Lucian followed Amelia through the dimly lit corridors of the Shadow Citadel, his footsteps echoing faintly against the polished black floors. Today felt different. The usual routine of grueling physical training seemed to be set aside, replaced with an air of anticipation that even Amelia's ever-composed demeanor couldn't completely hide. Her lips were set in their usual stern line, but there was a flicker of something else in her sharp emerald eyes—excitement, perhaps, or even amusement.
As they entered a sleek dining hall, Amelia gestured for him to sit. "Before we begin, you'll have a proper meal. Today's training is… unique."
Lucian raised an eyebrow, sliding into a chair at the long table. "Unique? Should I be worried?"
Amelia ignored his question, her attention shifting to the room's far door as it slid open. A woman stepped through, her presence commanding and otherworldly.
Her long silver-white hair shimmered faintly under the light, cascading down her back like a waterfall of starlight. Her violet eyes glowed faintly, swirling with cosmic patterns that seemed to draw him in. She moved with an effortless grace, her slender figure accentuated by a sleek black-and-purple bodysuit that clung to her form like a second skin.
"Voidwalker," Amelia said by way of introduction, her tone as sharp as ever. "She handles special missions for Lady Spectra. Her true identity and powers are classified. Consider yourself lucky to meet her."
The woman—Voidwalker—smiled, her lips curving into a playful smirk as she sauntered over to Lucian. "And who is this? Amelia, you've been hiding someone interesting."
Lucian blinked, momentarily lost for words. "Uh… Lucian," he said finally, offering a weak wave. "Nice to meet you."
Voidwalker's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned closer, resting a hand on his shoulder. "Lucian. I've heard about you. Lady Spectra's… pet, was it?"
Lucian groaned, shooting a glare at Amelia. "Great. That title's sticking, isn't it?"
Voidwalker laughed, her voice light and musical. "Don't worry. I think it suits you. By the way, the name's Lyra…Lyra Noctis"
Lucian opened his mouth to reply, but Amelia cut him off as she sat down across from them. "Voidwalker will be assisting with your training. Her expertise lies in areas I cannot cover."
Lucian frowned, leaning back in his chair. "What kind of training?"
Amelia gestured to the table, where a spread of balanced and nutritious dishes had been laid out. "Eat first. Then we'll discuss."
The three of them ate in relative silence, though Lucian couldn't help but notice Voidwalker—or Lyra, as Amelia occasionally called her—watching him with a teasing glint in her eye. Every now and then, she'd brush her hand against his or lean in slightly closer than necessary, her flirtatious nature impossible to ignore.
"So," Lyra said suddenly, breaking the silence. "Lucian, how's life as Lady Spectra's chosen pet?"
Lucian choked on his water, glaring at her as he set the glass down. "It's... a learning experience."
Lyra's laughter filled the room, light and carefree. "You're cute when you're flustered."
Amelia cleared her throat, silencing Lyra's teasing with a pointed look. "Focus, Voidwalker. Today isn't about your games."
Lyra waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, relax, Amelia. A little fun never hurt anyone."
Lucian sighed, pushing his plate away. "Can we get to the part where you explain what this 'unique' training is?"
Amelia finally spoke. "Today's focus is telekinesis. It's a mental ability, tied directly to your focus and willpower. Voidwalker will help you strengthen it."
Lucian raised an eyebrow, glancing at Lyra. "How? She doesn't have telekinesis, does she?"
Lyra smirked, resting her chin on her hand. "Not exactly. But my powers are related to the mind. I can help you develop the mental fortitude needed to control your abilities."
Lucian looked skeptical. "And what does that involve?"
Lyra's smirk widened as her violet eyes glowed faintly. "Let me show you."
Before Lucian could react, a strange sensation washed over him—a tingling warmth that started at the back of his neck and spread through his body. His limbs felt light, almost disconnected, as if they were no longer under his control.
"What… what's happening?" he stammered, his voice tinged with panic.
Lyra leaned closer, her gaze locking onto his. "Relax, Lucian. It's just a little mind manipulation. Completely harmless. For now."
Even though his mind screamed in protest, his body betrayed him. His hand moved without his consent, reaching out to brush against Lyra's arm. His fingers trailed up her shoulder, the touch lingering longer than he intended. His body responded instinctively, a surge of warmth pooling in his chest. The sensation wasn't entirely unpleasant, and that realization frustrated him even more.
"Stop," he said through gritted teeth, struggling to regain control. "This isn't funny."
"Oh, I think it is," Lyra replied, her voice dripping with amusement. She guided his hand lower, placing it against her waist. "See? You're learning already."
Lucian's other hand moved as if of its own accord, tracing the curve of her hip before sliding upward. His palms cupped her chest, and despite his attempts to pull away, his fingers began to knead softly. The feel of her body against his skin sent conflicting signals to his brain—pleasure battling against the indignity of being controlled.
Lyra let out a mock gasp, her eyes alight with playful mischief. "My, my, Lucian. I didn't know you were so forward."
"Stop this!" he growled, his face burning with humiliation.
"Why?" Lyra teased, leaning into his touch. "You're doing so well."
Amelia's sharp voice cut through the tension. "That's enough, Voidwalker."
Lyra pouted, releasing her hold on Lucian's mind with a dramatic sigh. "You're no fun, Amelia."
Lucian slumped back in his chair, gasping for breath as he regained control of his body. His hands trembled slightly, the phantom sensation of Lyra's touch lingering on his skin. The lingering pleasure made him feel dirty, and the fact that he couldn't fight back only deepened his frustration.
Amelia's gaze was icy as she addressed Lyra. "Lady Spectra has made it clear—Lucian's first time is reserved for her. Do not cross that line."
Lyra clicked her tongue, leaning back in her chair with a playful shrug. "Fine, fine. No harm done. He's still intact."
Lucian glared at her, his chest heaving. "What the hell was that?"
"And what do you mean by my first time?" Lucian also questioned Amelia's remarks which she ignored to answer.
"Training," Lyra replied simply, her smirk returning. "Your mind is weak, Lucian. Easily manipulated. If you can't resist something as simple as my control, how do you expect to use your telekinesis effectively?"
"She's right," Amelia said, her tone cold but firm. "You need to strengthen your mind if you want to master your powers. This was just the beginning."
Lucian rubbed his temples, his frustration warring with a grudging understanding. "Fine. But maybe next time, you don't turn me into a puppet."
Lyra laughed, the sound light and unapologetic. "Oh, you'll get used to it. Trust me."
As the two women stood, Lucian remained seated, his thoughts racing. He didn't trust Lyra—not entirely—but he couldn't deny that her powers were effective. If this was what it took to grow stronger, he had no choice but to endure it.
"Ready for round two, pet?" Lyra asked, winking as she walked toward the door.
Lucian groaned, his head falling into his hands. "This is going to be a nightmare."
From across the room, Amelia's voice was calm but firm. "Welcome to training, Lucian. Get used to it."
For some reason, Lucian felt like she was teasing him.