The first day of the new semester had arrived, and Elmswood College was alive with the chatter of students catching up after the break. Emily trudged through the hallways, her backpack slung over one shoulder and her mind occupied by the day’s classes. The summer had brought unexpected challenges, but she had managed to keep her focus on her studies and her mission against Lucian.
She was relieved to be back in the academic environment, where things were more predictable, and she could momentarily set aside the dark shadows of the circus. Her days at the Cirque des Mystères had been filled with moments of tension and unease, but she had kept her distance from Lucian, choosing instead to observe from the sidelines.
As she walked to her final class of the day, Emily found solace in the routine. The hum of student conversations, the familiar scent of the library’s old books, and the sight of her friends were comforting reminders of normalcy. She was deep in thought, rehearsing a presentation she would be giving in a few days, when she exited the classroom and saw a commotion outside.
A small crowd had gathered around the main entrance, their eyes fixed on something beyond Emily’s line of sight. She pushed her way through the throng of students, curiosity piqued, and her heart dropped when she saw what was causing the stir.
Standing just outside the gates was a sleek, black limousine, its polished surface gleaming in the afternoon sun. The crowd was a mix of excited and whispering students, their eyes wide as they took in the sight. But it wasn’t the car that caught Emily’s attention—it was Lucian Blackwood, leaning casually against the vehicle, his eyes scanning the crowd as if searching for someone.
He was dressed impeccably in a dark blue suit that seemed to blend effortlessly with the evening shadows. His eyes, one blue like the depths of the ocean and the other green like a forest at twilight, held a spark of amusement as they landed on Emily. He straightened up and pushed off the car, his smile as enigmatic as ever.
“Emily,” Lucian said, his voice smooth and inviting. “How wonderful to see you here. I was just waiting for you.”
Emily’s heart raced. The sight of him, so out of place among the college students, made her feel exposed. She had been trying to keep her distance from him, but here he was, standing right in front of her, as if fate had conspired to force them together.
“What are you doing here?” Emily asked, trying to keep her voice steady despite the turmoil in her chest. “And why are you waiting for me?”
Lucian’s smile widened, his mismatched eyes glinting with mischief. “I came to offer you a ride. I thought it might be a pleasant change from the usual bus or bike ride home.”
Emily eyed the limousine warily. “Why would you want to give me a ride?”
He chuckled, a low, throaty sound that sent a shiver down her spine. “Why not? We’ve barely had a chance to talk outside the confines of the circus. I thought we might have a chat, get to know each other a little better.”
Emily crossed her arms over her chest, her gaze fixed on the ground. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Lucian raised an eyebrow, his expression one of feigned hurt. “Oh, come now, Emily. Surely you don’t think I’m just here to cause trouble. I genuinely wanted to catch up with you.”
She looked up at him, her eyes narrowing. “I’m sure you have your reasons, but I’m not interested in playing games.”
Lucian’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Games? I assure you, this is no game. I simply want to enjoy a conversation with you. But if you’re too afraid to step into the car, I suppose I can’t force you.”
His words were laced with a teasing tone that made Emily’s cheeks flush. She was caught between the desire to maintain her distance and the nagging curiosity about what he wanted.
Finally, she sighed and relented. “Fine. I’ll go with you. But just so we’re clear, I’m not interested in anything beyond a simple conversation.”
Lucian’s smile grew, a glimmer of triumph in his eyes. “That’s all I ask for.”
He opened the door of the limousine for her, and she stepped inside, taking a seat on one of the plush leather seats. The interior was opulent, with dark wood paneling and soft lighting that created a cozy atmosphere. Lucian settled into the seat across from her, his posture relaxed and confident.
The driver closed the door behind them, and the car began to move smoothly down the road. Lucian leaned back in his seat, studying Emily with a look of genuine interest.
“So, tell me, Emily,” he said, his voice a low purr, “how has your first day back at college been?”
Emily shifted in her seat, trying to ignore the way the car’s luxury seemed to contrast sharply with her own life. “It’s been fine. Just the usual first-day chaos.”
Lucian’s eyes glinted with curiosity. “And how are you finding the balance between your studies and your work at the circus?”
Emily hesitated, wary of revealing too much. “It’s been a challenge, but I’m managing.”
He nodded, his gaze never leaving her face. “You know, I’ve heard the rumors about me. I’ve seen the way people talk about me behind closed doors.”
Emily stiffened, her hands gripping the edges of her seat. “And what do you think about those rumors?”
Lucian’s smile was both charming and inscrutable. “I think they’re amusing. People can be so quick to judge what they don’t understand.”
She frowned. “So you don’t care that people think you’re some kind of monster?”
He chuckled softly, the sound like velvet. “Oh, I care. But not for the reasons you might think. It’s the allure of the unknown that fascinates me. The more people speculate, the more interesting the game becomes.”
Emily was taken aback. “You see it as a game?”
Lucian’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Of course. Life itself is a series of games, each with its own set of rules. Some people play to win, others to survive. I play for the thrill of the chase.”
Emily’s cheeks flushed as she recalled the rumors she had heard about him. “Well, I’ve heard plenty of rumors about you. Things like how you... eat flesh or make people disappear.”
Lucian leaned in slightly, a smirk playing on his lips. “Ah, so you’ve heard the juicy bits. And do you believe these tales, Emily?”
She looked away, feeling embarrassed. “I... I wasn’t sure what to believe. It’s hard not to be affected by what people say.”
Lucian’s gaze was intense as he studied her reaction. “And what do you think now? Do you see me as a monster?”
Emily hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. “I think there’s more to you than the rumors suggest.”
Lucian’s smile widened, and he reached out to gently brush a strand of hair away from her face. His touch was feather-light, sending a shiver down her spine. “And what do you hope to find, Emily? The truth behind the façade?”
She met his gaze, trying to keep her voice steady. “I’m not here to unravel your mysteries. I’m just trying to do my job and keep my distance.”
Lucian leaned back in his seat, a thoughtful expression on his face. “I see. And what if I told you that the rumors are far from the truth? That I am, in fact, just a man with a love for the extraordinary?”
Emily raised an eyebrow, her skepticism evident. “You expect me to believe that?”
He chuckled, a dark, enigmatic sound. “Not necessarily. I expect you to find your own path, to make your own judgments. After all, everyone has their own version of the truth.”
The car continued to glide smoothly down the road, the cityscape outside passing by in a blur of lights and shadows. Emily remained silent, her thoughts racing as she tried to make sense of Lucian’s cryptic words.
*****