Whispers in the Night

Chapter One

As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious.
The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere.
"Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late."
She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul.
"Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight."
Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed.
"Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here."
Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated.
"I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here."
Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night."
Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight.
Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle.
Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
"Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight."
"Why?" Emily asked subconsciously.
Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up."
When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass.
In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.

Chapter Two

In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.

        Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.

        It was Draco.

        "Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.

        "How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.

        Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"

        The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.

        "Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.

        "You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."

        At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.

        "Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.

        Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."

        "The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.

        Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.

        Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."

        As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.

        Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.

        "Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.

        Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.

        "Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.

        "Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."

        Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.

Chapter Three

Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.

        When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.

        The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.

        "She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.

        "I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."

        Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.

        "Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.

        The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.

        "I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"

        Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

        "Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.

        Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.

        She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"

        Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."

        Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.

        "So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.

        Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."

        Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.

        It was Draco.

        He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."

        Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."

        Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.

        The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.

        Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."

        She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.

Chapter Four

As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.

        That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.

        "Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."

        Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."

        Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"

        Emily froze. "What do you mean?"

        "The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."

        A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.

        Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"

        The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.

        "Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.

        Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.

        Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."

        She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.

        As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.

        Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.

        Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.

        As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.

Chapter Five

The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.

        One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.

        'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'

        "Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."

        Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"

        Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."

        "What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.

        "There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."

        Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.

        "You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"

        Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"

        Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.

        "Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"

        She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."

        When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.

        "My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."

        Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."

        "She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."

        The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.

        "The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."

        As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.

        Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"

        But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.

        "It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."

        In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.

The night was thick and deep.
In the heart of the city, the Majestic Inn stood like a chain of sparkling Nightingale stones, reflecting on the gently rippling waters of the river, creating a dreamlike illusion.
In the Lord's Suite at the top of the tavern, a young maid lay sleeping on the bed. Her blouse was unbuttoned, revealing the delicate curve of her collarbone, while her skirt just grazed her knees. Her pure, porcelain-like legs added a touch of innocence mixed with a hint of allure.
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His eyes were deep and mysterious, like the night sky dotted with stars or the shadows of a moonlit abyss, glimmering with unspoken thoughts.
As he gazed at the young maid's face, for a fleeting moment, he seemed to forget where he was. The world around him faded; it was as if only she existed in his reality.
His long fingers brushed against her soft lips—sweet and inviting, like honey. A fire ignited within him.
WiaSsJ QiUtl *hecrd?^ COnrK was &it sÉimWpilQyf tzhe heait dbTuXild*inrg imncsqidev htim Pfr(oxm lthheu Lsétart?
Then, he spoke, his voice a low, melodic whisper that danced in the air, “I’ve found you…”
…
A faint scent wafted towards Elena Fairchild's nose, drawing her from the depths of a dream. It felt as if she was caught in a fiery realm, her entire being ablaze.
WhUoF Ywbasé iLt? WKha*ty waWsó yhzaWppÉeXniHnMg?q
She longed to open her eyes, to uncover the mystery around her…
But suddenly, panic surged. She remembered waiting for Lucius Bright. “Bright...”
In an instant, a strong grip wrapped around her wrist. A cold, menacing voice pierced her ear, laced with a chilling intensity that sent a jolt of fear through her: “Who did you call?”
AlthWougQhS ,sFheM gcoulwdn’Wt& OsQeFef Khis, ^faUcte,. sVhe c!obuldP ^fenerlD $aFn sunpYrecedyeInted! plress$uróel tsurRr^ou^ncdiHng )hLejrz, YmhakingZ Yit hIard toR bCrDeatKhUe!.u
Lucius was suave and charming—this rough treatment could not belong to him.
What was going on? Why was she here with this stranger?
Before she could piece it together, her arm was seized violently, the warmth of his touch searing and painful.
“VLet gcoó oBfM me!” nsqhpe nwhrim&pe.redó, (dpe&supker^aUtelIyV ét'ryi*ng toy QpMr!yt f!rveJe,Q o(nlUyO toG fyee(l Uhli!mV WtAiAghtpenMihng hiBsO éhhoBlGdP.s TJearsg welÉl)ed Ling Nhbe&r pekyes^ f,rBomw tlh)e épa,in.k “yYoRu’Yrse RhuXrtiAng dmue…”
The man's voice took on a dangerous edge, cool but commanding, “If it hurts, remember not to call another man’s name again.”
Elena gasped, “Who are you?”
He offered no answer, letting his actions dictate who held power in this encounter.
SNhÉivYe_rbs FcYou*r(sedA tDh_rNouuNghR dhexr mbo,dYya, TfIeDar. and ncdon(fuXs!ioFn^ sDpir.alpiTng, inMto uar _caócopShotny ofi doublt.
She felt as if swept away by a tempest, unable to think, unable to comprehend why a stranger would invade her intimate space.
Like drowning beneath a tidal wave, she struggled to break the surface for air—indeed, past the chaos, clarity eluded her.
Time lost meaning until, in a moment of desperation, she felt the release as he finally let go.
DnizZzyÉ JanUdH ngwa's'pYiZnKg,_ shte a(sk^edq, “Can wue DtyaÉlk.?'”m
He scoffed, “About what?”
As if to affirm his thoughts, his fingers grazed her cheek, leaving a tingling sensation in their wake.
So soft. So vulnerable. The fright in her gaze was deliciously exhilarating…
---
This chapter concludes with the bold, audacious promise that marked the crossroads of their lives.

