The next day, Ava pondered sharing her extraordinary encounters with Hazel, but hesitated, fearing her friend might be frightened or skeptical. Ava decided to keep quiet for the time being, unsure how to reveal the truth about Julien's mysterious nature. Instead, she went to meet Julien again, their third encounter. Julien felt more at ease with Ava and began opening up to her, sharing his thoughts and feelings.Ava asked,
"Why do you always sit in this dark room? It's so gloomy and isolated."
Julien explained,
"If I'm seen by people, they'll capture me and send me to a circus or laboratory. They'll treat me like a freak, a specimen to be studied. I must stay hidden, keep my true nature a secret."
Ava's curiosity was piqued, and she sensed the depth of Julien's pain. Ava suggested,
"Why don't we go to the roof? No one will bother us there. We can talk freely, without fear of being overheard."
Julien agreed, despite Ava's own fear of heights. She felt a shiver run down her spine as they climbed the stairs, but Julien's presence reassured her. They sat on the third floor, near the window, chatting and laughing together. The sunlight streaming through the window highlighted Julien's striking features, and Ava found herself drawn to him. Suddenly, a strong floral scent wafted by, delighting Julien. He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, and a soft smile spread across his face. Ava asked,
"Why are you so happy?"
Julien replied,
"I love flowers. The scent reminds me of family."
However, the fragrance was overpowering, causing Ava's nose to bleed. Julien quickly helped her down, concerned, and Ava felt a little strange, lightheaded from the scent. As they sat together, Julien asked Ava to share about herself. Ava asked Julien his age, and he replied,
"I'm 26. You?"
Ava said,
"You're five years older than me."
"What do you do now?"
Julien asked, his curiosity genuine.
"I'm in college right now,"
Ava replied. "I'm studying." Julien's eyes sparkled with interest.
"What's your major?"
he asked softly, as if encouraging her to share a secret. Ava's voice barely above a whisper,
"Don't tell anyone. I'm studying BA, but I also study drama and music."
Julien's expression remained neutral, reassuring.
"Who said I was going to tell anyone?"
he said with a gentle smile.
"I don't even meet anyone."
Ava's eyes met his, sensing his isolation.
"Don't you have any friends?"
Ava asked, her concern evident. Julien's face turned somber.
"No, I live here alone,"
he replied, his voice laced with resignation. Ava's brow furrowed.
"I've heard things about this place,"
she said hesitantly. Her words trailed off, leaving Julien curious.
"What?"
he prompted, his eyes locked onto hers. Ava hesitated before speaking,
"Nothing. Some people have heard strange sounds here."
Julien's expression turned thoughtful.
"Yes, that's true,"
he acknowledged.
"I've heard it many times too." Ava's unease was palpable.
"But there's nothing to be afraid of," Julien reassured her.
"Don't worry." His calm demeanor eased Ava's tension, but her curiosity remained.
Just then, they heard the voices of some people approaching from nearby. Both Ava and Julien crouched down, hiding from view. Julien swiftly spread his massive black wings over them, enveloping them in a dark, protective shadow. Ava felt a thrill run through her as Julien's wingtip brushed against her shoulder.
As they hid, Ava gazed up at Julien in awe.
His piercing yellow eyes, like two shining suns, captivated her. His eyes were almond-shaped, slanting upwards slightly at the outer corners, giving him an otherworldly appearance. His nose was long and straight, with a subtle bump at the bridge, adding to his striking features.
Julien's face was chiseled, with high cheekbones and a sharp jawline that seemed carved from granite. His skin was deathly pale, with a subtle sheen that hinted at his supernatural nature. His dark hair fell across his forehead in messy locks, framing his face like a dark halo.
Ava's gaze drifted to Julien's lips, which were full and inviting, curled into a subtle smile. His wings, spread wide to conceal them, were a deep, glossy black, with intricate patterns etched into the feathers like fine lace. As Ava took in Julien's features, her heart raced with excitement, and she whispered to herself, "Be quiet." Julien's attention remained fixed on the passersby, his eyes narrowing as he listened intently.
After a few moments, the voices faded away, and the coast was clear. Julien stood up, his wings folding against his back like a dark cloak. Ava asked, "Do you know them?" Julien shook his head, "No, many types of people come here." His gaze swept the surrounding area, ensuring they were truly alone.
Ava asked again, her curiosity getting the better of her, "Do you have to hide like this every time?" Julien nodded, "Yes. I can roam outside comfortably only in the morning when it's dawn. By the way, I like going out very much." His eyes sparkled with a hint of longing, and Ava sensed the depth of his desire for freedom.
As they sat down again, Ava realized she had forgotten all about college. Her mind was consumed by the enigmatic Julien and his mysterious world. They continued talking, lost in their own little bubble, oblivious to the outside world.