Laughter echoed through Riah's small apartment as she and Nessa twirled, fussed, and adjusted each other's outfits,the yellow gown hugged Riah's curves perfectly, flowing like liquid sunlight, Nessa's sleek, dark dress bold and daring, with slit long form her lower thigh to her slender legs,making her look captivating . Nessa complemented her friend's brilliance, "You do realize people are going to stop breathing when they see you?" Nessa teased, brushing a stray curl from Riah's face, Riah laughed softly, a mix of nerves and excitement fluttering in her chest, "Stop it, Nessa… you're embarrassing me."
"Good," Nessa grinned wickedly. "That's the point. The sound of soft footsteps interrupted them, Riah's mother appeared in the doorway, her frail hands wringing a napkin, her delicate frame still radiating warmth despite the years of pain, her eyes shimmered with pride, shadowed only by quiet worry, "You both look beautiful," she said, her voice trembling slightly, "Riah, your dad will be so proud of you, his little sunshine." "Thank you mama" Riah replied. "Nessa keep that fiery spirit of yours in check or at least try." Judith added.
Nessa laughed; Riah stepped forward and took her mother's hands gently, "Thank you, Mom. Wish us luck." Her mother smiled, the corners of her lips lifting in that tender, knowing way, "You'll do fine. Just be yourselves." With that blessing, the two girls stepped out into the night of Lucid City the streets glimmering under wet pavement and neon lights, the air was crisp and clean, carrying the hum of traffic and the distant rhythm of life, tonight, they weren't just two ordinary girls, tonight, they were sunlight and fire stepping into a world of chandeliers, soft music, and fate waiting quietly between heartbeats,and somewhere high above the city, a pair of dark blue eyes lingered watching. The fundraiser hall shimmered beneath chandeliers that spilled golden light across marble floors. Guests in elegant gowns and tailored suits filled the grand space, their laughter mingling with the soft melody of a live orchestra.
Riah and Nessa entered, arms linked, hearts racing in sync excitement mixed with nerves,
Nessa's sharp black eyes scanned the room, calculating and confident, while Riah's yellow gown glowed as if it had been spun from sunlight, her caramel skin gleamed against the soft fabric, her every movement graceful and alive. Across the room, a shadow shifted, Lucian Fox leaned against a marble column, tall, still, and impossibly composed, his jet-black hair fell slightly over his forehead, almost concealing the piercing blue of his eyes, a tailored black suit clung to him like a second skin, his presence radiating silent command. A faint tattoo a dragon curved along the edge of his neck, catching the light for only an instant, centuries of life had taught Lucian how to watch without being seen, yet tonight, something faltered.
And then he saw her. Not as a passing face in the crowd, but as a light that demanded to be seen.The yellow gown curved around her form, flowing like golden fire, her long, wolf-cut hair framed her soft face; her lashes brushed her cheeks when she smiled, and her hazel eyes — deep, warm, unknowingly captivating — pulled him in, There was something about the way she carried herself, she had the kind of beauty that wasn't loud, but quiet, unassuming like sunlight after rain.
Lucian's gaze lingered, his calm blue eyes narrowing slightly, curiosity sparking in their depths, he could almost smell her from across the room lavender and chocolate a scent both sweet and haunting. "She's captivating," Louis Ray murmured, smirking. "But it's unlike you, old friend, to be this fixated on a woman."
Lucian didn't answer, for the first time in centuries, he felt something stir. "This one… was different."Lucian whispered.
After mingling in the glittering hall, Riah felt the pull for air. The conversations, the clinking glasses, the constant charm it was all too much. She slipped away quietly, stepping into the garden, the night was cool, the scent of roses and rain lingering in the air. Strings of fairy lights hung above trimmed hedges, casting a soft, golden glow, Riah wandered down the path, her dress swaying with each step, The silk brushed her skin like sunlight turned tangible,she found a bench tucked between the hedges and sat down, exhaling softly, her gaze lifted toward the stars. "I hope you're proud, Papa," she whispered, her voice almost lost to the night.
But she wasn't alone.
From the corner of the garden, a shadow watched calmly, unmoving dark blue eyes traced her outline, sharp and knowing.
Lucian stood half-hidden by the trees, his gaze fixed on her, Riah felt it before she saw it that subtle prickle down her spine, like the air itself shifted around her. Her heartbeat quickened, her pulse fluttering against her throat.
Her eyes searched the dark. "Hello? Who's there?"
Her voice trembled just slightly not from fear, but from something she couldn't name.
