"You clean up well," Aeliana said teasingly, eyeing him in the mirror.
Lucian smirked. "I could say the same for you, Princess. Though I suspect this look will outshine even your cousin's famed soiree."
Aeliana smiled but said nothing, a small flicker of nervousness crossing her face as she adjusted the delicate necklace around her neck.
As Aeliana and Lucian made their entrance, heads turned, whispers rippling through the crowd. It was clear that many still struggled to comprehend their union.
Her cousin, standing at the center of the gathering, was impossible to miss. Dressed in a flowing emerald robe embroidered with silver ivy, he exuded an ethereal beauty. His hair, a striking silvery-white, flowed down his back like a waterfall, and his almond-shaped eyes sparkled with an almost unnatural luminescence. His figure was slender but tall, towering as high as Lucian. Very intimidating.
"Ah, dear Aeliana!" he exclaimed, his voice melodic but with a strange undercurrent of intensity. "It's been far too long. Welcome."
She hesitated, feeling a slight chill as she approached. Something about his gaze felt piercing, almost predatory. Lucian noticed her hesitation and instinctively shifted closer to her, his hand lightly brushing her elbow.
"It's good to see you again… cousin," Aeliana said carefully, her smile polite.
Before more could be exchanged, she noticed a familiar figure in the crowd—Kael. His presence was like a jolt, and it didn't take long for Lucian's expression to darken.
"What is he doing here?" Lucian murmured under his breath, his tone sharp.
Before he could act, Aeliana placed a hand on his arm. "Don't," she whispered. "Let's not make a scene."
As if on cue, Queen Celithe approached with an air of authority that immediately diffused the tension. "Before you react further, Lord Lucian," she said, her tone firm but calm, "let me explain."
Aeliana turned toward her stepmother. "What's going on, Mother? Why is Kael here after—after what happened?"
The queen sighed, folding her hands. "Kael has been punished appropriately for his actions. One hundred lashes across his back, as decreed by the elders. He is here tonight at my invitation."
"Why?" Lucian asked bluntly, his gaze still locked on Kael.
"To warn Aeliana," the queen replied, her tone dropping into something more serious. "About your cousin."
"What about him?" Aeliana asked, her unease growing.
The queen leaned closer, her voice low. "Your cousin… is not a 'she.' He is male, despite his feminine appearance. And I suspect his reasons for throwing this soiree are not as innocent as they seem."
Aeliana's heart sank, her mind racing as she turned her gaze back to her cousin. His charming smile and graceful demeanor now seemed laced with something more sinister. Lucian placed a hand on her back protectively, his expression grim as he watched her cousin from across the room.
"I knew something was off," Aeliana whispered.
the queen said. "Stay vigilant tonight, both of you. And trust no one."
Aeliana's cousin strode gracefully toward her and Lucian, a radiant smile on his face. His movements were fluid, almost hypnotic, as he bowed elegantly. "My dear Aeliana," he said, his voice smooth and lilting. "You honor me by attending tonight. Allow me to formally introduce myself—Silvion Faelith, heir of House Faelith and your humble cousin."
His words were courteous, but there was something in his tone that made Aeliana's skin prickle. She studied him more closely, her brows furrowing. Up close, Silvion's beauty was even more disarming—his flawless skin seemed to shimmer faintly under the lantern light, and his silvery hair cascaded like liquid moonlight over his shoulders. His features were sharp but delicate, his piercing green eyes alight with mischief.
Without thinking, Aeliana leaned in and gently cupped his face, tilting it slightly as if trying to see him from a different angle. Silvion blinked in surprise, though his smile didn't falter.
"Are you really a male?" she asked, half in wonder. "You're… you're beautiful. Unfairly so."
Before Silvion could respond, Lucian's hand clamped firmly around Aeliana's arm, and he tugged her back, his movements stiff and his expression thunderous. Aeliana winced, caught off guard. "What's with you?" she snapped, glaring up at him.
"What's wrong with me? Pardon me?" Lucian repeated, his crimson eyes glinting dangerously as he stared past her, directly at Silvion. "Did you not notice how he was looking at you? Like a hawk watching its prey. He's dangerous."
Silvion chuckled softly, taking a slow step back but keeping his gaze locked on Lucian. "Dangerous?" he echoed, his voice carrying an air of amusement. "My dear Lord Lucian, I'm merely admiring my cousin's radiant beauty. Surely even a Demon Lord can appreciate her charm without becoming possessive?"
Lucian's jaw tightened, and his grip on Aeliana's arm didn't ease. "Don't test me," he growled, his voice low enough that only Silvion and Aeliana could hear.
"Lucian!" Aeliana hissed, twisting her arm free and stepping between them. "You're overreacting. He's my cousin, not some assassin."
he said quietly. "There's something off about him. He isn't just admiring you—he's calculating. I can feel it."
Silvion spread his hands in a placating gesture, his expression still composed but with a faint smirk playing on his lips. "I assure you, dear cousin," he said smoothly, his voice dripping with faux innocence, "I mean no harm. But I must say, I'm impressed. You've chosen quite the… protective fiancé."
Aeliana flushed, caught between embarrassment and irritation, and turned to Silvion with an apologetic look. "I'm sorry. He's just—"
"Possessive?" Silvion offered, cutting her off with a sly grin.
Lucian took a step forward, his presence radiating restrained power, but Aeliana quickly placed a hand on his chest to stop him. "Enough!" she said, her tone firm. She turned back to Silvion, her expression softening. "Forgive him. He's just—"
Silvion nodded meaning he understood Lucian's actions, his tone sharper now. "As he should be. This union of yours has stirred many… conflicting feelings among our kin. But don't worry, dear cousin." He inclined his head, his smile returning but colder this time. "I'll ensure tonight proceeds without incident. Enjoy yourselves."
With that, Silvion turned on his heel and strode away, his robes billowing behind him like a shimmering wave.
Lucian watched him go, his shoulders still tense and his fists clenched. "I don't like him," he muttered.
"You don't like anyone," Aeliana retorted, though her voice was softer this time. She sighed, placing a hand on his arm. "Let it go, Lucian. He's my cousin. He won't do anything to harm me."