A Friday Night of Velvet Whispers - The grand ballroom of Lucien's kingdom shimmered with candlelight and sapphire chandeliers. Velvet curtains rippled as nobles swirled and laughed beneath the spell of music. Lucien, in his dark regal coat and onyx cravat, stood surrounded by four equally dashing vampire princes, sharing wine and teasing one another in good spirit. Across the room, Ariana entered like a secret wish come true—draped in a deep crimson gown, embroidered in gold threads that glowed like fire. Heads turned. Gasps hushed. Eyes lingered. The two vampire princes she'd just spoken with returned to Lucien, whispering with grins."She's not just lovely… she's dangerous to look at," murmured Prince Cale.Lucien smirked without looking. "I told you. She's mine."From across the ballroom, Princess Alena, sweet and curious, sent Lucien a blushing smile. He returned a courteous nod, ever the gentleman—but his eyes drifted almost instantly… to her. Ariana. Standing beneath the stained glass, lost in quiet conversation with three elegant vampire princesses. Lucien walked past crowds and cups. Past the swirling dancers. Past the flirtations of royalty. He reached her. And without a word, without even asking, he extended his hand… and pulled her in. Ariana gasped softly. But she didn't resist. He swept her into the rhythm of the music, a sharp turn, a soft sway. Their bodies close, her hand in his gloved palm, his arm around her waist."You always steal every room, Ari," he murmured. "But tonight… you've stolen all of me."The ballroom blurred. Time slowed. Their eyes locked. Ariana's heart raced—not from fear, but from something far more dangerous. Desire.
Moonlight Waltz - The ballroom seemed to disappear as Lucien and Ariana glided across the marble floor, the chandeliers above catching the flecks of gold in her gown and the wine-dark shimmer of his coat. The crowd, enchanted, slowed their own steps, giving the pair space—as though the music itself played only for them. Lucien twirled her once, his hand perfectly placed against the small of her back, eyes locked with hers."You're dancing with the most wanted boy in the kingdom," he said with a whisper of a smirk. "And yet, you look like you're exactly where you belong.""I might be," Ariana replied, softly, catching her breath. "But don't get too confident, vampire prince."He chuckled low, dipping her gently, his breath brushing her cheek. "You make it so hard not to fall deeper."As the orchestra swelled, they danced faster—his steps commanding, hers graceful but bold, like fire matching fire. Around them, nobles watched, bewitched by the strange magic of their chemistry. The room filled with warmth, laughter, envy, and admiration. But for Lucien and Ariana, there was only the music. Only each other. At the final note, he leaned in close, his voice barely more than a whisper at her ear."Stay with me tonight, Ari. Just to talk. Just to be near."She didn't reply. Not with words. Just with the smallest smile… and a nod.
Balcony of Blush and Shadows - The balcony overlooked the kingdom bathed in silver moonlight, a breeze curling gently around them. The laughter and music from the wine party faded into the background, leaving only the quiet rustle of Ariana's dress and Lucien's slow, steady footsteps as he leaned closer against the railing beside her. Lucien, his eyes lidded from the wine, tilted his head, studying her flushed cheeks and the way she avoided his gaze."You're staring at the stars..." he said low, teasing, "but I can tell it's not them making your heart race.""I'm not…" she whispered, biting her lip, her cheeks burning."You're not very good at lying when you drink, little flame," he smirked, brushing her hair behind her ear. Her breath hitched."You're dangerous like this… charming, warm… soft. You're not supposed to be."He leaned in, his lips just near her temple, his voice a breath. "And yet, here you are... trembling beside the very danger you say you fear."Ariana's heart thudded wildly. She clenched her hands against the stone railing, trying to steady herself—but her body betrayed her, leaning slightly toward him. Then suddenly… Lucien cupped her jaw gently, turning her to face him. His gaze was intense, but soft. No longer the monster in chains. No longer just the prince with fangs. But a boy—wounded, desiring, uncertain."If I kiss you now…" he whispered, "will you run away again?"Ariana stared up at him, speechless… her answer lingering on her lips.
The Bite of Friday - The moment Ariana whispered, "Please don't. I'm not comfortable," something in Lucien paused. The warmth in his gaze dimmed slightly, a flicker of restraint rising behind the drunken haze. He gave a faint smirk, the kind that tried to hide sadness."Alright, my flame. I won't..." he murmured.Before he could say more, one of his so-called "friends" appeared—Prince Kael, always smiling too widely."Come on, Lucien! You're too sober for a Friday night!" Kael handed him a deep crimson glass. Lucien hesitated for only a second before drinking it down.What he didn't know… was that the wine was laced. Strong. Stirring the primal hunger in him. And Friday—the night when vampire blood ran wildest—was already in full bloom.Ariana sensed the shift. Lucien's pupils thinned. His grip on the balcony railing tightened. And as Ariana turned to leave—"Don't go…" he whispered.In a flash, his arms wrapped around her tummy from behind. Cold. Strong. Possessive. Before she could scream, his lips grazed her neck—and his fangs sank deep.Ari gasped in pain, stiffening as the sharp heat of his bite tore into her skin. Her hands pushed at him, her voice lost in the night. "Lucien… stop… please…"But he didn't. He was gone—lost to bloodlust. Ariana stopped fighting. She stood still… trembling… bearing the pain… her tears rolling silently as her heartbeat weakened.Finally, after long seconds, Lucien's breathing changed. He came back to himself—realizing what he had done. His hands loosened. He pulled back slowly, crimson glistening on his lips. Ariana turned, her eyes filled with betrayal and fear, hand pressed to the bleeding mark on her neck.Lucien said nothing. He just stood there—shocked, horrified, and drunk.Ariana ran. Down the stairs, through the palace gates, vanishing into the night with her sobs hidden by the rain.Lucien… watched her disappear into the shadows. The one girl he never wanted to hurt—he had bitten her. Again.And this time… he feared she might never come back.