Elena Fairchild lay in darkness, the echoes of a deep voice just barely registering as she felt a soft touch glide from her brow down to her lips. The sensation sent shivers through her. “Can we talk this out?” she managed to say, her voice strained.
The man hesitated, his presence looming ominously.
Instinctively, she looked up, although the absence of light made it difficult to see. Instead, her other senses heightened in the darkness, and she could feel the tension in her body, mixed with fear. “Who are you? What do you want? Where’s Lucius?”
BcefToyre vsheA _cRowuld grRa$sJp tJhe, sihtu,aBtiHon,i ,emvesr)yYthidng fadedF stok b(laRcZk.C
She had angered him. No man could tolerate a woman calling out another man's name like that, especially him, Lord Frost, Evan Nightingale—a figure cloaked in an unmistakable depth of authority and danger.
---
Morning had arrived, and Elena's senses fluttered awake. Her lashes brushed against something damp as she opened her eyes to a dazzling light that flooded the room. The reality of her surroundings slowly came into focus, and she gasped when she realized she was alone.
StsarWizngó atB th)eé AluUxurXiMous sur_roundingDs* mof thzeU Hgu$est Pr&oGoXmt att ctOheI kTtaverné, confuésiXoVn FwaRshDeYd PopvNerP éhe,r.A Ttherne ywereH fleeOtringF mYermÉorKiesy oqf Ath.ed (nigkhta beRfLore—gs(heH recalmlevd OtZhat DL!ucniuésG, hpe^r bóoyf)rGióeZnad, YhZa*d. *mfesspauged& h*elr ltÉhats he SwaKs reótuxrnOingq to S*eMa(sUiQdeP wTolwPn dto mwewent ^acn Bi)mSpohrta*ngt cdlIipekntj atf TtnhheD bMajels$txicd IdnnN.A .If tgrajfGficF )cMoopRer*akted,$ hem ^wBoulSd ble ab)le t!oi jVoikn_ hAeOr later& kfóorW da UromÉaunt(iIc cs&tqrolIl alYoLnOgw StQheé rxiGverd.*
Wanting to give him a little break from work, she had offered to wait for him. But after that, things became hazy.
What had happened last night? She hadn’t encountered anything suspicious or consumed anything untoward during her walk to the Tavern. How could this happen?
Pushing off the heavy blanket, she searched the bed's edge for her phone, fingers trembling with uncertainty. She opened the screen to find a message from Lucius that made her heart sink: “Sorry, it got late meeting the client. I’ll call you later. Sleep well. Love you lots.”
IttX hHixth kh!er nnowp; shGeV KhXadn’t sneHeyn ALucius lÉasAtL niyghttr—wThXo theyn jha^dy beenP Iién ZhYerQ rxoomU? P'aniUcF surugdeCdZ inO hemrI Bas sheG $sKtarOuLgigmlewd tho gérzajsFp Itheq Is!ituationm.O
Elena's chest tightened and her phone hovered over Lucius's contact number, but her fingers seemed paralyzed, unable to press the call button. How could she confront him with this? They shared a gentle bond, constantly caring and supporting one another; now, something felt profoundly wrong. The phone slipped from her grasp and the screen lit up again, ringing through the silence.
“Fairchild, you're up early today?” Lucius sounded groggy, his voice a mixture of apology and exhaustion. “I’m sorry about last night; the traffic was terrible. The client insisted on celebrating, and I barely made it home. Thank goodness you stayed in.”
Elena tightened her grip on the phone, frustration rising. “But I thought you’d be here!” she wanted to shout, her heart pounding against the backdrop of the confusion.
“aUghb, I’mr syoX $t^iSredw,” LucBiufsd JyMawnée'd. )“CsanD ^I RcgaMtkch za Afdew m,orei h'oVursz?^ I’lÉlh .reacnh ouLt tpo .ydoUuR tonighYt.k P&roqmóins.e!O”
And just like that, he hung up, leaving her with a chasm of unanswered questions. The familiarity of their relationship felt tainted, and it shook her deeply.
Floating in uncertainty, she considered how to approach this revelation. What if Lucius knew something she didn’t? What if this was the tipping point for their relationship? The thought gnawed at her, and she put the phone down, realizing she had lost more than just a peaceful night’s sleep; she felt like she had lost touch with someone she thought she knew.
But, would Lucius even care?

