CARMILLA
She watched Lucian as he laughed, the sound resonating deep within her soul. She stared at his outstretched hand, and she hesitated. Taking a deep breath, she placed her hand in his.
"So, how did you find this place?" She asked.
Lucian's eyes clouded momentarily. "I found it a few years ago, after my dad...uhh..." His voice trailed off.
Her brows furrowed. "After your dad what?"
Lucian's laughter sounded forced. "Never mind. What about you, how did you find it?"
Carmilla's gaze drifted away,"I also stumbled on it."
The corner of Lucian's mouth curled into a sly smile. "Smart ass, tell me, be a good girl."
Carmilla's eyes snapped back to his, a shiver running down her spine. She tried to brush off the sudden tension. "I found it when I moved into the slums three years ago, after my dad died." Her voice cracked.
Lucian's expression softened.
"I was running one night, not knowing where I was headed, and it stole my breath," Carmilla continued.
They sat on the ground, surrounded by the serene garden.
Lucian's voice was gentle. "I'm sorry."
Carmilla forced a smile, her eyes welling up.
"I have a love-hate relationship with my dad," Lucian said, his eyes clouding.
Carmilla's voice was filled with emotion. "I adored my dad. My mum died when she gave birth to me, so I grew up close to my dad."
Lucian's smile was genuine. "What was he like?"
"He was smart and kind, and he taught me everything I know," Carmilla replied, her eyes shining.
Lucian's eyes sparkled. "Oh, that's where you get it from."
Carmilla laughed, a hint of sadness lingering. "Yes, I am my father's daughter."
Lucian asked. "Do you know what your mum was like?"
Carmilla's voice was barely audible. "I only saw pictures."
Lucian continued. "I adore my mum. She's everything my dad is not...kind, affectionate, loving."
Carmilla's eyes softened. "I wish I knew my mom better." "What's your mom's name?"
"Myrrh," Lucian replied, a warm smile spreading across his face.
Carmilla's eyes sparkled. "She sounds lovely."
Lucian's gaze drifted off. "She is."
"What's your dad like?" she asked.
Lucian's expression darkened, "Asides from a selfish, manipulative bastard? Nothing much."
Carmilla's eyes widened, taken aback by the venom in his voice.
"I'm sorry," Lucian muttered, his anger simmering. "He's just...never mind."
Carmilla laughed, attempting to lighten the mood. "That's why you're so grumpy."
Lucian's scowl softened."You think I'm grumpy?"
Carmilla's smile was playful. "Just a little."
Lucian chuckled. "Guess I have my reasons."
"Do you have siblings?" She continued.
Lucian nodded. "I have a brother."
Carmilla's eyes sparkled. "What's he like?"
Lucian leaned back. "We're similar in some ways, but very different in others. He's the sane version of me, minus the grumpiness."
Carmilla laughed. "So, he's the better looking, more charming twin?"
Lucian chuckled. "Hardly. But he's definitely more level headed. Less likely to get into trouble."
Carmilla laughed. "So he's the smart one ?"
Lucian grinned. "I'm plenty smart. I just have a...let's say, 'creative' approach to life."
Carmilla giggled. "I think that's code for 'trouble magnet'."
Lucian smiled. "My brother's two years younger than me, but he acts like he's all grown up now."
She laughed. "Oh, so he's trying to steal your spot?"
Lucian chuckled. "More like he thinks he's already taken over."
Carmilla giggled. "Sounds like he's got some big shoes to fill."
Lucian grinned. "He's got the attitude down, but not quite the skill. "What about you? Any siblings?"
Carmilla's expression dropped "No, I'm an only child. Just me and my dad, before...well, before he passed away."
Lucian's face softened. "I'm sorry again."
Carmilla's smile was faint. "Thanks. Actually, I have someone I consider a sister, Alya. We're not biologically related, but she's my person."
Lucian continued. "That's beautiful. How did you two meet?"
"We met in the slums, and instantly clicked. We've been through thick and thin together."
Lucian nodded, "It's great you have a friend like that in your life."
Carmilla's voice filled with affection. "Alya's more than just a friend, she's my family."
She stood up, her voice soft. "I should probably get going."
LUCIAN
Lucian felt like his world was about to shatter. He stood up, his movements swift, and grasped her wrist.
"Stay for a while snowflake," he whispered, his eyes burning with intensity.
Carmilla's pulse raced under his fingers, and she went mute again. He felt his own heart respond, pounding in his chest.
He rubbed gentle circles with his thumb, his gaze holding hers. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in time.
Carmilla's eyes fluttered closed, her chest rising and falling with each ragged breath. Lucian's touch ignited a fire within her, and she couldn't deny the connection.
"Lucian," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
His grip tightened slightly. "Don't go yet," he pleaded.
CARMILLA
Carmilla tried to ignore the flutter in her chest, the want crawling up her throat like a slow burning flame. It was as if Lucian's touch had awakened a deep longing within her, a yearning she couldn't quite explain.
The way he looked at her, his grasp on her wrist was gentle, yet possessive.
Her mind reeled, struggling to comprehend the sheer magnitude of her attraction to this stranger. It was as if she'd known him forever, not just mere minutes.
"Are you afraid of the dark?" she laughed, attempting to break the spell, but her voice betrayed her, trembling slightly.
Lucian's gaze didn't waver, his eyes locked onto hers.
"No," he whispered, his voice low and husky.
Carmilla's heart skipped a beat. "What then?" she asked, her voice softer.
"I'm afraid of letting you go," he whispered.
"You don't even know me," Carmilla said, her voice laced with amusement.
Lucian's smile was slow, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I know enough," he whispered.
Carmilla raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what exactly do you know?"
Lucian's gaze drifted over her face, "I know you're beautiful, inside and out. I know you're fierce and independent."
Carmilla's breath caught, her heart racing. How did he see so much in just one evening?
"You're quite the detective," she said, attempting to hide her vulnerability.
Lucian chuckled. "I'm just observant."
Carmilla's gaze dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "Well no, you don't know me like you think."
Lucian's hands released her wrist, and before she could step back, his fingers cradled her face. His thumbs traced the contours of her cheeks.
He closed his eyes, his breath dancing across her skin. "Then let me," he whispered, his voice filled with longing. "Show me, try me."
Carmilla's heart stuttered. No one had ever touched her with such gentleness, such reverence.
Her eyes fluttered closed, her body swaying toward his.
"Let me in, Carmilla," he whispered, his lips inches from hers.