WHEN ENEMIES STRIKE
Elara woke up uneasy.
The memory of Lucien's closeness from the night before still lingered on her skin, in her thoughts, in the way her heart refused to calm down. It scared her—how easily he broke through her walls.
She arrived at work early, hoping to avoid him.
She failed.
Lucien was already in his office, jacket off, sleeves rolled up, looking dangerously focused. Their eyes met through the glass wall.
Her breath caught.
He didn't smile.
Didn't wave.
Just watched her.
Like he always did.
Elara quickly sat at her desk, trying to concentrate, but something felt… wrong.
Her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number:
Enjoy your little fantasy while it lasts. The city is about to know who you really are.
Her fingers trembled.
Before she could reply, chaos erupted.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
"Did you hear?"
"Her background check just leaked!"
"She lied about everything!"
Elara stood abruptly.
"What are you talking about?" she asked a coworker.
The woman hesitated. "Your… your school records. Your past address. They're circulating."
Elara's face drained.
She rushed to her computer.
And there it was.
Her past.
Her struggles.
Her lowest moments—exposed and twisted.
Her chest tightened.
Serena.
It had to be her.
Lucien stormed out of his office.
"Everyone back to work!" he snapped.
He pulled Elara inside his office and locked the door.
"Look at me," he said firmly.
She couldn't.
"They're humiliating me," she whispered. "Again."
Lucien cupped her face gently, forcing her to meet his eyes.
"I won't let them destroy you," he said darkly. "Not this time."
"You said that before," she replied softly.
"And I failed you," he admitted. "But I won't again."
She swallowed hard.
"Serena did this," she said.
"I know," he replied. "And she's going to regret it."
Something dangerous burned in his gaze.
"Elara," he continued, "from now on, you stay close to me. No secrets. No running."
She shook her head.
"That's not protection. That's control."
"Call it what you want," he said. "But I won't lose you."
Silence filled the room.
Then the door burst open.
Serena stood there, smiling wickedly.
"Enjoying privacy?" she mocked. "Careful, Lucien. People might think you're hiding her."
Elara stepped forward.
"You leaked my past."
Serena clapped slowly.
"And? The truth always finds a way."
"You ruined my life," Elara said quietly.
Serena leaned closer.
"You ruined your own by getting too close to him."
Lucien snapped.
"Get out."
Serena laughed.
"This isn't over."
She turned and walked out.
Elara's knees weakened.
Lucien caught her before she fell.
For the first time…
She didn't pull away.
She rested her forehead against his chest, exhausted.
"They hate me," she whispered.
"No," he replied softly. "They fear you."
She laughed weakly.
"I'm just tired."
His arms tightened slightly around her—not owning, not trapping—just holding.
And in that moment…
They forgot the city.
Forgot the war.
Forgot their enemies.
But outside the glass walls…
Serena was already planning her next move.
And this time…
She aimed to destroy them both.