Chapter 9: Moonlit Temptation
The ball continued in full swing—vampires in velvet gowns and tailored suits twirling across the grand marble floor, chandeliers glittering above like stars frozen in crystal. Music swelled, laughter echoed, and Aria stood by the edge of it all, feeling like a doll placed in the wrong box.
She was tired. Every movement, every fake smile, every step in heels she wasn't used to—it drained her.
Lucien had barely spoken a word since giving her the dress. He was cold. Observing her from afar like a predator watching its prey. But now, he noticed. He saw her falter, her posture soften, her hands trembling slightly as she leaned against one of the pillars near the ballroom doors.
He walked up to her. Silent. Swift. And then, without a word, took her hand.
"W-What are you doing?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"You look like you're about to collapse," he said, eyes narrowing. "You're useless if you faint in front of everyone."
Aria frowned, snatching her hand back slightly. "I didn't ask you to—"
"Follow me."
He didn't give her a choice. He led her out of the hall, down a quiet path lined with glowing lanterns and ivy-covered walls. The academy grounds shimmered under the moonlight, and at the end of the path stood a silver fountain, water cascading over its elegant stone lips.
The night air kissed her skin, cool and soothing, a stark contrast to the stuffy tension inside the ballroom.
Lucien turned to her, his face unreadable. Then… he stepped closer.
"Lucien…?"
He didn't answer. Instead, his hand reached out and gently rested on her waist. Her breath caught.
"What… what are you doing?" she asked again, this time more breathless.
He took her other hand, placing it against his chest. "You didn't finish the last dance."
"We never started it…"
"I want to finish it."
The soft music from the ballroom drifted faintly into the night. Under the moonlight, he began to sway with her, guiding her into a slow, intimate dance.
She didn't know how to react. Her heart was pounding. This wasn't the cold, unfeeling vampire she'd come to know. This Lucien… he was something else.
He stared at her—his gaze intense, hungry, and tired.
"You confuse me," he said quietly.
"Good," she replied with a weak laugh, trying to ease the pressure building between them.
His hand on her waist tightened slightly. "Don't laugh. I'm being serious."
"Since when do you get confused?"
"Since I met you."
There was silence. Only the gentle splash of the fountain and the rhythm of their steps.
"I'm trying…" he whispered.
"Trying what?"
"Not to hurt you."
Aria stopped moving. "Lucien…?"
His eyes—normally cold silver—were now glowing a faint red. Not the wild red of bloodlust… but the kind that flickered in restraint.
"I shouldn't have brought you here," he muttered, voice low. "This world… it doesn't deserve someone like you."
"Then why did you?" she asked.
His jaw clenched. "Because I'm selfish."
"Lucien…"
"I'm trying so hard," he admitted. "To not drink from you. To not taste you. Do you even understand what you do to me?"
Her lips parted in surprise. Her heartbeat spiked.
"You're lying…" she whispered.
"I wish I was."
He stepped closer—so close she could feel the chill of his breath, smell the faint metallic undertone of his skin.
"I want to kiss you," he said bluntly. "May I?"
Aria froze. "I-I… No. This isn't—"
"Look at me," he said, voice low and commanding.
She looked.
His red eyes weren't just glowing—they were pleading.
"I won't take anything you won't give," he said. "But I'm asking you… for one moment. Not because of blood, not because of power. Just because I want to know what it feels like to be close to something warm."
Her heart thudded loudly in her chest. She wanted to say no. She should say no. But her voice was gone.
He leaned in slowly, so slowly it felt like the world stopped moving. His forehead rested against hers, and his breath mingled with hers.
"May I?" he whispered again.
She hesitated. His hands were still at her waist, gentle but trembling. Her body trembled too. But she couldn't say no. Not with his eyes looking at her like that.
"…Yes."
His lips met hers.
It was soft. Painfully slow. Like he was afraid he'd break her. Like he was afraid he would break.
And then he pulled back. Barely.
"That's enough," he said, voice thick. "Go back to your room."
"Lucien…" she whispered.
But he turned away.
"Before I lose my control," he muttered, disappearing into the shadows.