Lyra, ever the mischief-maker, leaned forward, her violet eyes gleaming with interest. "Leverage, huh?" she purred. "What kind of conditions are we talking about?"
A faint smirk tugged at Selene's lips as her gaze flicked briefly to Lucian before returning to the group. "A new arrangement. One that ensures Silverknight's agency learns its place. And perhaps," she added, her voice laced with subtle amusement, "a little gift for my pet here. Something we'll discuss in more detail later."
Lucian blinked, caught off guard by the sudden mention of him. "A gift?" he muttered under his breath, but Selene offered no further explanation.
Amelia's scowl deepened, her displeasure plain as she crossed her arms. "Negotiations," she said, practically spitting the word. "Always negotiations."
Selene's voice hardened slightly, though her outward calm didn't waver. "You can have him in the dungeons for punishment until we're ready to negotiate," she said, a faint edge of steel creeping into her tone.
That seemed to placate Amelia somewhat. She nodded reluctantly, though her expression remained serious. "Fine. But I want him to suffer for his arrogance."
"Do what you must," Selene replied smoothly, her faint smirk returning. "As long as he's alive and capable of being traded."
Steven, ever the strategist, tapped the projector again, bringing up a detailed map of Silverhaven. Red and blue markers highlighted key areas of interest, and a section of the city pulsed faintly, marking their target. "The plan is straightforward," he began, his tone calm and professional. "The Night Legion will bait him into an isolated area. Once he's separated from his team, Lyra will open a portal to extract him. Amelia will handle the rest."
Lyra grinned, her silver-white hair catching the soft glow of the projection. "I love it when I get to play taxi," she said, her tone light and teasing.
Amelia rolled her eyes, her annoyance barely concealed. "Just don't mess it up," she said flatly.
Lyra placed a hand over her heart in mock offense. "Have I ever?" she shot back, her voice dripping with mock innocence.
"Constantly," Amelia replied without missing a beat, though there was a faint hint of amusement in her tone.
As the conversation shifted to finer details, Lucian listened quietly, taking mental notes. He wasn't directly involved in this operation—at least, not yet—but it was a glimpse into the intricate precision of Selene's leadership. Nothing about her approach was random or impulsive. Every piece of the puzzle was placed with purpose, every move part of a larger, calculated plan.
By the time the meal concluded, Lucian felt both impressed and slightly intimidated by the people around him. They weren't just villains—they were strategists, tacticians, and warriors, each bringing a unique kind of brilliance to Selene's empire.
---
As the group began to disperse, Selene rose gracefully from her seat, the soft rustle of her gown drawing Lucian's attention. She turned to him, her amethyst eyes meeting his with an expression that was equal parts teasing and commanding.
"Come, pet," she said, her voice lilting with a hint of mischief. "I have something else planned for you tonight."
Lucian arched an eyebrow, smirking despite the faint unease prickling at the back of his mind. "Should I be worried?"
Selene's smirk widened, and there was a glint of amusement in her gaze that did little to ease his nerves. "Always," she replied simply, her tone as smooth as silk.
Without another word, she turned toward the door, her movements fluid and purposeful. Lucian hesitated only briefly before following, his curiosity and unease growing with every step.
The soft echo of their footsteps filled the corridor as they left the dining hall behind. The air between them was charged with unspoken intent, and though Lucian couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking into some elaborate trap, he couldn't help but be drawn in by Selene's enigmatic allure.
Whatever she had planned for him, one thing was certain—it was bound to be anything but ordinary.
Lucian followed Selene down the dimly lit corridor, each step echoing softly against the polished floors. The air felt heavier here, more intimate, as though the very walls held secrets meant only for those bold enough to enter. Selene's pace was slow, deliberate, her silk robe swaying with every step.
Her silence only added to the tension, and Lucian couldn't help but clear his throat. "So… what's this mysterious plan of yours?" he asked, his voice attempting to sound casual, though his curiosity betrayed him.
Selene glanced over her shoulder, her amethyst eyes glinting with that familiar blend of mischief and authority. "Patience, pet," she said, her tone smooth and teasing. "You'll find out soon enough."
