Lily helped Thalia carry her bags up the stairs, careful not to bump into anything. The estate was quieter now, the other maids already gathered in the main hall, bowing politely as they helped Vicious with his luggage and greeted him with measured smiles.
Once inside Thalia's room, Lily began tidying her things, still keeping an eye on her. "So… how was it?" she asked softly, trying to sound casual. "I mean… the trip?"
Thalia chuckled lightly. "It was fine. Nothing too exciting. Just… routine, you know."
Lily hesitated, then continued, "You handled everything really well, though. You always do. Even when—" She bit her lip, fidgeting. "Even when it's hard."
"Thanks, Lily," Thalia said warmly. "I appreciate it."
The room fell into a comfortable quiet, the faint rustle of papers and soft thumps as Lily arranged Thalia's belongings filling the space.
Then there was a knock on the door.
"Thalia," Vicious voice called, calm but firm.
Before she could answer, the door opened and he stepped in, carrying an air of authority that seemed to fill the room.
"You're going to rest this afternoon," he said, walking closer. "No work. Don't even think about doing anything. If I find out you've tried, I'll be… mad."
Thalia lifted a brow. "Okay," she said softly.
"We've had a long trip," he continued, voice lowering just a fraction. "You can resume tomorrow. For today, you rest. Whatever you need, ask Lily—she'll bring it to you."
Thalia nodded. "Alright. Thank you."
Vicious gaze lingered on her for a moment, assessing her, and then he turned toward the door. But just before leaving, he paused. A slight, teasing smirk appeared on his lips. He winked, blew her a small kiss, and strode out.
Thalia shook her head and gave a faint hand gesture, signalling him to go already. Lily, meanwhile, focused on arranging her things, careful not to meet his eyes.
Thalia sat on the edge of her bed, brushing her hair in slow strokes
A knock sounded—quiet, almost hesitant.
Before she could answer, the door opened and Vicious stepped in, closing it behind him with a soft click. He didn't announce himself; he simply walked toward her with that calm, controlled presence that made her entire body tighten.
"You're still awake," he murmured.
Thalia lowered the brush. "I was about to lie down."
He nodded slowly, gaze sweeping over her as though confirming she wasn't hurt. "Good. I needed to check on you."
"That's… considerate of you," she said softly.
"Is it unusual?" he asked, stepping closer.
"A little," she admitted.
The corner of his mouth lifted, but only faintly. "You should get used to it."
Thalia blinked. "Why?"
He stopped in front of her, close enough that she had to tilt her head up to meet his eyes.
"Because I don't want anyone else caring for you when I should be the one doing it."
Her breath caught. "Victor…"
"I mean it," he continued, voice low but steady. "You don't have to understand it yet. I barely understand it myself. But I know I don't like seeing other people step into a place I—"
He paused, searching for the right word.
"A place I want."
Thalia's pulse quickened. "A place you want?"
"Yes," he said quietly. "And Soon I will occupy a big space in your heart where you will want me" His gaze softened, but the intensity remained. "But soon."
Her cheeks warmed. "Soon?"
He leaned closer, stopping just an inch from her face.
"I'm going to make you mine soon, Thalia," he whispered. "When the time is right."
She swallowed hard, her voice barely a breath. "You're very confident."
"Always," he murmured. "And when it comes to you… I have to be."
Silence fell between them, thick and warm.
Then, surprising her, Vicious reached out and gently took her wrist—only for a moment, only to feel her pulse beneath his fingers. His thumb brushed once along her skin, slow and deliberate.
"Your heart's racing," he said softly.
"That's your fault," she muttered.
He smirked
He released her hand, leaned down, and pressed a light, lingering kiss to her forehead. Warm. Soft. Intentional.
"Sleep well, Thalia."
She closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the imprint of his lips even after he pulled away.
He stepped back toward the door, hand on the knob, but paused.
"And don't overthink tonight," he added, voice low. "I meant every word."
Then he slipped out, closing the door behind him.
I'm going to make you mine soon.
She turned onto her side, pressing her face into her pillow.
"Ridiculous," she whispered to the empty room.
And yet her stomach fluttered uncontrollably
The next morning when she woke. She dressed quickly, smoothing her uniform, tying her hair neatly.
But the moment she stepped into the hallway, she saw him.
Vicious was at the end of the corridor, speaking to one of the senior maids. His tone was cold, clipped, impatient.
"That's not what I asked for," he said sharply. "Fix it."
"Yes, sir—of course, sir—"
He dismissed her with a slight tilt of his head, the maid practically running off.
Then he turned and saw Thalia.
And everything about him changed.
The tension in his shoulders eased.
The hardness around his eyes softened.
His expression shifted into something warm, quiet… and entirely focused on her.
"Morning," he said, voice low but noticeably gentler.
Thalia blinked. "Morning."
"You slept well?" he asked.
She hesitated. "Um… yes."
He scanned her face, as if checking for any sign she hadn't. "Good."
His voice held warmth meant for her alone.
Another maid approached timidly. "Sir, the gardener needs..."
Vicious didn't even look at her. "Later."
The maid flinched and stepped back.
Thalia frowned. "You're being harsh today."
He raised a brow. "Am I?"
"Yes."
He stepped closer, just enough that she felt the air shift. "I'm not harsh with you."
"That's not the point."
"It is to me."
She opened her mouth to argue, but before she could, Lily hurried up the hall with a basket of fresh linens. The moment she saw Vicious, she froze.
"G‑good morning, sir," Lily whispered.
He nodded once, indifferent.
Then Lily turned to Thalia—eyes widening, voice instantly bright and relieved.
"Thalia, Good morning how are you
Good morning to you too Thalia laughed softly. "Lily, I'm fine."
Vicious watched them quietly… and a little too intently and walked out.
Lily lowered her voice and whispered near Thalia's ear, "He's acting strange today. Even scarier. But… nicer to you."
Thalia felt a heat rise in her cheeks. "Lily"
"What happened last night?" Lily demanded in a whisper. "You came home with him looking like a storm cloud in human form and now—now he's—he's—"
Thalia's eyes widened. "Lily!"
Lily clamped her lips shut, but her gaze darted between the two of them, suspicion and curiosity bouncing in every direction.
Vicious finally spoke.
"Thalia."
She turned.
"Come with me."
His tone wasn't commanding this time
Lily stared at her like go, GO, OH MY GOD GO.
Thalia swallowed and nodded.