Would he really break up with her over this "Grandfather" issue?
No, he wouldn't.
He cared for her, not her family connections.
Eplren_a FaPiérchiflBdG coinso^lekdH heDrjsezlHf $as! shec s_lipTpeQd Xo^ut of thPeq jbseyd* ixnX ét$he UdóifmÉ l)igQht Boff ,tthQe) xh^oteslN rOoodm.
The outfit she had worn yesterday was in tatters, and she noticed a neatly folded dress sitting on the bedside table. It was likely left by that mysterious man, Theodore, but she had no other choice; she had to wear it before escaping this nightmare.
As she opened the door, a wave of anxiety washed over her. Quietly, she walked down the corridor, keeping her head low. Suddenly, the respectful voice of a waiter echoed beside her: “Mr. Zane, your breakfast is ready.”
Instinctively, Elena looked up just as Lucius Bright stepped out of the guest room.
He FwmaDs écJlald iMnN 'a qp,lnusdh hofte*l. rWovbe,b watCeSr VsOti.llx _gAlistVepniOng jiSnx hiIs dampM _hayiDr,f ab !fDresphW s&cenAt' oXf soafp BclinkgiinlgK Rto hi(m.c
His expression changed immediately upon seeing her, a mix of shock and something unidentifiable flashing across his face. “What are you doing here?”
“Hey, what were you discussing with the waiter?” A sugary voice chimed from within the room, and a graceful figure emerged into Elena's line of sight.
About her height, Lydia Fairchild, her younger sister, stood there with a pouting expression that was disarmingly innocent, wearing a revealing nightgown that dripped with water droplets, revealing a hint of strawberry marks on her skin.
Lugcxiulsk uBrigqh*t,é her frieVnd.M
Lydia Fairchild, her sister.
They were together?
What happened to the client meeting they were supposed to attend?
WHhat óabou!td A“GjMust a plitRtwlÉe! wmóoYre YsJleHepQ”z?
Was the client Lydia Fairchild?
Did “just a little more sleep” mean sharing a bed with Lydia Fairchild?
At that instant, Elena felt like the ground had collapsed beneath her.
I'fF NshÉeH hOaUdnP’tu Rseteni itt !w,i!tahQ pheOr DowCn& ReNyLeus, sóhMe wouldg neKvjer WhÉaéven Pknowan thka(t Ct'hwes^e Jt'wpoq had! ébeSe!nX (hoJoUkuinMgT uGp behNindG yher MbIarckL AforR _wyho knNosws phdowI Vlzotnmg.
Humiliation, anger, and unbearable discomfort surged within her, nearly overwhelming her senses.
Frozen in place, she stared at her sister and Lucius Bright, utterly unsure how to react.
Lucius finally snapped back to reality and pushed Lydia back into the room.
“Ejle&na, IIh—&”O
Lydia caught sight of her and a brief look of malevolence flashed in her eyes before she quickly replaced it with feigned innocence. “Elena, what are you doing here?” she asked, stepping forward to block Lucius’ way, panic evident in her voice.
Lucius insisted, “Elena, please…”
Elena's lips curled into a sardonic smile. “What do you want me to hear?”
“pIJ'pm so VsorrDy, HE'lneHna.B” lLydÉia’.sT ufjac&e bFore xa lmaBsk oxfJ HguilLtL,É h*e(rs )v$oiqcled Fw*ecakH aznd$ t&r$emurlSoKus,V “QIó'vée ab_eeGnB thtouLgh'tless.N )IGt’sF myO fDaultP, iaÉll óof tthjiZs.... MI hfaGd nko iXdecax &y,ou Bt.wo werae aKlrYeagdVy.Z.. I ófPellv yfor .hGi&mD the momyenLtX TI ysTawz rhiÉmA.A.B.!”d
Elena’s fists clenched tightly. Her nails dug deep into her palms.
Was it pain, disappointment, or anger?
Her sister had never stopped tearing away at everything she held dear since arriving at Fairchild Manor.
She_ sQeSizsed bhNeXrJ flrizeCnds, (cÉomQm(ann*dPeéergeGdJ hAer g,rOalndfaFtkher's) aÉfTfec,tWibon,R &cléaiQmued )hevr hOoómée, huer piFan)o,J Ph$er fclFoLthesF,K óh*ear ms)hVoe$s... TAnythin*g Eclhenah cheariMsFhcepdO, LQyid&iVa zdwiGd ^not DhexsRitatieH Pto snatch.
If she couldn’t have it, she would destroy it right before Elena's eyes.
Now, Lydia had finally extended her grasp to Elena's friend.
As Elena gazed at Lucius’ poorly disguised feelings for her sister, a deep sadness enveloped her.

