SCENE Ari slowly stirred as the morning light filtered through the curtains. Her body still felt drained, her senses foggy from the thirst she'd struggled to control the night before. The vivid memory of nearly sinking her teeth into Rowan's neck flooded her mind, and guilt twisted in her chest. She couldn't believe she'd almost lost control—even with him, the one person who had always stood by her, protecting her, supporting her. Tears began to sting her eyes, and she shut them tightly, trying to will the emotions away. She couldn't face Rowan. Not after everything. Just as she turned slightly, pretending to still be asleep, she heard the familiar soft creak of the door opening. Her heart skipped a beat as she sensed Rowan's presence beside her. "Ari," his voice was soft, but it carried that calm authority only someone like him could command. "Look at me." She kept her eyes closed for a moment longer, hiding from the shame pressing down on her chest. Finally, she opened them, meeting his gaze. The sorrow in her eyes was impossible to hide. "I'm so sorry," she whispered, voice trembling. "I didn't mean to… I just couldn't control it. It was like something else took over me. I didn't want to hurt you, Rowan." Rowan gave her a gentle smile, brushing her hair away from her face with quiet affection. "Ari, there's no need to apologize." His expression softened, and the warmth in his voice calmed her storming thoughts. "You only wanted to drink my blood because you like me, right? As a friend, I mean." Ari hesitated, her heart tightening with emotion. She didn't know how to explain the mix of hunger, guilt, and care that brewed inside her. After a moment, she nodded, exhaling deeply. "Yes, I do, Rowan. I'm sorry… I shouldn't have been so careless." Rowan chuckled under his breath, a teasing smirk curling his lips. "You know, if you really want… you can bite me whenever you like, Ari. You've already tasted it, haven't you?" He arched an eyebrow, the light teasing in his voice hiding a deeper, protective tone. Ari blinked at him, stunned, her cheeks coloring with confusion and disbelief. "W-what?" she stammered. Rowan leaned in a little, his voice still playful but steady. "I mean it. It's just a bite, right? You're still my friend. That doesn't change." Her heart raced. She didn't know how to respond—torn between embarrassment, confusion, and a strange comfort in his easy acceptance. Rowan's calm, his loyalty, his warmth… they always made her feel safe. "I… I don't know if I can," she murmured, looking away. "But thank you for being so understanding." Rowan's smile deepened, his violet eyes soft with something unwavering. "I know, Ari. We'll figure this out. Together."
SCENE The garden was bathed in the golden hues of evening, the sky painted with streaks of pink and amber as the sun began its descent. Ari wandered through the flowering hedges, her violet cloak trailing behind her like a whisper. She paused beneath an arch of blooming jasmine, her senses tingling with the familiar presence that crept behind her like dusk. Lucian emerged from the shadows, hands tucked casually into the pockets of his coat, a lazy smirk curling at his lips. His crimson eyes gleamed when they settled on her—amused, curious, and just slightly predatory. Ari turned to face him, stepping forward with calm elegance, though her heart fluttered faintly in her chest. "Lucian," she said softly, "I wanted to thank you… for yesterday. I… I loved your blood." Lucian's smirk widened, a low, amused chuckle vibrating in his throat. "No problem, you drunkard," he teased, tilting his head with playful grace. "I had pleasure. Honestly, you almost drained me dry, my flame. I didn't know you had such thirst in you." Ari rolled her eyes, but a reluctant smile curved her lips. "I didn't know either… I'm sorry if I scared you." "Scared me?" Lucian stepped closer, his tone dropping into something smooth and slow. "Ari, you excite me." His gaze dipped to her lips, lingering there with a heated silence. "There's something about the way you surrender… even while trying so hard to resist me." Ari's breath hitched lightly. "You're dangerous," she murmured. Lucian leaned in, close enough for her to catch that intoxicating scent of dusk and roses that always clung to him. "And you," he whispered, "are deliciously reckless." Her cheeks warmed, but she didn't back away. Instead, she looked up at him and said with a soft grin, "Careful, Lucian… I might take another bite." He chuckled low in his chest, eyes glinting with a spark of something dark and eager. "I dare you, my flame."
