Aurelia

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Author's POV:

The penthouse suite of the Rosewood Corporation's headquarters, a towering skyscraper in the heart of the city.

The room is a blend of modern elegance and old-world luxury, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the skyline. Aurelia Kingsley, the CEO of Rosewood, stands by the window, her sharp silhouette framed by the city lights. She's in her late 20s, exuding power and sophistication, with an air of someone who's always three steps ahead.

Sebastain enters the room, his usual playful demeanor tempered by the gravity of the meeting. He's dressed impeccably, his tailored suit a subtle nod to the importance of this encounter. Lena follows him, carrying a tablet and looking as composed as ever.

"Sebastian. Always a pleasure. Though I must say, your reports have been... intriguing, to say the least." Aurelia said without turning around.

Sebastian smirked a little. "Intriguing is my specialty, Aurelia. But I assume you didn't call me here to compliment my work."

Aurelia turned to face him. "No, I didn't. Sit. We have much to discuss."

Sebastian takes a seat in one of the plush chairs across from Aurelia's desk. Lena stands slightly behind him, her eyes scanning the room with quiet vigilance. Aurelia sits as well, her piercing gaze locked on Sebastian.

"Elysium. Tell me everything." Aurelia asked.

Sebastian leaned back in the chair. "It's as dangerous as we thought. Possibly more. Arcadia's not just building an AI--they're building a god. Elysium can learn, adapt, and create. It's not just a tool; it's a force. And if they control it, they control everything.

Aurelia narrowed her eyes. Questioning. "And you're sure about this?"

"I've seen the data. I've talked to their people. Elysium is real, and it's close to completion. If we don't act soon, Arcadia will have the upper hand."

Aurelia leaned forward. "Then why haven't you gotten me the blueprint yet? I didn't send you there to admire their work, Sebastian. I sent you to dismantle it."

Sebastain said coolly, "I'm working on it. But Arcadia's security is tight, and their lead developer, Dr. Evelyn Cross, isn't exactly easy to manipulate. I need more time."

Aurelia raised an eyebrow. "Time is a luxury we don't have. Every day we wait is another day Arcadia gets closer to unleashing Elysium. I need results, Sebastian. Not excuses."

Sebastain's tone hardened. "I'm well aware of the stakes, Aurelia. But rushing this could blow the entire operation. If Arcadia catches even a whiff of what we're doing, they'll lock down tighter than Fort Knox. And then we'll have nothing."

The room falls silent for a moment, the tension palpable. Aurelia studies Sebastian, her expression unreadable. Finally, she leans back in her chair, her lips curling into a faint smile.

" You always did have a way with words, Sebastain. But charm won't get us the blueprint. I need action. And I need it now."

"Don't worry, Aurelia. I've got a plan. Dr. Cross is the key. She's brilliant, but she's also isolated. If I can get close to her, I can get what we need."

Aurelia nodded. "Good. But remember--this isn't just about stealing a blueprint. It's about ensuring Rosewood stays ahead of Arcadia. If Elysium falls into the wrong hands, it could destabilize entire industries. We can't let that happen."

"Understood. But just so we're clear--once I deliver the blueprint, our deal stands. You get Elysium, and I get my freedom. No strings attached."

Aurelia smiled faintly. "Of course. I'm a woman of my word, Sebastian. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. First, you need to deliver. Then we'll talk about your... freedom."

Sebastian stands, his expression unreadable. He knows Aurelia's promises are rarely as straightforward as they seem, but he also knows he doesn't have a choice. For now, he'll play her game. But he's already thinking three moves ahead.

"I'll be in touch. Lena, let's go."

Lena nods, following Sebastain out of the room. As they exit, Aurelia watches them go, her smile fading into a look of cold calculation.

In the elevator, Sebastian exhales slowly, his mind racing. Lena glances at him, her expression concerned.

Lena said, "She's not going to let you walk away, you know. Not after this."

"I know. But I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. Aurelia thinks she's in control, but she's not the only one playing the long game."

Lena said raising her eyebrows, "Careful, Sebastian. You're dancing with fire."

Sebastian said smirking, "When have I ever been careful?"