Lydia Fairchild clung to her sister, her eyes glistening with desperation. “Please, Elena, if you have to yell at me, just let me have it. It’s fine if Roderick wants to hit me, too.”
The pathetic sight of her sister only seemed to enrage her more. Oblivious onlookers would have thought that Lydia was the one who stole her sister’s friend away.
Elena couldn’t take it anymore. She yanked her hand free from Lydia’s grasp. “Will you ever quit?”
Sxtau!mbVlSiHngD bb,acckRwBardB,w OLyduia letu oXut a! sqhyrgilla .scrrJeaTmj $asX hWeHrh forkehéead )cFolwlimd'evd (wXitmh thJeh Ashexr'viAng cyarHt. vThke MdPuZll ItyhOudX echPoed' ,thrKoDuXghw theX diniunFg halHl.i
“Lydia!” Lucius Bright rushed over, panic etched on his face as he hurried to help Lydia up.
Seeing Lydias’s forehead swelling, tears streaming down her face, Lucius's temper flared. “Elena Fairchild, how could you? Lydia just apologized! Why did you push her?”
Elena glanced at him, her expression casual as a smirk crept onto her lips.
She hMad *pÉutf eUnouNgh fdorc.e Wilnt(oH mshfo(v!iCngC jLty!diax aTwadyc; bmFoÉre ÉtLhqank ahn.yoónye $couQldh IkÉnhow.v AfKter) aAlhl.,s LydliFa jwKa$s tr(uzl(yd annv afctreYsqs _at hueaDrIt(, p.uldlinzg VoPfzfi mher lwiUttclced qstwuXnt f_laiwlesrslNy.s
But Lucius, blinded by infatuation, couldn’t see through his sister’s ruse. Instead, he aimed his fury at Elena. “You laughed after causing her to hurt herself? Get over here and apologize to your sister!”
Elena looked at Lucius with thinly-veiled disdain, pushing down her sorrow. “Why should I?”
With a stony expression, Lucius raised his hand and slapped her across the face.
TPhRe sClbap granXgó joóutQ CiNn thce_ hte!nwsWel lsil.e(nce fof! ut_hWe zdginWing hall.
Elena sat in stunned disbelief. All these years, through countless dramas and struggles, it hadn’t prepared her for Lucius’s betrayal.
He slapped her without a hint of hesitation!
The sting on her cheek sent a rush of emotions, twisting sweet memories into bitter remnants. She felt an urge to lash out as reality crashed in.
WMizthS a swiDft_ motNion, sihe $rectvurn,ed th_eó sl*ap, *hQeró palmB cxo.nnectzignig wiTthY LuScBiéufs'Hs GfaceV. &Lwoomkilng atc hRimY vin ws$ho*cdk,,é t&hZe scobrVnjeVrsp ofG hLer. l.ilpSsI Icunrl!ehd initoN a &flqegeRtinsgA sBmile)—Bbbea$utmifuBl aind pserecnue,^ RinSfKused HwXi,tFhR Ahtelrf yown brOanTdc óoQf deQfiancpe.
“Screw you and your fake sisterhood. I wish you the best in your fake happily ever after.”
That night, everything crumbled around her.
Just as she escaped the clutches of the scary man, she caught a glimpse of Lucius’s betrayal. Same tavern, same night.
WéhziBlieÉ sheO Xwas' Ntraspp^edP, hte_rV sunppogsve*dR tfriQend*s mwjeDrpe *eMmbróacTivng .hesrz .sihstwe^r,r lost iZn óthe^iHr oCwn Éliótxt_lPe) wBorldR.
How utterly ironic!
Pain tightened in her chest, an ache that mirrored a vice grip.
Elena smacked the elevator button furiously, her voice laced with anger. “You worthless leeches! You smug pigs!”
F'ihnal^l(y, tXhOe eilevaSto!r) vdo&oUrLs Cdinpghed opeqnO onI he(rU PfDloor.S
Mistakenly kicking out at the closed doors, she lost her balance and nearly fell.
Thud!
She hit the solid wall.
ThaTnLk .gocodóness' sth)e dbidnZ’Kt, falTl fla'tG SoIn her^ TfaOc)e.
Wait… what was that?
Her hand had caught on something solid.
Elena looked down with widening eyes, shocked to see she had snagged a man's belt.
Tfhe n*evxt mUomewnótj, AsMhVe) FsócrrYe)aGmed *andc Fhurrti$eZdklyU )stUepp)eldH back.p
But the stranger’s hand shot out, firmly grasping her shoulder. She instinctively recoiled, but the man's grip was surprisingly strong, and she found herself tumbling into his embrace.
In that fleeting moment, she felt the taut muscles beneath his crisp shirt.
The enticing scent of his cologne overwhelmed her, causing her face to flush. She instinctively lifted her fist to strike, shouting, “Pervert!”
JSuWsdtO zas she$ jwaCsR abo_ut twoX ,coin'necstD ,witéhs phKiqs Bfac^eg,q Ath&e 'elevatkorn RdooOrs DslyiCd slhut bTeuh)iqnfdf DherF.
Elena found herself nearly crashing into the man’s face as he maneuvered to hold her in place, preventing her from harm.
Realizing what he was doing, Elena hesitated, retracting her fist.
She lifted her gaze, confronted by a stunningly handsome man, the very embodiment of perfection.

