The atmosphere between them became more dense as Lucas's stare, which was inscrutable, gripped Aria's.
The quiet that lingered in the air only served to ratchet up the tension, despite the fact that her pulse was beating in her chest and her mind was frantically searching for an explanation.
Despite the fact that Lucas had not moved from his position in the doorway, his wide shoulders had prevented her from escaping. However, his eyes, which were icy and penetrating, seemed to burn through her with a calm anger.
What are you doing at this location?The question was posed once again by him, his tone a low growl that was calm but terrifyingly deadly.
This caused Aria's throat to stiffen, and she had a hard time finding her words. "I... " Her hands were twiddling anxiously in front of her as she stutteringly said, "I didn't mean to come here." "Just now, I was... I was curious about the home, and the door was open, so I decided to—"
As Lucas's voice became chilly and calm, he stopped the conversation by saying, "You were warned." "I warned you to avoid going into the west wing," she said.
When she heard the raw edge in his tone, her stomach turned over. She had breached a boundary, and Lucas was not the kind of guy who would have been so quick to forgive her.
However, despite her desire to apologize and withdraw, she was unable to shake the image of the wall, which consisted of her picture surrounded by photographs of other men that she did not recognize. In what way was her face present? For what reason had she been linked to Lucas via the use of that red string?
As she looked into his eyes, her anxiety gave way to a sense of purpose. "Lucas, I don't understand why my image is there on that wall." she inquired, her voice shaking but still unequivocal. "Which of these things is it?"
After a brief pause, Lucas's eyes narrowed, and he did not utter a single word. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally entered the room and shut the door behind him. The quiet was so oppressive that it was difficult to breathe.
Aria felt a chilling sensation go down her spine as the lock was clicked.
He disregarded her and moved to the other side of the room with an air of controlled precision as he passed by her. It seemed as if he was constantly contemplating his next move, since his eyes never left the wall.
Aria was able to see the strain that was there in his jaw, as well as the way that his fingers flexed slightly, as if he was trying to evade some inner struggle.
He eventually spoke, and his tone was low and almost resignation-like as he did so. The things that you do not comprehend about me and this planet are things that you do not understand. It is not appropriate for you to be here.
According to Aria, "I didn't know what I was walking into," she added, her tone becoming more kind as she attempted to determine his disposition. "However, when I've arrived here... It is imperative that I be aware of what is taking place. "You owe me that much," I said.
Despite the fact that he was still facing her, Lucas let out a depressing chuckle. Who owes you? To put it simply, Aria, I owe you nothing.
Despite the fact that her heart was tightening up at the icy tone of his remarks, she continued on. "Yes, you are. I was in agreement with this... in addition to becoming a part of your universe, this marriage. She made a motion toward the wall as her aggravation level increased.
"But I didn't agree to be kept in the dark about whatever this is in the first place." In order for me to fulfill my role, it is necessary for me to be aware of what is taking place.
Lucas remained silent for a little period of time. It seemed as if he was lost in contemplation as he stood there, looking at the wall. Next, he carefully turned his back on her and faced her, his expression still enigmatic. Do you believe that you are prepared to hear the truth?"
Aria forced herself to swallow, her nerves tingling as she was subjected to his focused stare. She was unsure of whether or not she was prepared, but she could not back down at this point. I am entitled to be informed.
In quiet, Lucas looked at her, his piercing eyes scrutinizing her face for any indication that she was showing signs of weakness. It was the first time she had ever heard his voice, and it was the coldest she had ever heard it.
"That's fine. A desire to know the truth? After then, pay close attention, since once you come to an understanding, there is no going back.
It seemed as if he was pondering whether or not to reveal the contents of the folder that was lying on the table as he made his way to the table and traced the edge of the folder with his fingertips.
In the beginning, he said, "What you saw on that wall is a part of something that is much larger than either you or I." It's not simply that Viktor Pierce, the person you met last night, is a competitor in the business world.
According to me, he is a member of a group that has been working against my family for many generations. They are interested in gaining control both over my business and the power that comes along with it, as well as over the supernatural realm.
She was unable to breathe. World of the supernatural?"
While Lucas nodded, his face became more resolute. "Aria, this is not simply about matters of business. The world of werewolves, humans, and everything in between has been fashioned by forces that you do not fully comprehend. There are forces at work here that you do not fully comprehend.
