CARMILLA
She sstared at the figure before her, her mind racing. It was him the blue-eyed stranger she'd stolen from. For the first time, she was speechless, no fancy words or smile to hide behind. She was utterly, irreparably speechless.
She stood frozen, unable to move her feet, unable to tear her eyes away from him. He sat there, his gaze locked onto hers, as if time itself had paused.
She watched as the shock in his face gave way to something softer, something that made her heart flutter.
Words eluded her as he stood up, his body moving like a panther stretching after sleep. The fluid motion sent a shiver down her spine.
His eyes never left hers, his gaze burning with an intensity that made her skin prickle. Her breath caught in her throat as he took a step closer, his movements deliberate and calculated.
"Snowflake," he whispered again, his voice low and husky.
Carmilla's lips parted, but no sound emerged. She was trapped in the rivers of blue of his eyes, unable to look away.
She wanted to run away, fly away, disappear. She wanted to beg the earth to swallow her whole, for anything to pull her away from the way he looked at her like she was a diamond.
Her lips parted, and she said, "Who are you?"
LUCIAN
Lucian's stride was fluid as he closed the distance between them, his eyes never leaving Carmilla's face. But he halted abruptly, entranced by the subtle parting of her lips. The moonlight, highlighting the gentle curve of her mouth.
He sucked in a sharp breath, his chest expanding beneath his black leather jacket. Suddenly, all the oxygen in the world wasn't enough anymore.
His hands instinctively reached out, his fingers twitching with the urge to touch her. But he caught himself, shoving his hands deep into his pockets to restrain the impulse.
A smirk played on his lips. "Oh, I think you know exactly who I am," he said, his voice low and husky, like velvet wrapped around rough stone.
Carmilla took a step back, her eyes widening as she struggled to create distance between them. The intensity of his gaze left her breathless, exposed.
Her voice barely above a whisper, she asked, "W-what are you doing here?"
She ignored his earlier comment, unable to process the flutter in her chest whenever he said "Snowflake."
"And who... who are you calling that?" she stammered, her eyes darting around the garden as if searching for an escape.
Lucian dipped his head back, his eyes closing as he inhaled her scent. The delicate fragrance of roses and vanilla wafted up, entrancing him.
His blood was heating up, pulsing, burning. She was scarring him by just existing.
He opened his eyes, and they locked onto Carmilla's, the intensity making her heart stutter. "What? Snowflake?"
Carmilla felt like a delicate flower, vulnerable to his touch. "Oh, I'd rather keep my reasons to myself," Lucian whispered.
His mind raced with all the things he wanted to do to her, how he longed to leave his mark on her, all the things he could stain that snow white skin with.
Carmilla recovered, her eyes narrowed. "Reasons?" she repeated. "Do you have a good reason for being here, or are you just stalking me?"
Lucian's hands ran through his hair, his laughter low as he tried to expel the thoughts racing through his mind. How he wanted to claim those lips, devour her mouth, wrap her silky hair around his fist.
His gaze traveled around her body, shamelessly exploring the curve of her neck and the swell of her breasts.
He exhaled sharply. "So fucking perfect," he whispered.
Carmilla's face flushed. "Stop that," she said.
Lucian's eyes snapped back to hers, his smile mischievous. "Stop what?"
"Looking at me like that," Carmilla replied. "Why are you here, really?"
Lucian's smile faltered, his gaze drifting to the garden's shadows. "I usually come here to clear my head. I thought it was unknown to anyone else."
Carmilla eyed him warily, taking in his black leather jacket, trousers, and shoes. Everything about this man screamed danger.
"It's too much of a coincidence," she continued.
Lucian's eyes snapped back to hers "Oh? Yes, I also think it's a coincidence that I ran into the same girl who stole from me."
Carmilla's lips curled into a sly smile. "Oh, I wouldn't call it stealing."
Lucian raised an eyebrow. "Then what would you call it?"
Carmilla's voice dripped with sarcasm. "I'd say... reappropriation of wealth."
Lucian chuckled, his eyes crinkling. "You're clever, I'll give you that."
He took a step closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "But that doesn't change the fact you took something that belongs to me."
Carmilla's heart skipped a beat. "You're not going to let it go, are you?"
Lucian's smile returned, "Not until I get what's mine."
Carmilla's eyes widened, her breath catching. "Ohh, and what might that be?"
Lucian's gaze burned, his voice low. "You know exactly what I'm talking about, Snowflake."
He couldn't take it anymore, he had to touch her. His hand drifted to her lips, his thumb tracing their curve.
"They really feel as soft as they look," he whispered.
Carmilla's heart raced as he parted her lips, his thumb slipping inside. His groan sent shivers down her spine. "Fuck," he muttered.
Her body rippled from shock, and something else that pooled in between her legs. But she couldn't say no, couldn't step away.
"What are you doing?" she whispered.
Lucian's eyes blazed with desire. "Taking what's mine"
Carmilla's senses reeled, her heart racing. She felt herself getting lost in his touch so, she broke free, stepping away to take deep breaths. Forcing air into her lungs.
Lucian turned back, pacing restlessly. "Fuck, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." His words tumbled out in a rush. "I don't know what came over me. I don't know why..."
Carmilla rubbed her fingers on her lips as she said, "Do you usually stick your thumb into the mouth of every girl you meet? Is it a form of greeting for you?"
Lucian tried to smile, her mouth wasn't the only place he wanted his thumb in, but he didn't tell her that. Instead, he said, "I think I got a little carried away, let's try again. I'm Lucian."
Carmilla's eyes sparkled."Well, Lucian, I never asked for your name. It seems you're a bit forward."
Lucian chuckled. "Guilty as charged."
Carmilla extended her thumb into the air, a grin spreading across her face. "I'm Carmilla, nice to meet you."
Lucian laughed, his tension easing as he extended his thumb to meet hers. "Trust me, the pleasure's all mine Carmilla. Though I think we've already met under...unconventional circumstances."