Lucian Alexander Darkwood lounged in a plush, velvet-draped room at Shadows, a luxurious nightclub in New York City. His piercing blue eyes, fringed with thick lashes, scanned the crowded dance floor below, but his gaze was distant, consumed by hunger. His chiseled features seemed carved from marble, impassive and breathtakingly beautiful.
"Damn vampire hunters," he muttered to himself, his deep voice laced with irritation. They were everywhere, making it difficult to find a discreet meal. His eyes narrowed, the vertical pupils constricting as his gaze turned inward.
Lucian's raven-black hair fell across his forehead, framing his sharp jawline. A hint of stubble accentuated his angular cheeks, lending an air of ruggedness to his refined features. His full lips curled into a wry smile as he contemplated the evening's options.
As he sipped his whiskey, a petite blonde approached, her eyes flashing with interest.
"Mind if I join you?" she asked, her voice husky.
Lucian raised an eyebrow, his smile lazy. "Not at all. Please, enlighten me with your captivating conversation."
The blonde giggled, taking a seat beside him. "I'm Amanda. What's your name, handsome?"
"Lucian. Charmed." His tone dripped with sarcasm.
Amanda didn't seem to notice. "So, Lucian, what brings you here tonight?"
He leaned back, steepling his fingers. "Oh, just the usual. Contemplating the meaning of life, admiring the décor...and thirsting for something more substantial than this whiskey."
Amanda's eyes sparkled. "Substantial? You mean like a good steak?"
Lucian chuckled, low and smooth. "Something like that."
As Amanda continued to flirt, Lucian's gaze wandered, his eyes flickering to blood red for an instant. He checked his watch.
"Sorry, Amanda. Duty calls. Or rather, hunger does."
Amanda pouted, but Lucian simply smiled and handed her his glass.
"Finish this for me. It's been...enlightening."
As he stood to leave, his eyes flickered to blood red, revealing the predator lurking beneath his polished facade. His tall, lean frame unfolded from the chair, moving with fluid ease. Tailored black pants and a crisp white shirt hugged his physique, showcasing broad shoulders and a powerful build.
With a wink, he vanished into the crowd, leaving Amanda bewildered
Meanwhile, Eleanor struggled to clean a stubborn stain at the bar where she worked. Her friend Grace chuckled at her frustration.
"Need some help?" Grace asked, amusement dancing in her eyes.
Eleanor handed over the cleaning cloth. "Please, take this torture away from me."
As Grace took over, Eleanor surveyed the bustling bar. Two inebriated men stumbled near the dance floor, while a couple in the corner seemed oblivious to their surroundings.
"Hey, Eleanor," Grace said, interrupting her observations. "I need a huge favor. My brother Jace is in the hospital, and I can't make it to the banquet tonight. Miss Donna would kill me if I canceled."
Eleanor's expression softened. "What's wrong with Jace?"
Grace's eyes clouded. "He's just eight, and...it's been tough. But I know Miss Donna relies on me."
Eleanor nodded. "I'll fill in for you. When and where is the banquet?"
"Seven at the Ruthford's mansion," Grace replied, visibly relieved. "Be there by six to set up. And, Eleanor?"
"Yes?"
"Miss Donna's particular about staff appearance. No chipped nails or wrinkled clothes, okay?"
Eleanor rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Got it. I'll be polished."
As they packed up to leave, Eleanor asked, "That huge mansion, right? The Ruthfords'?"
Grace nodded. "Celebrating their second son's coming of age. You know how they love to show off."
Eleanor chuckled. "Rich people and their parties."
Their laughter faded into the evening as they left the bar.
Lucian strolled through the vibrant streets of New York, his eyes scanning the crowds with a mix of disinterest and hunger. He passed by neon-lit billboards, street performers, and vendors selling everything from hot dogs to handmade jewelry.
As he turned a corner, a blonde caught his attention. She was laughing with a friend outside a coffee shop, her bright smile radiant.
Lucian's gaze locked onto her, his expression softening into a lazy grin.
"Ah, fate," he whispered to himself.
He sauntered over, his movements fluid and deliberate.
"Evening, ladies," Lucian said, his voice low and smooth. "Mind if I join you?"
The blonde's friend looked wary, but the blonde herself sparkled with curiosity.
"I'm Ava," she said, extending her hand.
"Lucian." He took her hand, his touch lingering.
Ava's friend excused herself, leaving the two alone.
"So, Ava, what brings you to this enchanting city?" Lucian asked, leaning against the coffee shop wall.
Ava laughed. "Just enjoying the night air. You?"
Lucian's eyes crinkled at the corners. "Same here. Although, I'm also enjoying the view."
Ava's cheeks flushed.
Lucian's gaze drifted to her neck, his hunger piquing.
"Would you like to take a walk with me?" he asked, his voice low and persuasive.
Ava nodded, and Lucian offered his arm.
As they strolled, Lucian's fangs lengthened, his heart rate slowing.
"Ava," he whispered, his breath against her ear.
She turned to him, her eyes trusting.
Lucian's fangs sank into her neck, and he drank, his eyes closing in bliss.
Ava's body relaxed, her thoughts fogging.
As Lucian fed, he hummed a soft tune, his hand stroking Ava's hair.
When he finished, he licked the wound closed and smiled.
"Thanks for the snack," he whispered.
Lucian's fingers brushed against Ava's temple, and her eyes glazed.
"Forget," he whispered. "Forget the walk, forget me."
Ava's expression cleared, her eyes focusing.
She looked around, confused. "How did I get here?"
Lucian chuckled, his eyes sparkling.
"Must be the city's magic," he said, winking.
With a smile, he vanished into the crowd, leaving Ava puzzled.
Lucian continued his stroll, feeling rejuvenated.
"Now, onto the Ruthford's mansion," he said to himself. "Time to indulge in some high-society amusement."