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The moon shone brightly above the estate, only to be overshadowed later, as black clouds drifted across the ink-dark sky.
Lucian stood near the lake's edge. The cold of the night seeped through his thick blue birthday coat, but he barely noticed.
He wrapped one arm around himself for warmth, eyes fixed on the sky, wide with anticipation. While the other arm was stretched out instinctively, fingers slightly curled.
Waiting…
Tonight, it was supposed to snow.
But the only thing he could see were clouds.
He had slipped away from his birthday celebration, just to witness the first snowfall, which his mother had said otherwise.
But still, Lucian was stubborn. He wasn't going to give up easily
The soft whisper of the breeze and the chirping of crickets could be heard around, but they were faintly overshadowed by the distant echoes of music that came from the main building.
Suddenly, a sound stirred from behind him. Coming from the bush.
Lucian turned sharply. "Who is there?" His voice cut through the cold quiet. But no answer came.
Only a quick rustle of the bushes.
Lucian hesitated, then quickly slipped out a small pocket knife with a silver dragon crest on it, from the concealed lining of his coat. His fingers curled around it. Cold and unsteady.
He took a deep breath, and slowly stepped closer. His footsteps, careful against the soft earth.
The rustle grew louder than before, making him hesitate.
Suddenly a sharp cry pierced the night, coming from the direction of the mansion. Lucian's head snapped towards the sound, his pulse quickening.
But when he turned back, a squirrel leapt from the underbush, startling him. He stumbled, his feet slipping and plunged into the icy water.
The splash echoed, but none was around to hear. Lucian thrashed, gasping, biting the frigid water. Each breath felt like fire in his lungs. The cold seeped into his bones, as he cried out for help. But only the wind and the faint rustle of leaves answered.
And then, for a moment, his eyes caught a streak of yellow and orange, flickering across the dark sky.
Then, the lake pulled him down, slow and rentless. He sank deeper into the chilling abyss, the water quickly closing around him and the world above slowly blurred into a dim.
Suddenly, a cold hand pulled him up.
She clenched her teeth against the icy chill that still clung to her body.
Then collapsed beside him, shivering. Her gaze fell on Lucian. Leaning over his chest, she realized… he wasn't breathing.
Panic flooded her. Quickly, she clasped her hands together and pressed firmly and repeatedly against his chest.
Finally Lucian jolted upright, coughing, his consciousness still hazy. His eyes barely opened and his body trembled from the cold night air.
His gaze caught a glimpse of her hair. His arms, weak from thrashing in the water, reached out to hold her, but grabbed something else.
A piece of cloth. Warm.
"Aleena!" A voice called.
Her head snapped towards the sound. "Lady Celestine?" She called back, slowly rising from the grass.
Lucian couldn't make out the words being exchanged, but in an instant, his savior was gone. Disappearing into the forest, under the cover of the night.
A warm hand still held onto him. "It's okay now… you're safe," she said softly. Yet his hazy gaze remained fixed on the sky. Thick grey clouds gathered above, and then—
The snow began to fall. Mingling with flickers of yellow and grey, as it landed on the ground.
And Lucian fell unconscious.
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Ray slumped into her seat, head slightly bent, exhausted from the constant chatter that stabbed through one ear and slipped uselessly out the other.
She had somehow found herself trapped in the midst of noble ladies. Smiling, having idle chatter, sipping hot bitter tea, that's apparently meant to burn out toxins and preserve youth.
Despite her pleas, Nanny Elara had insisted she attend. Claiming more ladies had begun spreading false rumors—The duke had truly rejected her. And that's why Celestine had refused to show face.
And so Ray sat through it all.
The whispers, the sideways glances and the smiles that never reached their eyes.
But someone noticed Ray's calmness.
"Are you feeling unwell, Lady Celestine?." A young lady asked softly. Apparently a wealthy merchant's daughter. "You've been rather quiet." she said.
Before Ray could respond, a noble lady with short brown hair laughed lightly. "Oh… haven't you heard," she said. " Some news has a way of….humbling people."
A ripple of quiet interest spread across the table.
Ray felt it immediately, the stares, the curiosity dressed as sympathy.
And she scoffed in disbelief, then lifted her tea cup unfazed.
As if they weren't the ones spreading such rumors in the first place. Serpents in green grass, hissing softly while pretending to be saints. And now patiently waiting for a reaction.
Before the tension could bloom further, a calm voice spoke, grabbing Ray's sight.
"Lady Clarice," she said calmly, "such behaviors will not be tolerated in this gathering."
Silence filled the air, as all eyes fell on Clarice, nervously trying to defend herself, "I..i was only…"she stuttered.
"That's enough, lady Clarice." Jane dismissed gently. Clarice's body instantly stiffened, then she lowered her head in embarrassment.
"I apologize on behalf of my guest, Lady Celestine," Jane said smoothly. She was a red haired woman, with a gentle smile. Too gentle to be sincere.
"We should not be quick to believe rumors," Jane said lightly, lifting her teacup. "They are often spread by people who do not know any better."
Then took a sip, as her gaze drifted to a young Baron's daughter seated at the far end of the table.
"Isn't that right?"
The young girl froze. Her eyes flicked around the table before briefly settling on Celestine. Then she bowed her head. "O..of course, Lady Jane."
Satisfied, Jane returned to her chatter.
Jane Vanlengh, daughter of the duke of Voss and acting head of the Noble women association.
A role meant for a queen or crown princess. But the queen was dead, and the crown princess—did not exist. So the power had settled into Jane's hands. Many noble ladies believed she already held the position, she might as well become Crown princess. Gaining followers, who invested in hope that someday, the prince and her would be engaged.