The elevator doors open, and Sebastian steps out, his confidence restored. He's walking a tightrope, but that's where he thrives. And as he heads back to The Vault, he's already planning his next move. Aurelia may think she's calling the shots, but Sebastian has no intention of being anyone's pawn.

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Vivienne's POV:

Everything is dark now. The darkness is suffocating, like someone is pressing me from all sides. I couldn't see my own hands in front of my face, couldn't tell my eyes are open or closed. I blinked and blinked and blinked to be sure I was opening my eyes. No light... no light... The air was thick and stale, carrying the faint metallic tang of rust and the damp, musty smell of decay. It cling to my throat, making me hard to breathe. I reached out, my fingers brushing against cold, rough stone. The walls were close, too close, and the faint echo of my own shallow breathe bounced back at me, amplifying the sense of claustrophobia.

drip, drip, drip

I heard each drop of water hitting the ground, somewhere in the distance, like a hammer against my skull. The sound was maddening, relentless, and it seemed to grow louder with every passing second. I tried to move, but my legs felt like lead, my body heavy as if tons of stones were pressing and unresponsive. Panic clawed at my chest, sharp and unrelenting, as I realized she was trapped.

Then came the sound--a low, guttural growl that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once. It vibrated through the walls, through the floor, through her very bones. The growl turned into a laugh, deep and mocking, and she recognized it instantly. Alistar. His voice slithered through the darkness, wrapping around her like a serpent. "You'll never escape, Vivienne," he taunted, his words dripping with malice. "This is where you belong. In the dark. Alone."

I tried to scream, but no sound came out. My throat was raw, voice stolen by the oppressive blackness. The walls seemed to close in further, the rough stone scraping against my skin as I struggled to move. The air grew colder, biting at her exposed arms and face, and I could feel the icy tendrils of fear winding their way around my heart.

Suddenly, a sliver of light appeared in the distance--a door. I lunged toward it, my legs finally obeying, but the door was always just out of reach. The growling laughter grew louder, more menacing, and I could feel hot breath on the back of her neck, as if something--or someone--was right behind me. I didn't dare look back. I couldn't. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat echoing in my ears like a drum.

Just as my fingers brushed the cold metal of the door handle, the light vanished, plunging me back into darkness. The door slammed shut with a deafening boom, the sound reverberating through the room like a death knell. I was trapped. Alone. Helpless...

I jerked upright in bed, my chest heaving, body drenched in cold sweat. The sheets clung to my skin, damp and tangled, and the faint scent of lavender from my pillow was a stark contrast to the musty decay of my nightmare. My heart raced, the sound of my own breathing loud in the silence of my room. The moonlight streamed through the window, casting long shadows across the floor, but the darkness of the dream still lingered at the edges of my mind.

I pressed a trembling hand to her chest, trying to steady my breathing. The nightmare was fading, but the fear--the raw, primal fear--remained. It was a reminder of the stakes; of the darkness I had faced. And as I sat there, alone in the quiet of her room, I couldn't shake the feeling that the shadows were watching me, waiting for me to let my guard down.

But I was no stranger to fear. I had faced it before, and I would face it again. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms, and took a deep, steadying breath. The nightmare was just that--a nightmare. And I would not let it control me.

I walked outside of my room. The apartment was really big, and suitable for me. But I was feeling alone, alone in this big house. 

As I stepped into the living room, I saw him. Lucian. Why was he here this late? I forwarded my legs towards him. As I went closer, I saw his face. He looks very... peaceful. Calm.

He was washing away my restlessness... I stared at his face for a long time that I didn't realize when he opened his eyes.

"If you keep watching me like this, I will misunderstand your intension, boss." He said emphasizing the word boss.

"Drop the act, Lucian. No one is here. You don't have to call me boss." I said.

He is with me from the start. . . start of this... everything. I saved his life once, and from that day he insisted on serving me as a lackey. I have told him that he does not have to do that. I was in a bad mood that day and those people were irritating me. So, I killed them. And eventually, saved him. Since then, he has been sticking to me like a pest.

He chuckled. "Yes, mam."

I just rolled my eyes. "Why are you here? " I asked.