Aria's thoughts were all over the place. She was aware that there were secrets surrounding Lucas, but this was incomparably more impressive than anything she could have conceived of back then. You are... Could you possibly be referring to werewolves?"
The tone of his voice was abrupt and matter-of-fact, as if he were talking about something as insignificant as the weather. "Yes." It is true that werewolves, witches, and vampires really exist, but they are concealed from view. Not to mention the fact that my family, the Ashfords, have always been in the core of it.
Aria felt her heartbeat speed. Despite the fact that she had spent her whole life in the Moonstone pack, surrounded by wolves and otherworldly creatures, she had never believed that Lucas would be connected to anything like that. It had always seemed that he was... human beings. What was the reason you didn't tell me this earlier?"
"Because it's dangerous," Lucas informed me in a direct manner. "The less you knew, the safer you were," the saying goes.
Aria gave a shake of her head, her incredulity competing with the pieces of the jigsaw that were gradually aligning themselves inside the puzzle. However, if I am in danger at this moment, I need to be aware of everything. It is no longer acceptable for you, Lucas, to keep me in the dark.
The jaw of Lucas was tightened, and for a brief while, she was concerned that he may decline. After that, however, he let out a sigh, and the tightness in his shoulders began to somewhat relax, as if he had become weary of bearing the load by himself.
Every single person on the wall is a member of a network, whether they be adversaries, allies, or spies. In comparison to the others, Viktor is one of the most hazardous. For years, he has been working toward the goal of acquiring control of the assets that belong to my family, and now, because of our marriage, he has his eyes set on you.
Her stomach dropped. I take it that you're using me as a pawn in your game with Viktor?"
Lucas's stare became somewhat more kind, and a fleeting glimpse of something that could not be interpreted passed across his face.
The involvement of you was never intended to take place. However, things have changed, and Viktor now views you as a means by which he may communicate with me. It is beyond question that he will use you and manipulate you if he has the ability to do so.
Despite the fact that their marriage was nothing more than a contract, the idea of Aria being used as a weapon against Lucas caused her stomach to turn. What is it that he desires?"
It was Lucas who simply said, "Power." "The authority to control the Ashford legacy. Both the riches and the power of my family stretch beyond the realm of human existence.
For many centuries, we have been a member of the supernatural council, which is responsible for ensuring that there is a balance between the various factions. This is a power that Viktor desires for himself, and he is willing to do everything to have it.
As the reality of the situation began to seep in, Aria took a deep breath and swallowed. Money and business transactions were not the only things at stake here.
This was something that was far more perilous, something that had the potential to cost her more than she was willing to give up initially.
"I don't understand why you didn't explain any of this to me before we were married.She inquired in a low voice. Why should I be kept in the dark?"
In response to her glance, Lucas's eyes were filled with a shade that seemed to be somewhat reminiscent of remorse. To put it simply, I did not want you to be engaged. The last thing I wanted was for you to become a target.
While shaking her head, she let forth a cynical chuckle. To be honest, it's a little too late for that at this point, isn't it?"
Despite the fact that his jaw stiffened, Lucas did not protest. He was aware, just as she was, that the boundaries had already been established, and that she was now a participant in a game that was completely out of her control.
Where do I go from here?" she inquired, her tone becoming more subdued as the effects of her new world began to take hold of her.
As Lucas moved closer, his voice became more subdued, and his gaze became more and more determined. Listen to what I have to say now. I want you to avoid Viktor, and you should also obey my instructions. You have to have faith in me in order for me to protect you.
Have faith in him. In her mind, the words had a weighty feeling. Did she have faith in him? Who was it that had dragged her into this perilous world without giving it a second thought, the guy who had guarded so many secrets?
"Do I really have much of a choice in this matter?" remarked her in a low voice.
For a brief moment, Lucas's visage softened, but then the mask of control quickly returned to its original position. Not at all; you don't.
The weight of all that Aria had learnt caused her chest to constrict, and she shook her head in agreement. After this point, there was no going back. There was a connection between her and Lucas, a connection to his world of shadows and secrets.
And despite the fact that she had a strong desire to think that she was capable of dealing with it, the worry that was eating at the borders of her thoughts informed her that the danger was only getting started.