THE MEETING
Lysander Fortaine was used to being watched,it came with the job.As one of the most sought-after models in the world, attention followed him wherever he went. From the moment he stepped into the room ,heads turned, conversations paused and camera's clicked. People whispered about him like he wasn't standing there , admiring he's face, he's presence, he's unnatural beauty.
He ignored it, just like he always had.
Lysander adjusted the cuff of he's suit as the stylist fitted around him, adjusting the collar, brushing away invincible spake of dust.The set was busy, assistant running back and forth, photographer arguing about lighting , models shifting in uncomfortable poses ,it was just another day for Lysander until he arrived. Lysander felt he's presence before he saw him,a sharp unyielding energy that cut through the room like a knife. His gaze flicked towards the entrance locking unto a man who did not belong here .
Tall , sharply dressed in tailored black suit,with a face carved from stone,his icy blue eyes were cold, calculating not the type that admired but the type that studied . Lysander had seen many men in this world,he had seen kings and warriors, criminals and saints. He had seen those with power,those with greed ,those with blood on their hands but this man was different. Because Lysander could feel it ,he was dangerous , something that sent chills down his spine despite the warmth of the studio.
This man wasn't part of the camera men,he wasn't part of the crew ,he was here for him. Lysander exhaled slowly schooling his expression into one of indifference ,he has spent two thousand years perfecting the act of blending in,of being untouchable. Whatever this was , whoever this was he wouldn't let it shake him. The shoot continued,the flashes went off but Lysander could still feel that man's eyes on him the entire time ,he forced himself to ignore it at least until the shoot was over.
Lysander peeled off his jacket , running a hand through his hair as he stepped into his dressing room. The noise outside was muffled now, leaving only the quiet hum of the city beyond the window. He barely had a moment to exhale before the door clicked shut behind him,he turned and there he was , standing near the door like he owned the place ,no hesitation,no uncertainty , like he had already decided this conversation was going to happen.
Lysander jaw tightened but he kept his expression blank " I don't remember inviting you in" , the man didn't flinch " you didn't" he said simply . Lysander crossed his arms leaning back against the counter " who are you?" he asked "Kai Montesquieu" Lysander blinked . MONTESQUIE, the name alone sent a ripple of tension through him,he had spent centuries staying out of sight , avoiding those who sort the Eternal Heart , hiding in the shadows, shifting identities, erasing himself from history but the MONTESQUIEU they had been searching for him for generations,his expression didn't change but he's mind was already racing .
If they had found him,it meant something had gone wrong. And judging by the way the man stood in front of him, Lysander knew this wasn't a coincidence.
Kai studies him ,his eyes sharp " your hard to find" Lysander forced a smirk " and yet here you are"
" I have an offer for you" he said
" I don't do private business deals"
" Oh,I think you'll want to hear this one" he said , Lysander said nothing . Kai reached out to his pocket and pulled out a small vial . At first it seemed like nothing,just a tiny glass filled with shimmering mist but the moment Lysander saw it, he's breath hitched ,his entire body went rigid, the room felt smaller ELF'S GAS he hadn't seen it in centuries ,it was a rare substance, humans barely knew except the fairies and elves because it was their greatest weakness Elf's gas could strip away a fairies disguise forcing them into their true form ,if Kai had it,it meant he knew exactly who and what he was ,his fingers twitch in he's side but he kept his face neutral " I hope you don't expect me to be impressed by a perfume" he said Kai lips curled slightly,not a smile just a hint of amusement " I expect you to listen" he said.
Lysander didn't move,Kai took his time , rolling the vial between his fingers " you've done well hiding all this years, I'll give you that " he said , Lysander clenched his jaw ,Kai voice was smooth and steady " but it's over now" the words carried weight . A finality that sent a slow , chilling realization through Lysander chest . He had spent centuries out of reach but Kai Montesquieu had caught him ,and it didn't look like he was going to let go.