Chapter 31: Collision of Worlds
Ruelle stood outside Lucian’s door, staring at the handle as if it might bite her. Her heart thudded heavily in her chest.
To her side, her belongings were piled neatly at the entrance. She had agreed to this arrangement, but the thought of sharing a room with Lucian Slater was far from comforting. She hadn’t even had the chance to thank him properly—he had immediately left Mr. Mortis’ office without a word.
Just breathe, she told herself, her hand hovering over the door handle. He probably already thought she was a nuisance.
Ruelle hesitated for another moment before finally pushing the door open. The room was dim, the faint light from the hallway casting long shadows. Lucian was absent, and she released a breath.
How had Mr. S even convinced him to let her stay here? She wondered. She had been so sure he would refuse outright.
As she entered the room, hesitantly taking a step, she noticed—Lucian’s room was nothing like hers or Hailey’s room. It was larger than she expected. Dark, sleek furniture dominated the space, with shelves lined with meticulously ordered books and cabinets. Heavy velvet curtains hung across the windows. In one corner, a single bed, draped in black silk sheets, lay against the wall. It was as cold and unwelcoming as its owner.
A shiver ran down her spine as the icy air settled around her. The fireplace was nothing more than an empty, cold relic. Ruelle quickly moved her things inside and shut the door softly behind her. She wanted to let Hailey know she was safe, but the thought of running into Alanna kept her rooted to the spot.
"I’ll tell her tomorrow," she whispered to herself. She hurried to light a few candles to chase away the gloom.
Her eyes darted to the lone bed in the room. It was obviously Lucian’s, and the thought of lying there made her stomach twist with anxiety. She wasn’t going to share the bed with a man. Grabbing a blanket from her belongings, she spread it across the floor, trying to make herself comfortable. The cold seeped through the stone floor, chilling her even as she curled.
Her thoughts swirled with uncertainty and guilt. And though she tried to fall asleep, it was difficult knowing she was rooming with a male.
The next morning, Ruelle woke up early with light filtering in through the cracks in the curtains. Her back didn’t ache as she sat upright, as she was used to the floor.