Chapter 9: Seraphines Resolve
The stars shimmered cold and distant above, scattered across the endless velvet of the night sky. A gentle breeze rustled the sheer curtains behind them as Seraphine stood at the edge of her balcony, dressed in a flowing silver nightgown that shimmered faintly under the moonlight. Her Silver hair, slightly tousled, swayed with the wind as she leaned against the marble railing, her gaze locked on the cosmos as though searching for something lost.
"My Champion," she said softly, not turning to look at him, "what has you feeling so down?"
Lucy shifted awkwardly a few steps behind her. He'd always found it impossible not to stare at her—how could anyone not? But tonight, that usual awe was tangled with something heavier. Doubt. Hesitation. Unease.
Still, he masked it the best he could.
"Me? Down?" He chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "No way. I'm super happy. Sunshine and rainbows." His smile felt hollow, even to himself. "Though I, uh... I did want to ask why you summoned me."
The words tumbled out quickly—too quickly. He was hoping to keep things light and over with.
Seraphine glanced back, her expression unreadable, then let out a delicate giggle, pressing her fingers to her lips.
"It's not very wise to lie to a god, you know," she said, her voice playful but edged with quiet knowing.
Lucy's heart skipped a beat. His laugh followed a moment later, forced and uneven.
'She's toying with me.'
Before he could respond, her voice cut in—softer now, more sincere.