Layla's footsteps faded as she followed Dorian into the corridor, their figures swallowed by the dim light until only silence remained.
Iman lingered, her eyes fixed on the empty hallway, worry tugging at her chest. Before she could speak, Lucien's voice broke the quiet, low and steady.
"Let them go," he murmured "She'll be safe with him."
Reluctantly, Iman followed him onto the balcony. The night air wrapped around her, cool and sharp, carrying the scent of stone and shadow. Moonlight spilled across the railing, painting Lucien in silver.
He leaned against the stone, his eyes glinting. "You clung to me back there," he said softly, teasing but gentler than usual.
Iman flushed, defensive. "I was scared. That's all."
Lucien tilted his head, his smile deepening. "Fear doesn't make you hold someone like that. You felt safe with me."
Her chest tightened. She wanted to deny it, but the truth lingered. Then his voice shifted, softer still, almost admiring.
"Layla... she's braver than she looks," Lucien said, his tone warm and gentle. "Even when she's afraid, she tries to stand her ground. That kind of spirit is rare."
Iman's eye's narrowed, jealousy sparking. "You spoke to her in that soft voice too. And now you're praising her."
Lucien turned his gaze fully on her, locking eyes. The air between them thickened, charged.
"Ah... so you noticed," he whispered, holding her stare. "But don't mistake praise for preference. She may be brave, but you... you're the one who brings me to my knees. You're the one I can't ignore."
Iman's breath caught, her jealousy tangled with confusion. She broke eye contact and turned, trying to walk away - her steps quick, almost a run.
But before she could escape, Lucien's hand shot out. He caught her wrist, pulling her back with sudden strength. When she resisted, he drew her closer, his arm sliding around her waist, holding her firmly against him.
"Don't run from me," he murmured, his voice low, almost pleading. "You'll only make it harder."
Iman froze, her racing at the closeness, her jealousy now tangled with far more dangerous - the pull she couldn't deny.
"Let me go," she whispered, though her voice trembled more than she wanted.
Lucien's grip eased, but his hand remained at her waist, steady. "If I let you go now, you'll run. And I can't let that happen."
Their gazes clashed again, the silence between them heavy, charged.
Iman's voice broke, raw. "And if I give you that chance? What if you hurt me?"
Lucien's smirk faded into something gentler, almost vulnerable. "Then I'll spend every moment proving I won't. I don't want your fear, Iman. I want your trust."
For a heartbeat she searched his eyes, looking for deception. Instead, she found sincerity - raw, unguarded.
Her voice was barely a whisper. "Then... maybe we can give each other a chance."
Lucien's lips curved, not in mockery but in quiet relief. "A chance is all I ask."
The night air wrapped around them, cool and sharp, but the warmth between them was undeniable. For the first time, Iman didn't pull away.