Chapter 5: Shadows in the Night
The Streets of Ravenshire – Evening
Lucia walked swiftly, her heartbeat pounding in her ears. The crowd around her felt suffocating, their laughter and chatter blending into a distant hum.
The uneasy feeling from before hadn’t faded. If anything, it had grown stronger.
She turned a corner into a quieter street, hoping to escape the overwhelming noise of the plaza.
But the moment she stepped into the dimly lit alley, the feeling of being watched gripped her chest.
Her fingers instinctively curled around the small pouch hidden beneath her dress, where the parchment lay.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(thinking) Am I imagining this?
She stole a glance over her shoulder.
At first, she saw nothing but the flickering glow of street lamps and a few passersby. But then—
A tall, dark figure moved smoothly through the crowd. His strides were slow, deliberate. He wasn’t chasing her.
Her breath caught. It was him. The Duke.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
...
She turned away quickly, her pulse racing. Why was he following her?
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(thinking) Did he recognize me? But how?
She picked up her pace, weaving through the narrow streets, searching for a way to lose him.
But every time she glanced back—he was still there.
By the time she reached a secluded alley, her panic had taken over. She pressed herself against the cold brick wall, willing herself to breathe.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(whispers) Think, Lucia. Think.
She had no idea why she was running, only that something deep inside her screamed not to let him catch her.
Footsteps echoed. Steady. Unhurried.
Then, a voice—deep and smooth, yet laced with undeniable authority.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
(calmly) You are running from the wrong person.
Slowly, she turned to face him.
The Duke stood at the entrance of the alley, illuminated by the lantern’s soft glow. Up close, he was even more imposing—broad-shouldered, impeccably dressed, his piercing blue eyes locked onto hers.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
Then, he took a step forward.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
(studying her) You do not belong in the streets of Ravenshire at this hour.
Lucia swallowed, trying to ignore the strange pull in his voice—the kind that demanded answers.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(steadies herself) And who are you to say where I belong?
His lips curved slightly, as if her defiance amused him.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
That depends. Who are you?
Her fingers twitched. She couldn’t tell him the truth—she barely knew it herself.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(carefully) Just a traveler.
The Duke’s gaze sharpened.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
A traveler… with a noblewoman’s posture, wearing a dress that, despite its wear, was tailored from the finest fabric?
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
(lowers voice) You are lying.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
...
A chill ran down her spine.
Without thinking, she turned to run—but before she could take a step, his hand shot out, catching her wrist in a firm grip.
She gasped, her eyes snapping up to his.
For a moment, time seemed to stop.
Then—another flash of memory.
A night filled with fire. Shadows in the darkness. The silhouette of a man standing just like this.
Her breathing grew uneven.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(whispers) Let me go…
Alexander’s eyes flickered with something unreadable. Then, after a moment, he released her wrist.
She stumbled back, her heart hammering.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
(watching her closely) You are afraid of me.
Lucia clenched her fists.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(firmly) I don’t know you.
The Duke studied her for a long moment, then exhaled slowly.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Not yet.
His words sent a shiver down her spine.
He took a step back, giving her space.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
(calmly) If you wish to survive in this city, I suggest you stay out of dark alleyways.
With that, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the night.
Lucia remained frozen, her heart still racing.
She didn’t know who he was.
But deep down, she knew this wouldn’t be their last encounter.
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