SCENE 162The next morning dawned bright and gentle, with golden sunlight spilling through Ari's balcony. After everything, she craved simplicity—peace. Wearing a soft lavender gown and a light hood over her head, she slipped into the village streets with a small pouch of gold. She visited her favorite little perfume shop first, where the elderly lady greeted her warmly. "Ah, Princess Ari! Back for the jasmine and rose again?" Ari smiled brightly. "Always. And I'll take the vanilla one too, for Flora." With her satchel full of delicate perfume bottles, she made her way through the town square, stopping at local bakeries and fruit stalls. She picked up honey cakes, sweet rolls, and juicy berries—her arms full of love. By midday, she had arrived at the palace gardens where children from nearby villages had gathered for storytelling and games. Ari knelt to their level, handing them treats and laughing as their eyes lit up. "Here," she said, placing a tiny cake in a little girl's hands, "Don't eat it all at once!" She sprayed a little perfume on a handkerchief and gave it to another child who had never smelled anything so sweet. Their laughter echoed around her like music, and for a moment, all was well. Her heart felt light. Lucian would've smirked at her softness—but she liked being this way.
SCENE 163As twilight painted the sky with hues of amber and violet, the grand library of the palace fell into hushed stillness. Most of the nobles had retreated to their rooms, and Ari wandered in, drawn by the scent of old parchment and the comfort of quiet. She traced her gloved fingers along the shelves, her mind relaxed. The velvet curtains swayed gently as the breeze whispered through the tall windows. Suddenly, she felt a presence. Lucian appeared like a shadow out of moonlight, leaning against a pillar between two tall shelves, arms crossed, that familiar smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Found you, my flame," he said, his voice low and silk-smooth. Ari turned, half startled, half expecting him. "Lucian… you always appear when it's quiet." He walked closer, slow and graceful like a feline. "That's when you're most honest. Most yourself." Ari looked down, brushing her fingers over a book's spine. "You're trouble." "And you still let me in," he whispered, now just inches from her. She felt the heat of his presence, the tension crackling softly between them. He reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "You wore the scent I gave you," he noted, leaning in closer. "Jasmine... and rose." Ari's breath hitched as his fingers brushed along her jawline. "I missed you today," he said, his voice dark with longing. "I was… busy," she replied softly. Lucian stepped even closer, his hands sliding around her waist, locking her gently between him and the shelf. "Busy giving cakes to children?" he teased with a knowing smirk. Ari blushed. "You were spying on me." "I only watch when I miss you." He leaned in, his lips brushing the side of her neck, just near the scar. She tensed—but didn't move away. His breath was warm. "Don't worry… I won't bite… not unless you beg for it." Ari's eyes fluttered shut, heart pounding. "Lucian…" His lips barely touched hers. "Say the word, and I'll leave." Ari's breath caught for a moment—but then she opened her eyes, gently placing her hand on Lucian's chest, holding him back. "No, Lucian…" she whispered, voice soft but firm. "Not like this… not here." Lucian blinked, surprised by the resistance. "You really do enjoy testing my control, don't you?" he said with a charming chuckle, stepping back slightly, but his smirk lingered. Ari straightened her posture and took a small breath. "I'm not a toy for your amusement, and I'm not someone you can seduce whenever you feel like it." Lucian raised a brow, amused. "Oh? Then what are you?" She looked up at him, bold and graceful. "Someone who deserves more than stolen moments in the shadows. If you truly want me, Lucian… then earn me." That struck him. The smirk faded just a little, replaced with something deeper—respect, perhaps. He reached for her hand, kissed the back of it lightly, and said, "You wound me, flame… but I like it." And with a flutter of his dark coat, he vanished into the shadows again—leaving her heart beating fast in the quiet library, the faint scent of his cologne lingering in the air.