Chapter 2 : The Morning After
1912 Words
Sebastian Thornwood's Point Of View.
As the morning sun peeked through the curtains, I found myself in a situation all too familiar. My disheveled dark hair fell across my forehead as I lay on the bed, the warmth of the girl beside me slowly dissipating. The soft morning light cast a gentle glow on her tousled blonde hair. It had been a passionate night, but I knew the drill all too well.
My name is Sebastian Thornwood, and if there was one thing I prided myself on, it was my reputation as a charming and adventurous bachelor. With my chiseled jawline, raven-black hair, and piercing green eyes, I was often told I had the looks that could melt hearts. I had a tall, well-built figure, the result of regular workouts to maintain both my physical and wolfish strength.
Life, to me, was an exhilarating ride. I lived in the moment, seeking pleasure wherever I could find it. Likes? I enjoyed a good glass of whiskey, the thrill of a courtroom battle, and the pursuit of a passionate night. Dislikes? Well, I did not have many, but I had no patience for drama or clingy partners.
My perspective on life was simple—live fast, love hard, and leave no room for regrets. Commitment was a foreign concept, and I had no intention of settling down anytime soon.
Turning to the girl beside me, whose name had already slipped my mind, I flashed a charismatic grin. "Well, sweetheart, it looks like we have reached the end of this riveting conversation."
She giggled, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Sebastian, you are terrible."
I chuckled, reaching for my scattered clothes. "Terribly charming, you mean."
She pouted playfully. "Will I ever see you again?"
I shrugged, my tone casual. "Life's unpredictable, darling. But who knows? Fate might surprise us."
She sat up, the bedsheet slipping down to reveal her bare shoulders. "You are impossible to pin down, aren't you?"
I leaned in, placing a teasing kiss on her lips. "That's part of my charm, love. Keeps things interesting."
She laughed, her blue eyes sparkling with amusement. "You certainly do that."
As I continued to dress, she watched with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So, Sebastian, any plans for the day?"
I grinned, unable to resist the playful banter. "Well, I was thinking of conquering the world. But first, breakfast."
She reached out to trace a finger along my chest, her touch sending shivers down my spine. "Breakfast, huh? I think I could be persuaded to join you."
I chuckled, pulling her into a lingering kiss. "Tempting, very tempting. But duty calls, my dear."
With a sigh, I left her with a final wink and headed out of the room, leaving the girl behind with nothing but a smile and a vague promise. It was all part of the game, after all.
Later that morning, I returned to our family mansion, well aware of the impending scolding from my older twin brother, Adrian. Adrian and I could not be more different. He was the responsible, dependable one, always focused on upholding our family's honor and tradition. I, on the other hand, took pleasure in teasing him relentlessly.
As I entered the house, I was met with Adrian's disapproving glare. He was dressed immaculately in a suit, his dark hair neatly combed, and his demeanor exuded authority.
"Oh my, lord Sebastian has finally decided to quench the thirst of his subject with his glamorous sight" I heard Adrian digging a sarcastic comment to me.
As I descended the grand staircase, my polished shoes clicking against the marble floor, I could not help but roll my eyes at Adrian's sarcastic remark.
"Well, dear brother," I retorted with a sly grin, "It's not every day that one gets to witness such magnificence. I could not deny them that pleasure."
"Sebastian," he sighed, shaking his head. "When will you learn to be responsible?"
I could not help but smirk. "Responsibility? Now, that's a word I have heard before. Remind me, what does it mean again?"
Adrian's patience was running thin, and he crossed his arms. "You were out all night again. Do you have any idea how your behavior reflects on our family?"
I mimicked his stance and tone, a mischievous glint in my eyes. "Ah, dear brother, if only I cared about appearances as much as you do."
Adrian's brow furrowed, clearly frustrated. "Sebastian, one day you will realize that there's more to life than fleeting pleasures."
I simply shrugged off his lecture, not in the mood for a moral debate. Instead, I decided to change the topic. "Speaking of which, I got an invitation for that ball tonight. More like an order from you, though."
Adrian nodded, his expression serious. "It's important for us to be there. Father always stressed the significance of such gatherings."
The mention of our parents brought a somber note to the conversation. Our parents' deaths remained a mystery, an unsolved tragedy that cast a shadow over our lives. Adrian and I both missed them terribly, but we dealt with our grief in different ways.
I sighed, feeling a pang of melancholy as I thought of our parents. "I wish they were here. Things just have not been the same since they passed."
Adrian's stern demeanor softened, and he placed a hand on my shoulder. "I know, Seb. But we must carry on their legacy and honor their memory."
I nodded, acknowledging his wisdom. "You are right, as always, big brother."
Adrian managed a small smile, appreciating my rare moment of agreement. "Just promise me you will behave at the ball tonight. It's crucial for our family's reputation."
