directly into her eyes before turning back to face the path ahead. He came to a stop, the air thick with an unspoken tension.
Violet felt a mix of emotions swirling within her. She had always felt like an outsider, but now, entrusted with this responsibility, she sensed a flicker of purpose igniting within her. "But I'm not ready for this," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lucian turned back to her, a hint of understanding in his gaze. "You may not feel ready, but you have a connection to nature and a gentle spirit that will guide you. Just trust yourself."
They stood there, surrounded by the quiet sounds of the night, Violet felt the weight of his words settle in her heart. Maybe this was the chance she had been waiting for a chance to step out of the shadows and embrace who she truly was.
With renewed determination, she nodded. "Okay, I'll do my best."
Lucian's lips curled into the faintest smile, a rare sight that warmed her heart. "I know you will," he said, turning once more toward the path ahead, leading her into the unknown.