The Midnight Court

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DIARY:

"Another day watching her. Even her name feels like a secret I'm not supposed to say out loud. She's as sharp as the edge of a blade, elegant in a way that makes everyone else seem ordinary, and so utterly untouchable. I've never met anyone like her.

Today, she wore that black dress-the one with the high collar and the silver clasp at the throat. It's my favorite, though I'd never tell her that. She looked like a queen, commanding the room without even trying. But I noticed something else, something no one else would see. There was a faint crease between her brows, the kind that only appears when she's stressed. She's been working too hard again."

(*^_^*)

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Author's POV:

The night was a velvet shroud, heavy and unyielding, as Vivienne approached the entrance to her base, The Midnight Court. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and the faint metallic tang of rain that had fallen hours ago. Her boots crunched softly on the gravel path, the sound swallowed by the dense forest that surrounded the compound. The trees loomed like silent bodyguards, their gnarled branches clawing at the sky, their leaves whispering secrets to the wind. Somewhere in the distance, an owl hooted, its mournful cry echoing through the darkness.

Vivienne paused at the wrought-iron gates, her gloved hand resting lightly on the cold metal. The gates were tall and imposing, adorned with intricate patterns of thorns and ravens, their edges sharp enough to draw blood. Beyond them, the path widened into a cobblestone courtyard, illuminated by flickering lanterns that cast long, dancing shadows. The light caught the edges of her long, black coat, making the silver embroidery shimmer like starlight. She tilted her head, her sharp features framed by the hood she wore, her piercing brown eyes scanning the area with practiced precision.

The courtyard was alive with activity. Mercenaries and assassins moved with purpose, their footsteps echoing against the stone. Some were sharpening blades, the rhythmic scritch-scratch of steel against whetstone cutting through the night. Others were sparring, their movements fluid and deadly, the clash of swords ringing out like a deadly symphony. The air was thick with the scent of sweat, leather, and the faint acrid smell of gunpowder. A group of recruits huddled near a fire pit, their faces illuminated by the orange glow as they roasted meat, the aroma of charred flesh mingling with the earthy scent of the forest.

Vivienne's lips curved into a faint smile as she stepped into the courtyard. The sound of her boots on the cobblestones drew the attention of a young man who had been leaning against a stone pillar, his arms crossed over his chest. He straightened as she approached, his sharp blue eyes lighting up with recognition. His name was Lucian, and he was her most trusted assistant. He was impeccably dressed in a tailored black suit, his white gloves spotless despite the grime of the courtyard. His dark hair was neatly combed, and his expression was one of calm efficiency, though there was a flicker of warmth in his gaze as he greeted her.

"Welcome back, Vivienne," Lucian said, his voice smooth and low. "The Court has been waiting for you."

Vivienne tilted her head slightly. "Lucian. Report."

He fell into step beside her as they walked toward the main building, a towering structure of dark stone and stained glass. The windows glowed faintly from within, casting colorful patterns on the ground. The double doors were carved with scenes of battle and triumph, their handles shaped like coiled serpents. As they entered, the warmth of the interior enveloped them, along with the scent of burning incense and old books. The walls were lined with weapons--swords, daggers, crossbows--each one a masterpiece of craftsmanship. A grand chandelier hung from the ceiling, its candles flickering softly, casting a golden light over the room.

The main hall was bustling with activity. A tall, broad-shouldered man named Garrick was overseeing a group of assassins as they practiced their aim with throwing knives. His deep voice boomed across the room as he barked instructions, his scarred face set in a permanent scowl. Nearby, a slender woman with fiery red hair named Lira was poring over a map spread out on a wooden table, her fingers tracing routes with precision. She glanced up as Vivienne passed, her amber eyes gleaming with respect.

"Vivienne," Lira said, her voice like the crackle of a flame. "We've received word of a new target. I'll brief you when you're ready."

Vivienne nodded, her expression unreadable. She continued through the hall, Elias at her side, until they reached a spiral staircase that led to her private quarters. The stairs were narrow and steep, the stone worn smooth by countless footsteps. As they ascended, the sounds of the hall faded, replaced by the soft creak of wood and the distant drip of water.

At the top of the stairs, Vivienne pushed open a heavy oak door, revealing a room that was both elegant and austere. The walls were lined with bookshelves, their contents ranging from ancient tomes to modern manuals on espionage. A large desk stood in the center of the room, its surface cluttered with maps, letters, and a single dagger, its blade gleaming in the candlelight. The air was cool and carried the faint scent of lavender, a stark contrast to the chaos below.

Vivienne removed her coat, revealing a fitted black dress that hugged her figure like a second skin. She draped the coat over the back of a chair and turned to Lucian, who was already preparing a cup of tea for her. The delicate clink of porcelain filled the room as he set the cup on the desk, the steam curling upward like a wisp of smoke.