"Why? You don't like seeing me here?" he tilted his head towards me and asked me with his deep voice. Even his voice is soothing. The tone warm and grounded, with a natural gravity that draws attention without needing to be loud. 

I raised my eyebrows and stared at him.

"Alright. I give up." He said after some time. "I just thought you would need me here. " He flashed his toothy grin at me.

"It's unnecessary." I said sitting on the couch and leaning by head backwards. "Here, no one knows who I am. No one will attack me here, and..."

"I am not saying that you will need me for killing those killers. I am talking about you." He said cutting me in between my words.

I opened my eyes and look at him questioningly. What is he talking about?

He continued. "I saw you clutching your stomach in the meeting. And I checked my calendar."

Realization hit me. He noticed...

"And seeing you here this late at night, I did right coming here. I know you will have nightmares these days. And I thought you would like to have someone to talk..." He said looking straight into my soul. His blue eyes so deep as if he could stare into my soul.

"Even though you don't like to talk about it and have not told me anything why it is like that... I just wanted to be here when you need someone." I was shocked. Seeing him being serious.

"You saved my life that day. And I should be with you when you are in need." There he goes again.

"You are irritating me. Get out..." I said. I don't like to show my vulnerable side to anyone. Not even him. But... I don't know why...

"Ok, Ok. I will keep quiet..." He was silent for ten seconds and again said, "What happened?" He asked. Looking into his eyes I saw... something... I don't know what it is. But I spilled everything that was in my heart to him.

I clasped my hand tightly in my lap. My eyes distant, staring at nothing a I spoke, voice low and steady, but laced with and undercurrent of pain....

"My first period... I got it when I was 12... kidnapped..."

Lucian looked at me. Shock was evident in his face. Maybe because I was opening up first time... Will he pity me? For being vulnerable?... But I was not able to stop myself from telling more.

"These days... these days are always the worst. It's not the pain, though that's bad enough. It's the memories. The nightmares. They come every month, without fail, like clockwork. I can't escape them. No matter how strong I am, no matter how much I've built, how much I've fought--they always find me."

"I was just a girl when it happened. A child. My parents were gone, and I was alone. Truly alone. They took me--those monsters--and locked me in a room. A dark, cold, suffocating room. No windows. No light. Just... nothing. I couldn't see my own hands in front of my face. I couldn't even scream. The silence... the silence was deafening. I thought I would die there. Maybe I should have."

"And then it happened. My body betrayed me. I didn't understand what was happening at first. I was just a child. I didn't know. But I felt it--the pain, the fear, the shame. I was trapped in that room, in the dark, with no one to help me. No one to explain. No one to care. I was alone. Completely alone."

"I remember the blood. The smell of it. The feel of it. It was everywhere. On my hands, on my clothes, on the cold stone floor. I didn't know what to do. I didn't have anything--no proper care, no comfort, no relief. Just the darkness and the pain and the fear. I thought I was dying. Maybe part of me did."

"When I finally ran out of that hell, I was different. Broken. But I didn't let anyone see it. I couldn't. I buried it deep, locked it away where no one could find it. Not even me. But it's still there. Every month, it comes back. The pain, the fear, the shame. The nightmares. They're always the same. I'm back in that room, trapped in the dark, and I can't escape. No matter how hard I fight, no matter how much I've built, I'm still that scared little girl, alone in the dark.

"I hate it. I hate that I can't control it. I hate that it still has power over me. But I won't let it break me. Not again. I've survived worse. I've fought harder. And I'll keep fighting. Because that's who I am. That's what I do."

I am silent again, my hands trembling slightly in my lap. The candle flickers, casting my face in shadow, but my eyes are steady, burning with a fierce, unyielding determination. The past may haunt me, but it will not define her. I am Vivienne, Lunar Whisper, the queen of the Midnight Court, and I will not be broken.

I was so caught up with my emotions that I didn't feel my hands being on Lucian's. He just grabbed my hands and sit there in silence. "You are really strong Vivi..." He said softly..

I just rested my head on sofa and drifted into sleep.

ヾ(＠⌒ー⌒＠)ノ

word count:2690

date: feb,2025

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