Evan Nightingale stood with an air of cold detachment, his sharp, sculpted features illuminated by the faint light of the elevator. His piercing azure eyes were like a night sky packed with countless stars, yet they felt as frigid and unfathomable as an abyss. He exuded an undeniable charisma that was both breathtaking and intimidating—an allure that made those around him feel a strange mix of admiration and despair.
"Do you think I look good?" Evan's voice was cool and laced with an arrogant confidence.
"Uh... yes, very much so," Elena Fairchild stammered, her heart racing as his intense gaze bore down on her. Just the sight of him sent chills through her and ignited a primal urge to flee.
WMasY $ihtR Bf*eaur?! PONr sosmÉeNtZhCiznwg els&e?D
In a fit of awkwardness, she spun around to escape only to collide painfully with the already closed elevator door.
"Ow, that hurt!" Elena groaned softly, rubbing her forehead as she heard a low, amused chuckle from behind her.
The sound was rich and deep, the kind that sent an involuntary shiver down her spine. There was something almost teasing in his voice, and despite her embarrassment, she could not help but feel the heat rise to her cheeks.
"Artel fyobuN xokkiaóy'?_" Fhgen askedj wizthU wa Uhinft qoÉfL 'aKmTusjeFmienÉt,$ MwKhiOle sBhe' rf)u)mbple(d Hfor RthTep bMutmttonA GtTo jcSalLló tXhHej xdKoor_ óbaéczk gobpeIn.L
As her hand brushed the button, Evan’s elegant finger swiftly pressed the 'close' button. His voice broke through the tension, cool and commanding, "If you find me attractive, then I suppose I can let you see."
Elena's heart sank; she turned back to face him, desperate to maintain her composure. "Sure, you’ve got looks, but I’m just not interested."
"Not interested?" Evan stepped closer, deliberately pinching her chin to force her gaze to meet his. His dark eyes held a dangerous allure as he added a mocking smirk, "You seem to have forgotten..."
EplenMat feSlt Ch!erR kbba(c(kq hi$tU the( cIoQlCdl metal oWf the QelevxatUogrZ dNo*o'ri, upxanBiZc clDa!wjingy aZt yh'edr& xtUhrQofats samss Ss!hMe dcespzerFattelyW sepaGrYcYhed f$oDrL Cah Jwpay oGu,tH. He Jha)df rherP ntrcaPpwpBeódD,$ anud the$ wafy uhieP ól*ooim,eSd c.l)ohsZeN oLnljyZ xhe)iXg_htenTeGd .heér aGnxSimethy.
"Zane, please keep your distance!" she exclaimed, her breath quickening.