To outsiders, the gathering looked like idle chatter over tea. But in truth, it was a hierarchy.
Jane sat at the center. Closest to her were the women she trusted, the ones who whispered into her ears. Farther down sat those she tolerated— some she hated or disliked, but knew she couldn't do much harm to.
People like me.
And at the very end, those she used to spread rumors— the Baron's daughter.
The old Celestine would have snapped by now and lashed out, punishing the Baron's s daughter, Maryanne for daring to speak. Because she knew, Jane was untouchable.
But Ray didn't care. She wasn't Celestine.
She took another sip of tea, unbothered. The bitter taste cooling into her mouth. Just then, Ray's gaze drifted.
Her attention slid past porcelain cups and polite smiles, towards the tall glass windows lining the hall.
A movement caught her eye.
Someone crossing the street outside. Tall, broad shouldered and unmistakable even at a distance.
Lucian.
He walked with confidence, long strides unhurried and a figure trailing a few steps behind him. A guard perhaps.
Ray's fingers tightened slightly around her teacup.
What is he doing here? She thought.
The question barely formed before an idea followed. At that same moment, the ladies' conversation shifted. "…we should do something more interesting," one of them said, fanning herself. "Sitting all day grows dull."
Ray snapped her head toward her words, quickly setting her cup down. "Why don't we go over there?" She said suddenly, pointing her hands and gesturing towards the window.
Heads turned.
"Over there?" Jane repeated calmly, her gaze following Celestine's finger. She read the faded sign across the street. "Vinrick Trinkets."
Her eyes then returned to Ray, curious but guarded. "And why there, Lady Celestine?"
Ray gave a light smile, harmless.
"Well…." She paused, as though considering. "I've heard they carry rather unusual items. It might be interesting."
It was a lie.
The truth was rather simple. She could have left on her own, but Elara's warning echoed loudly in her mind.
Leave before the gathering ends, and you'll never be invited again. Social death for a noble lady.
So she needed a reason, a group decision.
"I agree," the merchant's daughter spoke up eagerly. "If it's vinrick's, they may have rare pieces," she continued "We don't often get the chance."
Murmurs followed, and interest sparked. Their eyes shifted naturally to the head of the table.
Jane Vanlengh. But, she didn't answer immediately.
She observed the room over the rim of her teacup, measuring glances and weighing intent. Then her gaze lingered on Celestine just a second longer than necessary. A slow smile curved on her lips.
"Very well," Jane said at last. "Let's go together."
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Ray and the other ladies walked into the shop. Each closely behind, their helping maids. Although the building's exterior looked small, from within it was bigger than it seemed.
The lady's eyes scanned the room in awe. Observing each row and table of trinkets, gadgets and designs of each pattern, shape and sizes.
Just then a young man, probably in his late teens walked up to them. His grin wide, reaching his eyes.
Ray's gaze drifted lazily over the display as she replied, "We're simply Checking. Perhaps something will catch our interest."
"Then may I interest you in this perfune?" He asked, holding out a small crystal bottle towards her.
"No, thank you," Ray said politely. "If I find something I like, I'll call for you."
"Of course, my lady."
He withdrew at once, hurrying off toward another noblewoman who had begun examining one of the strange artifacts in the rows.
Ray hadn't lied. She was indeed searching for something of interest.
Or rather, someone.
Her gaze sharpened, tracking every movement in the shop. Then she saw it, a familiar silhouette that slipped through a narrow back door.
Lucian.
Without hesitation, Ray followed. But, didn't notice the lingering eyes of lady Jane on her— sharp, curious and calculating. Who also followed after her.
Turning a corner, Jane collided with someone solid.
"Ah!" The artifact she held and had forgotten to keep back on the shelf had slipped from her grasp, clattering against the floor.
"I'm so sorry," she apologized quickly. The man bent down, retrieving the dagger with care. His fingers turned it once, examining the craftmanship. "Fine artistry," he said calmly. "You have excellent taste."
Jane's attention, which had moments ago been fixed on Celestine, soon shifted at once. Finally she looked at the man.
Light hazel eyes, deep set and sharp. Skin the warm brown of sunlit sand. A presence that didn't ask to be noticed, but yet demanded attention.
Jane instinctively straightened.
"You speak as though you understand such things," she said coolly.
The corner of his lips curved. "I do." he said, saying nothing more, handing her the dagger, then walked away. Their shoulders carefully brushed.
Jane's gaze followed his movement, as he went the other way. Her eyes fixed on his broad shoulders from behind.
Ray on the other hand, had pulled Gaia along trying to sneak their way through the back door. But was instantly blocked by the same young man who had offered to help her pick something of interest.
"Strictly employees, my lady," he said. His arms stretched out restricting her.
Ray snapped her head back and forth repeatedly in wonder, how was he so fast, "weren't you just….there?" She asked, her forehead creased in confusion.
"No, my lady." He said emotionless, his face dull. "That was my twin brother." Ray looked closely and she could now see, there weren't the same person. Truly, this wasn't the bright young man that had offered her help a few moments ago.
"A friend of mine walked through there, can't I go in?" She asked calmly. Flipping her hair sideways, with bright cute eyes, hoping her charm would work.
"No!" He said plainly. "Employees only."
Turning away, attending to some customers.
"My lady, what do we do now?" Gaia asked.
For a second, Ray went silent. Then suddenly a smile tugged on her lips as a mischievous plan began to form in her mind.