Love At First Death

Elysia wandered back into the grand dining hall, her head buzzing with thoughts about the castle's secrets. Damien's words lingered in her mind, but not enough to deter her curiosity. She plopped onto one of the enormous chairs at the end of the table, letting out a frustrated sigh.

"I swear, if I don't find someone else to talk to soon, I'm going to start naming the furniture," she muttered.

As if the universe had heard her, the massive oak doors at the far end of the hall creaked open. Her head shot up, expecting Damien's towering figure and signature glare. But instead, a new figure stepped through, and her jaw nearly dropped.

The man who entered was a stark contrast to Damien. His hair was golden, catching the light like a halo, and his eyes sparkled with mischief. He wore a casual smile that could disarm even the most guarded heart, paired with an effortlessly elegant demeanor.

"Ah, so this is the famous Elysia I've heard so much about," he said, his voice smooth as silk.

Elysia blinked, thrown off guard. "Um, who are you?"

The man stepped closer, his movements fluid and unhurried. "Forgive my intrusion. I'm Lucian," he said, bowing slightly. "A... friend of Damien's. He's told me quite a bit about you."

Elysia raised an eyebrow. "Friend? Damien doesn't seem like the 'friend' type."

Lucian chuckled, the sound light and melodious. "You're not wrong. Let's just say we have... mutual interests. I thought it was about time I met the girl causing all the chaos around here."

"Chaos?" Elysia repeated, crossing her arms. "I think you've got the wrong person."

Lucian smirked, his gaze lingering on her just a moment too long. "Oh, I doubt that." He glanced around the room, his expression turning mockingly thoughtful. "You know, this place is rather dreary. Don't you think?"

Before she could respond, Damien's voice cut through the air like a blade. "Lucian."

Elysia jumped, turning to see Damien standing in the doorway, his expression colder than usual. He looked at Lucian with the kind of disdain one reserved for particularly unpleasant surprises.

"Damien," Lucian greeted him with an easy smile. "You didn't tell me she was so charming."

Damien's jaw tightened, and he stepped forward, placing himself between Elysia and Lucian. "What are you doing here?"

Lucian shrugged, his grin unfaltering. "Just paying a visit. You've been so secretive lately, I couldn't help but be curious. And now I see why."

Elysia glanced between the two men, sensing an undercurrent of tension that was almost palpable. Damien's usual stoicism seemed to waver, his icy demeanor cracking ever so slightly under Lucian's casual charm.

"Elysia," Damien said, his voice firm but softer when directed at her. "Go to your room."

She frowned. "Excuse me? I'm not a kid."

Lucian chuckled, clearly amused. "She's got a spark, doesn't she? I can see why you're keeping her hidden away."

Damien shot him a glare so sharp it could cut stone. "Enough."

Elysia crossed her arms, stubbornness flaring. "I think I'll stay right here, thanks. If you two have something to say, I'd rather not be left out of it."

Lucian tilted his head, studying her with an intrigued smile. "I like her. She's bold."

Damien's hand clenched into a fist at his side, but he quickly masked it. "Stay away from her, Lucian."

Lucian raised his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, old friend. I'm just being friendly." He winked at Elysia. "Though, if you ever want someone less... brooding to talk to, I'm always around."

"Lucian." Damien's voice was a warning, and for the first time, Lucian's smile faltered ever so slightly.

Elysia, however, couldn't help but smirk. "You two seem like you've got a lot to work out. I'll just... go explore some more."

Damien shot her a look, one that said, Don't you dare. But Elysia, emboldened by the presence of someone who wasn't perpetually scowling, turned on her heel and left the room, leaving the two men to their silent battle of wills.

As she walked down the hall, she couldn't shake the feeling that Lucian's charming exterior was hiding something far more dangerous. But for now, she was just grateful to have someone who wasn't constantly telling her what to do.

Back in the dining hall, Damien and Lucian stood in tense silence.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Lucian," Damien said finally, his voice low and threatening.

Lucian's smile returned, but it didn't reach his eyes. "And you're playing with fire, Damien. Let's see who gets burned first."