The world felt warm and serene, bathed in soft golden light. Lucian lay on a plush bed, the fabric of the sheets impossibly smooth beneath his fingertips. Beside him, a beautiful girl laughed softly, her voice like a melody that eased the tension in his chest. Her eyes sparkled with adoration as she looked at him, her hand gently brushing a strand of hair from his face.
"You're incredible, you know that?" she said, her tone filled with affection.
Lucian chuckled, his fingers tracing lazy circles on her arm. "Incredible? That's a bit much. I just built a company—no big deal."
The girl playfully swatted his chest, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. "Stop being modest. You're a genius, Lucian. And soon, the whole world will know it. When that IPO happens, you'll be unstoppable."
He smirked, leaning into her touch. "It's not about the money. It's about proving to everyone who doubted me that I could do this. And maybe showing off a little."
She laughed, her laughter light and carefree, filling the room with warmth. "Well, I believe in you. Always."
Lucian's heart swelled at her words, the sincerity in her eyes stirring something deep within him. "You're too good to me," he murmured, his voice soft. "I don't deserve you."
She shifted, climbing on top of him, her fingers gently tracing the line of his jaw. "You deserve everything, Lucian," she whispered, leaning down as if to kiss him. But as her lips neared his, something changed.
Her expression twisted, her eyes turning hollow and cold. Her head enlarged grotesquely, her features distorting into something monstrous. Before Lucian could react, her mouth opened unnaturally wide, and she lunged at his neck, her teeth sinking into his flesh.
---
Lucian woke with a start, his chest heaving as he gasped for air. The darkness of Selene's bedroom surrounded him, the golden glow of the nightmare replaced by the faint, pulsating light of the Citadel's enchanted runes. He pressed a hand to his neck instinctively, the phantom sensation of teeth still fresh in his mind.
"What the hell?" he muttered, his voice hoarse.
Throwing the covers aside, Lucian stumbled to the bathroom, his feet heavy with exhaustion. As he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror—and froze. A faint mark adorned the side of his neck, barely noticeable but undeniably there. He leaned closer, his fingers brushing against it. A bite mark. His heart pounded as he stared at the indentation, disbelief mixing with a strange sense of unease.
"This shouldn't be from a dream," he whispered to himself, his voice shaky. "No… this was from someone else."
His thoughts raced as he tried to piece together the events of the previous night. He remembered the soup, Selene's teasing voice, the way her gaze lingered on him—but after that, everything was a blur. The mark on his neck was a mystery, one that raised more questions than he was ready to confront.
Was it her? he thought, his mind churning with possibilities. And if it was, why?
Selene had always been unpredictable, her actions veiled in layers of intention he couldn't begin to unravel. Every interaction with her left him more confused, more uncertain about her motives. Was she testing him? Marking him as hers? Or was there something deeper at play?
Lucian's fingers lingered on the mark, his gaze locked on his reflection. A quiet determination settled over him. Whatever game she's playing, I need to understand it. I'm not just a pawn—I'm something more. I have to figure out what that means.
---
The week continued, each day chipping away at Lucian's doubts and fears. His training grew even more intense, Amelia pushing him harder with every session. His body grew stronger, his movements sharper, and his understanding of the world deeper. The telekinesis drills became a central part of his routine, and though progress was slow, it was steady. He could now suspend multiple targets for longer periods, even redirecting their paths with some degree of control.
But the bite mark on his neck remained a silent reminder of the forces at work beyond his comprehension. Every time he glanced at his reflection, the faint indentation pulled his thoughts back to Selene. Her smirks, her teasing remarks, her penetrating gaze—they all felt heavier now, laden with a meaning he couldn't quite decipher.
Despite the mark and the questions it raised, Lucian found himself adapting to this new life. The Shadow Citadel, once an overwhelming maze of power and secrecy, was beginning to feel familiar. He learned to navigate its halls, its customs, and even its hierarchy. His knowledge of the world outside grew too, his nights spent poring over data about heroes, villains, and the delicate balance they maintained.
But through it all, one thought persisted: Lady Spectra's intentions, whatever they are, will change my life forever.
Filled with questions and doubt, Lucian found himself contemplating his next steps. The Shadow Citadel was no place for the faint of heart, and escape was a fool's errand. He had seen its might firsthand—the technology, the personnel, the precision. No one escaped the Shadow Citadel. At least, no one alive.
If I can't run, then the only choice is to grow, he thought. These resources, this training... as harsh as they are, they're more than I could've ever hoped for. I'll use them to my advantage.
His reflection stared back at him in the mirror, the bite mark on his neck a faint but constant reminder of the forces surrounding him. Selene's actions were a mystery, her motives elusive, but for now, he would play the game. Strength first—questions later. Whatever she saw in him, he would uncover it on his terms. For now, survival meant cooperation.
I'll grow stronger, he resolved, and then, I'll decide what to do.