"Thank you, Lucian," she said, her voice soft but commanding. "You've done well in my absence."

He bowed his head slightly, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's my honor, Vivienne. The Midnight Court thrives under your leadership."

She took a sip of the tea, the warmth spreading through her as she gazed out the window at the moonlit forest. The world outside was dark and unforgiving, but here, within the walls of The Midnight Court, she was its queen. And she would stop at nothing to protect her kingdom.

As the night deepened, the sounds of the base grew quieter, but the air remained charged with anticipation. Somewhere in the shadows, a clock struck midnight, its chime echoing through the halls like foretelling of things to come. Vivienne's eyes narrowed as she set down her cup, her mind already turning to the next mission, the next target. The world had made her what she was, and she would wield her power with precision and grace.

For in the Midnight Court, there was no room for weakness--only strength, cunning, and the unyielding will to survive.

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Vivienne's POV:

The meeting room was a surrounded by shadows and whispers, the air heavy with the scent of wax and steel. I sat at the head of the table, my gloved fingers tracing the edge of a dagger as I listened to the voices around her. The flickering light of the chandelier above danced across the faces of my most trusted allies, each one a weapon honed to perfection. I was the conductor of this deadly orchestra, and tonight, the music was one of vengeance.

My gaze swept the room, lingering briefly on each face. Garrick, with his brute strength and unshakable loyalty. Lira, whose mind was as sharp as the blades she wielded. Kael, the spirit who could slip through any crack. Mira, the genius who could unravel empires with a few keystrokes. And then there was Lucian.

Lucian.

He sat to my right, as he always did, his posture relaxed, his expression a mask of playful indifference. He twirled a dagger between his fingers, the blade catching the light as it spun. His sharp blue eyes flicked toward me occasionally, but I paid it no mind. Lucian was... Lucian. He was my right hand, my most trusted confidant, and yet, he was an enigma. Playful, self-centered, and impossibly powerful. He was the storm wrapped in a charming smile, and I had long since learned not to underestimate him.

I cleared my throat, and the room fell silent. "We all know why we're here," I began, voice low and commanding. "Arcadia Corporation was built on the blood of my parents. It was meant to be my legacy, but Alistar stole it from me. Now, he sits atop his throne, surrounded by his lackeys, thinking himself untouchable. He's wrong."

Lucian's smirk widened, and he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Oh, he's in for a rude awakening," he said, his tone light but laced with menace. "Arcadia Tech, Arcadia Hospitality, Arcadia Entertainment--they're all just pieces on a board. And we're about to flip the table."

Garrick grunted in agreement, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. "Alistar's got his fingers in too many pies. If we hit him hard and fast, he won't know what hit him."

"Arcadia Entertainment is the weakest link," Lira was saying, her voice cutting through my thoughts. "Their security is a joke, and their public image is everything to them. If we take that down, it'll send shockwaves through the entire corporation."

I nodded, my mind already racing ahead. "Good. We'll dismantle their reputation, their finances, and their operations. Then, we move on to the rest."

Lucian leaned back in his chair, his smirk widening. "And what about Alistar? Do we save him for last, or do I get to have a little fun with him first?"

His tone was light, almost teasing, but there was an edge to it that made my lips curve into a faint smile. "Alistar is mine," I said firmly. "But you can have his friends. I trust you'll make it... memorable."

Lucian's grin widened, and he gave her a mock salute. "Your wish is my command, my lady."

The room erupted into quiet laughter, and I allowed myself a small smile. Lucian's antics were a constant in my life, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there was a flicker of light. But that was all it was--a flicker. Nothing more.

As the meeting continued, my gaze drifted to Lucian again. He was leaning forward now, his elbows resting on the table as he debated strategy with Garrick. His movements were fluid, his words sharp and precise. There was no denying his brilliance, his power. He was a force of nature, and she was grateful to have him by her side.

My world was one of shadows and blood, of vengeance and retribution. Lucian was my ally, my weapon, my storm.  

As the night wore on and the plans took shape, I felt the weight of my mission pressing down on me. But she also felt a fierce determination burning in her chest. This was more than revenge; it was justice. And she would see it through, no matter the cost.

And if, in the quiet moments when the weight of it all felt too heavy to bear, I found myself glancing at Lucian.

As I closed my eyes, I could see the faint memory, memory of a boy whom I once admired. His sweet smile flashing across my eyes. "Will you wait for me? " My ears ringing with his soft voice.

"What are you thinking, my lady?" Lucian voice made me come back to reality. He was watching me, his eyes carrying a flicker of emotion which I was not able to decipher.

I just shook my head and walked out of the room to get fresh air...

ヾ(＠⌒ー⌒＠)ノ

Word count: 2008

Date: feb,2025

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