Chapter 11 – A Taste of Something New
The morning sun filtered in through the pale curtains, bathing Aria's face in soft golden light. Her eyes fluttered open, heart pounding as memories of the night before crashed over her like a wave.
Lucien's kiss… His breath so close… The way he held her… the way he tasted her blood.
Her cheeks flushed a deep red as she shot up in bed. "What… what even happened last night?" she whispered to herself, clutching the covers to her chest. Her lips still tingled from the kiss. Her neck felt warm where his mouth had been. She was supposed to hate him, wasn't she? But now...
That was when she noticed it. A small tray placed carefully on her bedside table. A breakfast—warm croissants, fresh strawberries, and a steaming cup of coffee—laid out like a silent promise.
Her fingers trembled as she reached for it. "He… brought me breakfast?" she murmured in disbelief. "Lucien?"
Just as she was about to take a bite, a knock echoed through her dorm.
She stood quickly and opened the door to see Lucien standing there in his usual cold, stoic aura—but his crimson eyes flickered with something soft.
"You're awake," he said.
"Y-Yeah..." she stammered, stepping aside.
He stepped in without being asked. "Get ready. I'm taking you out."
Her eyes widened. "W-What? Where?"
"Just... get dressed," he said, eyes averting. "You can't stay cooped up here all day."
Minutes later, she was walking beside him, both silent until he suddenly took her hand.
Her heart nearly exploded.
"Lucien… why are you acting like this?"
He didn't look at her. "I don't know," he muttered. "You confuse me. You were supposed to be my blood slave… Just that. But now…"
She glanced up at him. "But now?"
He stopped walking, facing her. They were standing in front of a small café at the edge of the forest—quiet, tucked away, beautiful. He led her inside and pulled out a chair for her.
Aria was stunned. "You're being… gentle."
He sat across from her, fingers laced under his chin. "Don't get used to it."
She laughed softly. "Too late."
The waiter brought their order. She nibbled on a croissant while Lucien merely watched her, his intense gaze never leaving her face.
"You're blushing," he commented.
"I'm not!" she defended quickly, her cheeks burning deeper.
"You are," he smirked, leaning closer. "And your heartbeat—it's fast."
"Lucien—"
"Why do I like that?" he whispered, almost to himself.
She blinked. "Like what?"
"The way you look at me. The way your body reacts to mine. It's addictive."
She choked slightly on her food. "Y-You're insane."
"Possibly," he said with a devilish grin. "But I can't stop thinking about your blood… or your lips."
Her fork clattered onto the plate.
Lucien stood slowly, walked around the table, and knelt beside her chair.
Her breath hitched. "Lucien… w-what are you—"
He gently cupped her cheek, crimson eyes locked with hers. "Let me kiss you again."
"Lucien—"
"I'll ask," he said firmly. "But I won't beg."
Her throat tightened. "I don't know if it's smart…"
He leaned in closer. "Then don't think."
And with that, their lips met—softer this time, more careful, but no less intense. His hands rested on her hips, and her fingers found their way to his shirt, gripping it tightly.
When he finally pulled back, he whispered against her lips, "You're dangerous, Aria. More than any vampire I've ever met."
She whispered back, "Then you should stay away."
"I can't."
They stayed like that, forehead to forehead, hearts thundering.
"You'll ruin me," he said, voice low.
"You've already ruined me," she replied.
He smirked. "Perfect."
As they walked back toward the academy, fingers brushing, silence wrapped around them. Not an awkward silence—but one that held a promise neither dared to speak aloud.
And somewhere deep down, Aria knew this wasn't just about blood anymore. Not for him. Not for her.
Something had changed. Something that would be impossible to undo.