Chapter 49: When Chaos steps in
Every flicker of torchlight seemed to sharpen the planes of Lucian’s face, casting shadows that deepened the glint of red in his eyes. His irritation simmered beneath the surface, quiet but undeniably present.
"Lucian," Anthony stammered, his earlier confidence unraveling like loose threads. His hand twitched at his side—a small betrayal of his unease. "I didn’t realise you were acquainted with the lady. I meant no disrespect."
"Leave," Lucian commanded. The single word carried an authority, the kind that brooked no argument. His lips barely moved, but the weight of his presence seemed to deepen the dimness around them.
Ruelle’s breath hitched as she watched Anthony hesitate. The vampire’s earlier bravado dissolved entirely, leaving him pale. With a shallow bow, the person retreated into the ballroom. This was her chance, Ruelle thought, easing a step back. If she could just—
"Did I tell you to leave?"
The words cut through the air like a whip, stopping her mid-step. Her shoulders stiffened, and she forced herself to turn, meeting Lucian’s intense gaze.
"You have outdone yourself, Belmont," Lucian drawled, his tone deceptively casual. Each syllable was a razor, his sarcasm laced with an undercurrent of disapproval. "What is this? An excursion? Or have you decided that failure isn’t such a heavy burden after all?"
She winced inwardly at his words. But she lifted her chin, trying to summon her composure and began, "I wasn’t—"
"Save it," Lucian interrupted, his voice sharp enough to halt her excuses in their tracks. He stepped closer, his movements predatory, like a cat toying with its prey. "Tell me, Belmont," he continued, his voice lowering to something far more dangerous. "Do you make it a habit of ignoring advice? Or is this rebellion inspired by something new?"
Ruelle’s voice wavered, "It’s not rebellion. I’m not here to—"
Lucian moved abruptly, leaning in with a fluidity that stole the air from her lungs. The sudden closeness sent a shiver down her spine, and she instinctively pressed herself against the cool stone wall. Her heart hammered as his face hovered inches from hers.