She took a step forward, the wind stirred, cool against her skin. Her eyes caught glimpse flash of blue, like stars reflected on water, she found herself drawn to it, without even noticing her body moment toward the direction, she saw a tall, huge figure standing behind the tree, she didn't know why she wasn't scared, she wasn't running away she was moving toward his direction, she could feel his peircing blue eyes on hers,
The inner eye burned like liquid sapphire — deep, alive, and ancient. Beneath its shimmering blue, power pulsed in silence, as if the universe itself had folded within that single gaze. The slit of black at its center was not just a pupil, but a door — one that saw beyond flesh and shadow, into the very truth of souls. Around it, dark scales glistened like midnight stars, guarding the secret of a creature that was both wrath and wonder.
Riah found herself staring deep into those eyes, she felt her body tensed, but not to fear but something different, she was mesmerised this beauty was beyond this word, she stretched her hand to reach the face of the beautiful figure with blue eyes to feel its warmth under her palm, but a familiar voice cut through the silence.
"Riri!" Nessa's voice cut through the silence, breaking whatever spell had settled, Riah turned sharply, her breath catching.
"There you are!" Nessa hurried over, her black dress swaying. "Come on, the director wants to talk. We have convincing to do, remember?"
Riah blinked, glancing back toward the shadow, but he was gone.
She followed Nessa back inside, but her heart was still racing. The rest of the night passed in a blur of smiles, laughter, and soft persuasion, Riah's warmth drew people in; Nessa's boldness sealed every deal, together they were unstoppable.
Louis Ray couldn't help but notice the two girl , he stood near the bar, a quiet observer, his gaze flicking between the two women. His silver eyes reflected the chandelier's light as he watched Nessa — her confidence, her laugh, her fiery defiance. Across the hall Nessa sat on one of the vip tables sipping her champagne after talking to some investors,she kept observing her surroundings, she spotted one of the richest and powerful men in Lucid city.
Louis ray, hottest bachelor in lucid she could see why must women throw themselves at him, he was all that good looks, huge, tall, good body, loaded and single, Nessa was going to meet him and make him invest so she finally approached him, her words carried their usual edge,"Good evening," she said, holding his gaze. "I'm Vanessa Gray… but you can call me Nessa."
Louis's lips curved faintly. "I know who you are," he said. "Daughter of Gray Oscar, CEO of Gray oils"
Nessa tilted her head, smirking. "Seems you've done your homework." "I like to know the people I invest in," Louis replied, eyes gleaming with quiet amusement and he stared at her, Nesaa smiled gently not trying to break the staring contest, she felt her self drawn to him in away that she didn't know was possible, before she could respond, her father and stepmother appeared, smiling too brightly. "Ah, Mr. Louis, I see you've met my daughter," her father said. "She'll be taking over the company soon." Nessa's jaw tightened. Louis only smiled, his gaze never leaving hers. Later that night, as the fundraiser drew to a close, Louis leaned in and said quietly, "We'll be in touch soon, Miss Gray."His voice was low and smooth the kind that made her heart stutter before she could stop it.Nessa managed a smirk, masking her confusion. "Looking forward to it." Louis's eyes flickered with something darker curiosity, hunger, something he hadn't felt in ages.
Outside, the city shimmered beneath the moonlight, Riah's yellow gown caught the glow, and Nessa's laughter filled the air,
"You were the real show tonight, Miss Sunshine," Nessa teased,
"Oh please," Riah chuckled, brushing her hair back. "You were too busy charming that tall, mysterious man of yours."Nessa grinned. "Louis Ray, hmm? I wouldn't call him mine… but I wouldn't mind if he tried."
They both laughed as their car pulled up, and soon the quiet of home surrounded them,
Nessa sat on the couch, lost in thought her mind replaying Louis's face, his voice, his stare that felt almost… predatory, yet intoxicating.
Across the room, Riah stood by the window. The city lights blurred behind her reflection as her thoughts drifted back to the garden to the shadow, to those piercing blue eyes that had seen her, truly seen her, she could still feel it that unspoken pull.
Nessa's voice pulled her back,"Can you believe Louis Ray said we'll be in touch? He's basically one of the most powerful men in Lucid City, Riri!"
Riah smiled faintly, her gaze still lost in the night, but even as she laughed softly, a whisper haunted her heart the echo of a stare, the chill of a presence that had never truly left, because somewhere in the distance, behind the city lights and the hum of midnight,the man in the shadows was still watching.