Evelyn felt as if the air was knocked out of her lung and her mind went blank for a couple of seconds. She had failed to register the fact that not only was she staring into a stranger's eyes where his lips were only a couple of inches away from hers, but she was also being held so intimately by her waist.
What shocked her even more was the flicker of flames swirling inside those red eyes for a brief second. While Evelyn stood still in daze, the man's eyes widened slightly while staring into her blue ones.
It was very faint but he saw it, this strange woman's eyes flickered golden for a brief moment before turning back to the most beautiful shade of blue eyes he had ever seen. He felt an inexplicable pull towards them.
His sharp nose got a whiff of her scent, she smelled so fresh, floral and sweet all at once. His eyes slowly took in her features from her eyes, to her delicate nose, to her smooth unblemished fair skin and finally to her plump red lips which were parted slightly, leaving warm breaths against his own.
Realising just how close he was to her right now, he snapped out of his reverie.
He said in his deep, velvety voice "Are you planning to plaster yourself on me for the entire night?"
Eve snapped back to reality, only to realise just intimately they stood. She looked below to find his strong hands resting against her waist. Blood rushed to her cheeks, flustered she quickly let go of his impeccably tailored coat, which was now mercilessly crushed due to her grip. She took a step back and that is when he finally released her. His touch lingered on her back, hot as if she'd been set on fire.
"My apologies" she said, her voice sounded unexpectedly sweet to his ears. "I di-didn't mean to," she paused to find the right words to say and then blurted it all out in a single breath. "I was trying to find the dining hall when I heard a growl so I ran because I thought I was being chased by…something. That's when I bumped into you."
She shifted her frantic eyes to take a look behind her and then at the man who stood in front of her in silence. His gaze scrutinized her with such intensity that a chill ran down her spine, yet his expression remained indifferent.
She then noticed how utterly gorgeous he truly was. From his raven black hair styled perfectly, to his piercing eyes, sharp nose and sinful lips. He was dressed in a crisp all black tailored suit paired with a white shirt, silver tie and squeaky clean black leather shoes. He had a regal yet dangerous air around him.
'Oh lord, just who let this perfect sculpture come to life?! And why is staring at me like that? ' Eve screamed inwardly.
Eve being a lumen royalty had seen plenty of good looking men which never really excited her in any way. Yet this man radiated such sex appeal that she couldn't help but stare at his drop dead gorgeous face.
When he didn't say anything she gulped softly and asked in a small voice." Can you guide me to the direction of the dining hall? Mrs. Morris forgot to mention where it is."
His eyes flickered with slight amusement as no one has ever dared to ask him for his help. Yet this little bunny was asking a dragon for guidance. His lips curled up ever so slightly.
"Looks like someone didn't read the rules of the academy." he said, his voice dropped to a low and dangerous tone as he stepped closer to her.
If you want guidance, trust me when I say this…" he leaned slightly.
"I am the last person who can lead you anywhere, other than an early grave." With that he stepped back and then walked away without sparing her another glance.
Eve's heart was pounding as she stood in the middle of a corridor.
Recalling what he said she released a frustrated sigh "What a rude man! Why is everyone so difficult here?"
"But wait, he said something about the rules." she muttered and started to walk again believing it will lead her to the office of Mrs. Morris or someone who can at least answer a few basic questions.
As she walked she came across a woman with light blond hair and deep red eyes walking next to a man who also had light blond hair and eyes. Looking at them it wasn't hard to tell that they were siblings.
Eve heard the man speak as walking with his hands in his pocket
"Just where did Ivan run off to this time?"
The woman beside him rolled her eyes and said
"He probably ran away from you Damien, as you annoy him all the time."
"Don't be mean Cece, I am only looking out for him as a responsible brother should. Uncle told me to keep an eye on him." Damien replied with a dramatic sigh.
"He told you to look out for him, not tie him to your waist." she scoffed.
He was going to reply to her when his eyes fell on Evelyn. He stopped in his tracks and smiled at Eve "Well, well, well. Good evening milady. Who might I have the pleasure of speaking with tonight?" his eyes glint with mischief.
Eve cleared her throat, looking at him warily and said "I am Princess Evelyn from the Kingdom of Luminear"
His smile widened as he replied "Ah the famous Princess of Luminear! What a pleasure it is to finally meet you."
Evelyn gave him a polite nod and a smile and she said "And who am I speaking with."
Her eyes darted between the siblings.
"Oh how rude of me!" He exclaimed dramatically. "Allow me to introduce myself! My name is Damien Silver and this lovely lady next to me is.."
Cece cut him off and introduced herself, " I am Cece Silver. We are from the Duchy of Silvercrest in the Kingdom of Versailles." She smiled at Eve and added "Please ignore my brother's dramatics, he has absolutely no control over it."
"Hey that's mean and I am standing right here!" he said, pretending to be offended with the wide grin on his face gave him away.
Watching the brother and sister Eve laughed softly, for the first time in a long time. Her laughter sounded like tickling bells.
Both the siblings stopped talking and turned to look at her in awe. Eve looked like an angel.
Realising she may have unintentionally been rude, Eve quickly stopped laughing and cleared her throat. She looked at them with sincerity in her eyes and said "Please accept my apology, I didn't mean to be rude."
Both the siblings snapped out of their daze. Cece cleared her throat and Damien replied "Oh no, no offense taken." He flashed her a charming smile while raising up his palms in a playfully surrender.
Eve was relieved to hear him and she smiled.
Cece ignored her brother's antics and asked " Pardon me for asking, but may we know why are you roaming around the academy grounds after ten?"
Eve raised her perfectly shaped eyebrows in surprise and replied "Pass Ten? I didn't realise it was so late. I had only arrived this evening and fell asleep without noticing how much time had passed."
She paused and then cautiously asked "Actually I was searching for the dining hall to get something to eat. Mrs. Morris didn't mention where it was. Could you be kind enough to direct me as to where it is located?"
Cece nodded "Of course, it's in the north wing. But the dining hour is already over. Did she not mention the rules to you?"
"Um, she told me to go through the rules displayed on the notice board.." she paused and then added in a soft voice "But she didn't tell me where the notice board is."
Damien sighed "That is so typical of the old hag. She skips the important details and leaves the new students to figure it out on their own."
He ran his hand through his blond hair and then clapped his hands together and said decisively "Alright, let's take you to the dining hall first and see if there is anything left for you to pick up. Then we will show you where the notice board is so that you can take a look at the rules properly. Shall we?"
A bright smile bloomed on his face.