The grand doors to the throne room creaked open, revealing a space as awe-inspiring as it was intimidating. The chamber was vast, with high vaulted ceilings carved from black stone, illuminated by a combination of glowing purple crystals and streams of holographic light. Intricate runes pulsed along the walls, casting shifting shadows that danced like living things. At the far end of the room stood a grand throne, carved from obsidian and adorned with glowing veins of deep violet energy.
And sitting on that throne was her.
Lucian froze in place, his breath catching at the sight of the lady. She was everything the room promised and more—a figure of commanding beauty and elegance. Her long black hair cascaded in waves over her shoulders, shimmering faintly as though the strands themselves drank in the surrounding light. Her piercing purple eyes, glowing faintly like twin amethysts, locked onto him with an intensity that made him feel bare and exposed. Her fitted black and silver attire hugged her curvaceous figure, blending gothic elegance with futuristic design. Despite the formality of her posture, there was an aura of casual dominance about her, as if the entire world was merely her playground.
Amelia stepped forward, bowing slightly before speaking. "My lady, the task is complete. The thief has been retrieved as ordered."
The lady's eyes didn't leave Lucian as she addressed her maid. "Well done, Ironmaiden. And this…" She leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand as she studied him. "…is the one who caused such a fuss?"
Lucian swallowed hard, feeling his palms grow clammy. But instead of freezing under her gaze, he forced a grin onto his face. "You flatter me, ma'am. I didn't realize I was so important."
Amelia shot him a sharp look, but the lady's lips curled into a faint smile. "Bold," she murmured, standing from her throne. As she descended the steps toward him, her presence seemed to fill the room, each measured step echoing like a drumbeat in his chest.
Lucian's bravado faltered as she approached, standing only a foot away from him. Up close, she was even more striking—every detail of her appearance seemed meticulously perfect, from the sharp curve of her jawline to the faint shimmer of her violet-painted lips.
"You're braver than most who find themselves here," the lady said, her voice low and velvety. "Or foolish. Tell me, thief, do you even know who I am?"
Lucian hesitated, his mind racing. He searched the memories of his new body, and then it hit him like a sledgehammer. Lady Spectra. The name was whispered in fear, a figure of legend among the supervillains. A shadowy queen with powers unmatched, known for her ruthlessness and cunning.
"You're Lady Spectra," he said, his voice steadier than he felt. "The big boss. The top dog. The queen of—well, everything dark and scary."
Her smile widened, a mixture of amusement and something else he couldn't quite place. "Good. You're not entirely hopeless."
Lucian forced a grin. "I aim to please."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, as though she were trying to peer through him. There was something almost… familiar in her gaze. "There's something about you," she said softly, almost to herself. "You remind me of someone."
Lucian tensed, but she stepped closer, lifting a hand to brush her fingers against his jawline. Her touch was surprisingly gentle, sending an involuntary shiver down his spine.
"Strange," she murmured, tilting her head. "I can't quite place it, but I feel… drawn to you."
"Must be the charming personality," Lucian quipped, though his voice wavered slightly.
Lady Spectra chuckled, the sound low and rich. "Perhaps." She stepped back, her gaze shifting to Amelia. "I've changed my mind. He won't be staying in the guest quarters."
Amelia blinked, clearly caught off guard. "My lady?"
Spectra turned back to Lucian, her lips curling into a wicked smile. "He'll stay in my chambers. As my pet."
The room fell silent, save for Lucian's sharp intake of breath. Pet?! His mind reeled, but outwardly, he forced a laugh. "Pet? You don't even know if I'm house-trained."
Spectra's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Oh, don't worry. If you misbehave, I'll train you myself."
Lucian's humor faltered as he realized she wasn't entirely joking. Amelia, ever composed, hesitated before bowing. "As you wish, my lady."
The soldiers and attendants in the room exchanged glances, their surprise evident even behind their helmets and visors. Lucian couldn't blame them—he was just as shocked. A pet? Seriously?
Spectra clapped her hands lightly, the sound echoing through the chamber. "Ironmaiden, see to it that he's settled in. Properly. I want him clean, comfortable, and presentable."
"Yes, my lady," Amelia said, her voice carefully neutral. She stepped forward, grabbing Lucian by the arm and pulling him along. "Come, thief."
"Thief? I think we're past that," Lucian said, stumbling to keep up with her. "How about something cooler, like Shadow Rogue? Or Midnight Marauder?"
Amelia didn't respond, though her grip on his arm tightened slightly. Lucian glanced back at Spectra, who watched him with a smile that sent equal parts warmth and unease through him.
As they exited the throne room, Lucian leaned closer to Amelia. "Okay, real talk. Did she just say I'm going to be her pet? Like, actual pet?"
"Yes," Amelia said flatly, her pace never slowing.
"That's… not normal," Lucian said, his voice rising slightly. "I mean, sure, she's gorgeous, terrifying, and probably the most powerful person I've ever met, but pet? Isn't that, I don't know, crossing a line?"
Amelia's lips twitched. "You'll adapt."
Lucian groaned, running a hand through his hair. "This can't be real. This is a nightmare, right? I'm going to wake up back in that dungeon, and none of this will have happened."
Amelia smirked. "If it's a nightmare, it's one you won't wake from. Now, stop complaining. You're still breathing, which is more than most can say after meeting her."
Lucian sighed dramatically. "Great. First I'm a thief, now I'm a pet. What's next? Do I get a leash?"
Amelia glanced at him, her smirk widening. "If you keep talking, I'll make sure of it."
Lucian opened his mouth to retort but thought better of it. Instead, he let himself be dragged through the labyrinthine halls, his mind racing as he tried to process what had just happened. He was alive, yes—but what kind of life had he just been thrown into?