Because I had maxed out both friendship and romance levels while playing the game, Lucian's feelings for me were incredibly strong.
Yes, the memories he had of "us" were real—for him.
But for me… it had all been a game.
Who could have predicted I'd fall into the game itself?
I just wanted to have fun.
I never meant to play with Lucian's heart.
God… this is so messed up…
I thought to myself, unable to make sense of anything anymore.
I looked into those deep navy eyes waiting for an answer from me.
Should I tell him the truth? That I wasn't supposed to be here?
My eyes were brimming with tears. If I moved even slightly, they'd spill.
Lucian must've been watching me closely.
He gently tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear.
"Did someone tell you to stay away from me?" he asked.
"Or is it… that guy, Kai?"
He knew about Kai?
Everything was becoming even more confusing.
I quickly shook my head in a silent "no."
But that simple gesture… broke whatever strength I had left.
The tears slid down my cheeks.
I couldn't hold them back anymore.
It hadn't even been that long since I fell into this world.
Everything was too overwhelming.
I remembered the moment I was trapped in that cave, thinking I would die.
I had never felt so weak before.
Lucian's eyes widened slightly. He hadn't expected this reaction.
He reached out swiftly, his hands cupping my cheeks with surprising gentleness.
He wiped one of my tears with his thumb.
"Hey… Elysia…"
His voice was softer than I'd ever heard it.
"Why are you doing this to yourself?"
I lowered my head.
My arms trembled without my control.
All the pressure I'd bottled up finally burst free.
Lucian didn't pull away.
The warmth of his fingers reached deeper than my skin.
"Tell me what happened to you," he said.
His tone began to darken.
"Who did this? Who scared you? I swear to you… whoever it is, I'll make sure they disappear."
His threat was real.
This was the Lucian I knew—cold, dangerous, cunning…
but always protecting me.
I took a shaky breath.
"No one… no one did anything to me," I whispered.
"It all happened so fast. Something impossible happened. I can't explain it to you.
No matter what I say, it won't be enough. I'm not ready to talk about it… but I don't want to lie to you either."
Lucian stared into my eyes.
A long silence followed.
It felt like the entire system… the whole world had frozen.
Then, he whispered:
"What could you possibly not tell me?"
He didn't know the truth.
To him, I was just a girl with tangled emotions.
And at that moment, I felt… small.
I thought he wouldn't believe me.
That he'd think I was crazy.
Or worse—he'd believe me, but never understand.
Finally, Lucian lowered his head just a little.
"Just don't let go of my hand," he said.
"Tell me when you're ready."
He slowly pulled his hands away from my cheeks.
But that familiar, fragile strength was still shining in his eyes.
"You're staying here tonight," he said firmly.
"I'll come for you in the morning.
I'll send clean clothes and something to eat. Rest."
His voice returned to its commanding tone.
But the warmth in his gaze hadn't faded.
He turned around and walked out of the room.
When the door closed, my tears came rushing back.
I was lucky I ran into Lucian today.
If not, I might have died in that cave.
I still didn't know why I'd fallen into this game world.
There were people here who seemed to know me…
but I didn't know them.
And that made me feel unbearably alone.
So powerless.
That had to change…