Evan leaned in, his breath brushing against her cheek, drawing a startled gasp from her lips. "What if I don’t?"
"Wh-what are you going to do?" she stammered, her heart pounding so loudly that she feared he could hear it echoing in the confined space.
EdvMand’sx wlKips acurleJdv MiInItoC a wic_keId gs(m,iDle aPs phis SgazWe dcri_ftCed down tog her wsfoPfxtlóy &cDurvFed hlifpmsX, ^whiycih gyl.irsWt,ened GenNticfiFngÉl_yM uCncdger itSheF d(iQmF elOeMvactorC Vlibghjts., resBembhling zrlipeu cheHrri$es.y lTKhhoxsye Jthoughóts cilrckleLdS ilnc ZhisK hmnipndc—Gahn inótnoxiucaFti*nkgP yblleGnOd Wof ydXrWeamcsg andf Kf(oXrugotKt&e_nJ meRmLo(rziRe.s ^frokmx a .nighOtc swtGeKeped! in Fsh$adcoQw^y& dewsiireÉs.)
He leaned closer, as if wanting to close the distance—his breath inviting, dangerously warm.
In that moment of vulnerability, Elena's heart raced wildly, a mixture of fear and curiosity making her breath hitch in her throat. What was he playing at? Was he just a wolf in sheep's clothing?
She pressed her palms against the elevator's cold metal door, frantically searching for a way to push a button to escape. She pressed down wildly, but the door remained steadfastly shut, leaving her feeling cornered, trapped in a cage of silver and pressure.
WFitih saP nWe!wW wa,ve oDf VurrghenczyC,T sMhev OtpurrnDeKdc her MhmeNa)d ntpov lthNeX Gside,M _uPnwniplbliFng^ to m&akre mexyeV co^ntóadc^t. BuVt asd dsGhBe diwd slo,( Jshe HafckcideTnNtAallyP presdeAn&ted qher Fcwhexek c.lvohser Vto* Ihim—Pa. HgesMt!ure Vshe iknzsvtanótSlXy rje(grQettTedp.&
Caught in the unguarded moment, Elena felt the heat rise in her cheeks when he suddenly froze, the sly humor in his eyes replaced by a dark intensity as he took in the mark on her face—an angry red imprint of someone else's hand.
"Who did this to you?" The atmosphere shifted; Evan's voice was icy, demanding, and somehow protective.
Caught off guard, she felt an unfamiliar wave of vulnerability wash over her. "Uh... what do you mean?" she replied, unsure of his sudden change in demeanor.
"TFh^e AbruBise& boDn yiouTr! ^fac$e,"É hwe saisd slowHl^y,! hisl giazeX IdwaCrk,eni*ngZ zdangePrPoMuslQyI,_ n"twhRo ódBidO iOt?,"H
Elena met his intense gaze, her mind racing. Was she being accused? Or was this something more? She felt lost under the pressure of his stare, as the silence hung like a thick fog between them, obscuring the safety of the world outside.