Mattie's car stopped in front of Mia's house and she let out an exhausted breath before turning to him.
"Thank you for dropping me home," she smiled.
"Thank you for coming," Mattie responded, with that she opened the door and stepped out into the cool evening air. She turned to Mattie and waved him as he drove off.
Once the car had disappeared into sight she walked to her door, fished the key out of her purse and unlocked her door.
She was created by the warmth of her cozy apartment. Even thought it wasn't big, she liked the place just as it was. Her eyes scanned the room and when she was satisfied, she place her purse back where it belongs with the few purses she had.
She pulled the dress of her body and walked to the bathroom to clean off her makeup and take a bath.
A lot of refreshments were served at the gathering so there was no need for her to cook again. She stepped into her small bathroom and turned the shower on, letting the water wash away the remnants of the day. She felt the tension in her muscles melt away. The steam enveloped her, creating a soothing atmosphere. Mia took the moment to enjoy the warmth, letting the water cascade down her body.
While she lathered her hair and body with her favorite shampoo, the thoughts of Lucian flooded through her head.
Why did he keep looking at her like that throughout the night? Why was he everywhere she went? What did he want from her?
Mia decided not to focus on that and enjoyed the shower. She had the right to enjoy a simple shower, didn't she?
**********
Lysander paced back and forth in his candle lit room. The shadows danced around him as he felt an overwhelming ache in his chest. It has been a week since he last saw her, a week filled with restless nights endless thoughts and restless thoughts about the human who had captured his heart. He had been busy with matters that requires his attention but each passing day felt heavier without her presence.
The memories of her innocent and confused face filled his mind. He could almost smell her sweet scent in he air. He couldn't shake off the feeling of longing that was eating him up; it was as if the very essence of his being was tied to her. Lysander knew he had to see her again. He knew he couldn't get her out of his mind. The pull was just too strong for him to resist.
He had tried to forget her, convincing himself that no matter how much he hated to admit it, Lucian was right. Being in her life was only going to put her in danger.
He lived in a world that was filled with with lurking dangers and threats that were going to turn her peaceful world upside down and that was the last thing he wanted. It wasn't even the last, it was something he never wanted.
Yet, despite his efforts he could not stay away.
He needed her. He needed her and that was the fact. A fact he couldn't deny.
With a determined heart, Lysander walked out of the door to go to the person he heart had been yearning for.
Alaric was in the kitchen filling a plate with food when he saw Lysander coming down the stairs.
"Is everything alright?" He asked.
"We need to go back."
His statement made Alaric frown.
"Go back? Where?"
"I need to see her again, I have to," Lysander said, and Alaric could almost sense the desperation his voice carried.
Alaric immediately knew who Lysander was talking about. Alaric's eyebrows raised in surprise, he had never seen Lysander act this way, so vulnerable and desperate.
"B…but Lucian…."
"Fuck Lucian! Take me to her now,"
"You want to go see her? Lysander, since when did you start acting like this?"
Lysander could see the disbelief in his Alaric's eyes.
It was true, he had never shown this vulnerability before. He could feel Alaric's gaze on him, a mixture of concern and curiosity.
"I know this sounds reckless," Lysander said in a softer voice, making Alaric's widen in shock again.
'He can't talk like this?' Alaric asked himself.
"But I can't just sit here and pretend she doesn't matter. I need her. I need to see her. I need to make sure she's ok."
Alaric nodded and dropped his plate.
"I'll make some calls and make sure everything is set," he said and walked out.
*************
The night was still, filled with crickets chirping and the toads croaking. Alaric's car stopped in front of a small apartment with Lysander's direction.
"Do you really need to do this now?" Alaric whispered as if someone could hear them.
Lysander who was already walking out the car answered.
"Yes…you can leave now," his coldness was back.
Alaric shook and head and drove off, leaving Lysander alone. Lysander walked to the door, the moon casting a silver glow on the path as if directing him to his destination. His heart was filled with anticipation and anxiety, something he never knew he could feel.
He could hear the distant sounds of the night, but all he could focus on was Mia, the girl who had changed everything for him.
Now, he felt a rush of adrenaline. He had come too far to turn back.
With a deep breath, he moved to the side of the house where he knew her window was slightly ajar. The cool breeze brushed against his skin as he climbed up, his heart pounding in his chest. He slipped through the window, landing silently on the floor of her room. The familiar scent of her presence enveloped him, calming his nerves.
He glanced around, taking in the soft glow of the nightlight illuminating her peaceful face. Mia was sleeping soundly, her chest rising and falling gently. Dorian felt an overwhelming urge to reach out and touch her, to reassure himself that she was real and safe. Instead, he settled himself into a chair in the corner, careful not to disturb her.
As the hours passed, he sat there, watching her sleep. The moonlight streamed through the window, casting delicate shadows on her face. He felt a mix of emotions—longing, protectiveness, and an undeniable love that had grown stronger since he had met her. Each moment spent in her presence, even while she was unaware of it, deepened his resolve to keep her safe from the darkness that surrounded him.
Time seemed to stand still as he lost himself in thoughts of their shared moments, the laughter, and the connection that had sparked between them. He knew he was risking everything by being there, but in that quiet room, watching over her, he felt more alive than ever. The world outside faded away, and all that mattered was Mia, the little human who had unwittingly awakened his heart and soul, something he had long killed.
***********
Mia's eyes battered open. The soft morning light fell on her face and she yawned loudly. She felt refreshed now that she had slept the exhaustion away.
She had an hour before her first class so she decided to clean her apartment before leaving.
Her gaze swept the whole room and her gaze felt upon the man sitting in her chair.
"You? What are you doing here?" She asked, getting up immediately.
"I..."
"How long have you been here? How did you get in? Do you know this is trespassing and I can send you to jail?" She asked without giving him chance to speak.
Lysander didn't know what to say or do . He was not used to anyone talking to him like this.
"I know this is unexpected but, I couldn't stop thinking about you. I had to come back."
Lysander's words hung in the air, which made Mia's heart fluster. She felt a rush of emotions when she knew she was supposed to be angry and kick him out.
" Why? Why now? You disappeared for a week and you just show up as if it were nothing. You want me to welcome you with open arms?" Mia was filled with anger, not because he broke into her house without her knowing but because he left after promising her he would return.
'But why am I feeling this way? I shouldn't be angry. It was just a stupid kiss. Why did it feel like she was attached to him.'
"I wanted to see you again. I didn't mean to leave you hanging," he said, his tone sincere.
"Trust me when I say these past weeks have been hell for me. All I could think about was you. I don't know what you did to me but I don't want this feeling to fade."
Mia was moved by his sincerity.
He got up from the chair and moved to her, holding her arms gently, he spoke:
"This kiss we shared…. I couldn't shake off the feeling. I want us to take this further."