They stopped before the grand double doors of her bedroom. With a graceful motion, Selene pushed them open, revealing the lavishly adorned space within. The dim lighting cast warm, golden hues over the luxurious black-and-crimson décor. The centerpiece, a massive bed draped in silk sheets, dominated the room, radiating both comfort and temptation.
Selene turned to face him, her gaze steady. "Go and change," she instructed, gesturing toward the adjoining wardrobe. "Something comfortable. Tonight will be… different."
Lucian's brow furrowed at her cryptic tone, but he nodded and made his way to the wardrobe. Inside, he found an array of finely tailored clothing—soft shirts and pants that felt like a second skin. He picked out a black ensemble, loose-fitting yet undeniably luxurious, and changed quickly before stepping back into the room.
Selene had vanished behind a partition, her silhouette faintly visible through the sheer fabric. The sight of her untying her gown sent a spark of heat through Lucian's chest, and he quickly turned his attention elsewhere, adjusting his shirt to avoid lingering too long.
Moments later, she emerged, dressed in a flowing silk robe that clung to her in just the right ways. Her hair, usually immaculate, now fell in soft waves over her shoulders. The robe's delicate fabric shimmered faintly under the warm light, hinting at the curves beneath without fully revealing them.
Lucian swallowed hard, suddenly feeling overdressed despite his comfortable attire. "So… what's this all about?" he asked, unable to keep the edge of curiosity—and nervousness—out of his voice.
Selene's lips curved into a slow, enigmatic smile as she walked toward the bed, her movements fluid and hypnotic. She patted the mattress, gesturing for him to join her. "Come," she said softly. "Tonight is about trust."
"Trust?" Lucian echoed, sitting down cautiously. His pulse quickened as she slid onto the bed beside him, her presence commanding yet oddly comforting.
Selene leaned closer, her hand brushing against his arm as she adjusted the pillows behind her. "You've been through much, haven't you?" she murmured, her voice low and soothing. "Training your mind, your willpower. Testing your limits. But tonight, I want you to learn something… different."
Lucian's brow furrowed, his curiosity mounting. "Different how?"
She tilted her head, studying him with an unreadable expression. "You'll see."
For a moment, the air between them hung heavy with anticipation. Lucian's mind raced with possibilities—was it another test? A lesson in control? Or something far more intimate?
Selene's soft chuckle broke his thoughts. "Lie down, Lucian," she said, her voice like silk.
He hesitated but obeyed, reclining against the plush pillows. Selene moved beside him, draping herself effortlessly against his side. Her arm curled around his waist, her head resting lightly on his shoulder.
Lucian blinked, caught entirely off guard. "Wait… what?"
Selene smiled, her lips brushing against his jaw as she spoke. "You thought I had some grand plan, didn't you? Some intense, mysterious training?"
"Well… yeah," Lucian admitted, his voice tinged with confusion.
Her laugh was light, almost musical, as she snuggled closer. The warmth of her body seeped through the thin fabric of her robe, her soft curves pressing gently against him. "Not every lesson has to be a battle, pet," she murmured. "Sometimes, the most important thing is learning to let go. To relax."
Lucian's mind rebelled at first, the tension from earlier refusing to fade entirely. But as Selene's fingers traced idle patterns on his chest, the soft pressure of her body against his began to melt his defenses. The scent of her—something faintly floral with a hint of spice—filled his senses, grounding him in the moment.
"This… isn't what I expected," he muttered, his voice low.
Selene tilted her head up, her face inches from his. "Disappointed?" she asked, her tone teasing but with a hint of genuine curiosity.
He hesitated, then shook his head. "No. Just… surprised."
Her smile softened, and she pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. "Good," she said simply. "Now stop thinking so much. Just breathe. Let yourself feel."
Lucian did as she said, his body finally beginning to relax. The steady rhythm of her breathing against him, the soothing warmth of her touch—it all lulled him into a state of peace he hadn't realized he needed.
His eyes grew heavy, his thoughts blurring as the weight of the day melted away. Selene's voice, barely a whisper now, was the last thing he heard before drifting off.
"Goodnight, Lucian," she murmured, her lips brushing his cheek one final time.
As sleep claimed him, a faint smile touched his lips. He might not have understood Selene's intentions entirely, but for the first time in a long while, he felt truly at ease.