I could not resist a playful grin. "Behave? Well, I will do my best, Adrian. But you know me, I can not make any guarantees."
Adrian rolled his eyes but said no more for the same.
The conversation shifted, and Adrian mentioned something about responsibility and the importance of representing our family at the ball. I, however, remained nonchalant, unwilling to take life too seriously.
Our dynamic was a constant clash of personalities, but deep down, we knew that our bond as brothers was unbreakable.
As Adrian left the room, his words of wisdom echoing in my ears, I could not help but wonder about the invitation. I had vowed not to get entangled in any romantic affairs, but my reasons remained shrouded in mystery, even to me.
The anticipation of the evening weighed on me as I stood before the full-length mirror in my opulent bedroom. I had already chosen the perfect black suit, tailored to perfection, which clung to my frame with just the right amount of elegance. The deep V of the waistcoat added a touch of sophistication that would surely turn heads.
But before I could don that impeccable attire, I knew a shower was in order. I wanted to feel refreshed and invigorated, ready to conquer the night with my charisma and charm.
I unbuttoned my shirt, revealing the hint of well-defined muscles underneath, and tossed it onto a nearby chair. The bathroom was just a few steps away, and I could already imagine the warm water cascading over my skin.
The bathroom was a sanctuary of marble and gold, a testament to our family's wealth and prestige. I adjusted the temperature of the water to perfection, relishing the sensation as it hit my skin. The steaming water seemed to wash away the remnants of the previous night's escapades, leaving me feeling renewed. I couldn't help but think of the upcoming ball as the water poured over me.
Time passed and as I stood before the full-length mirror in my opulent bedroom, adjusting the knot of my silk tie, I could not help but smirk at my reflection. Tonight, I was determined to make a memorable entrance to the ball, even if it meant indulging in a bit of my brother Adrian's world.
The tailored black suit clung to my frame perfectly, the deep V of the waistcoat adding a touch of sophistication. I checked my cufflinks, each one studded with a small, glistening emerald. I always had a penchant for the finer things in life.
My dark hair was impeccably combed, and I ran a hand over my stubbled jawline, debating whether to shave. Ultimately, I decided to keep the hint of ruggedness—it added to my charm.
Just as I was about to fasten my mask, a melodious ringtone shattered the silence of my room. I reached for my phone and noticed the caller ID: "Lena."
Lena Thornwood, our younger sister, was an enigma in our family. She lived in the heart of the city, away from the opulent mansion that had always been our home. Unlike Adrian and me, she had chosen to live among humans, away from the confines of the supernatural world. Her reputation was both fascinating and intimidating—a woman of few words, but her actions spoke volumes.
I swiped to answer the call, holding the phone to my ear. "Lena, to what do I owe this pleasure?"
Her voice, soft and measured, flowed through the line. "Sebastian, I trust you are preparing for the ball?"
I sighed dramatically, leaning back against the vanity. "Oh, you know, just the usual. I thought I would grace them all with my presence tonight."
Lena's tone held a hint of amusement. "Do not forget to wear your charm, dear brother. It might be the only thing that saves you."
I chuckled. "Ah, Lena, you underestimate me."
There was a brief pause before she spoke again. "I will be attending as well. It's been too long since we have had a family gathering."
I raised an eyebrow, curious. Lena rarely attended family events. "You are coming to the ball? That's a surprise."
"It's about time," she replied. "Besides, I have some friends in the city who are eager to experience a Thornwood event."
I could not help but grin. Lena had a way of making even the most prestigious events seem ordinary, yet there was an undeniable air of sophistication that surrounded her.
"Very well, Lena," I said, slipping my mask into place. "I look forward to seeing you tonight."
"Likewise, Sebastian," she replied, her voice holding a warmth I rarely heard from her. "And remember, do not cause too much trouble."
With that, Lena ended the call, leaving me to contemplate her unexpected attendance. It seemed that tonight's ball was destined to be an eventful one, filled with both family and secrets.
As I stood before the mirror and glanced at the antique pocket watch on the dresser. It was my father's watch, a cherished heirloom. I could not help but chuckle at the reflection staring back at me.
"You are such a charmer, Sebastian," I quipped to myself, wagging a finger at the mirror. "But tonight, you might just surprise yourself."
As I looked at myself in the mirror, I couldn't shake the feeling that tonight would be anything but ordinary.
As I made my way downstairs to join the festivities, the anticipation of the evening swirled around me. It was time to embrace the world of masks and masquerades, even if it meant facing the enigmatic presence of my sister, Lena Thornwood.
The night ahead promised to be filled with more than just masks and masquerades, and I could not help but wonder what twists and turns fate had in store for me.
- Writer
