THE DARK NOBLE

CHAPTER 13

A SPARK OF CONNECTION

I stood in Lord Lucien's room, surrounded by canvases, brushes, and paints, lost in my own little world. When I told Lord Lucien that I loved painting, he got me everything I needed for painting, and he let me paint in his room.

I had totally misjudged him, I had realized how I'd been comparing him to my wolf boyfriend or rather my ex Thane who didn't even come to know where I was or how I was doing. But Lord Lucien is different. He is powerful, confident, and... Protective. For the first time I felt like I was safe with him, like he had my back.

The door slammed open, and Lord Lucien strode in, his face a mask of fury. His eyes blazed with anger, and I could feel the tension radiating from him. I hesitated unsure of what to do,

"Lord Lucien, is everything okay?" I ventured trying to keep my voice steady

"I'm fine, continue what you're doing", he barked, his voice like thunder.

I flinched, for creeping in. But something inside me refused to back down, "what's wrong, Lord Lucien?" I asked, my voice firmer that I expected.

"I said I'm fine" he yelled again

"but you don't look fine. You weren't..."

He took a step closer, his eyes flashing with anger, "shut the f**k up Ivy... You're just a slave. You're just a plaything for us to use and discard, it's of no use to tell you what's bothering me"

The words cut deep, and I felt the sting of tears. I tried to hold it in, but it was too much. I burst out crying, the paintbrush slipping from my fingers. Was it my fault that I became a slave in this God forsaken cave, how dare he say I'm a plaything, those bastards tortured me and took away my freedom and innocence. The canvas, once full of life and color, now seemed dull and meaninglessness.

***

As I lay on the bed trying to stifle my sobs, I felt the mattress sink beside me, Lord Lucien's presence was unmistakable, and I knew he was sitting next to me. I pretended to be asleep, but he knew better,he could read my thoughts after all.

His gentle voice broke the silence,

"Ivy,I'm sorry. I was out of line earlier. I shouldn't have shouted at you." I opened my eyes to find him looking at me.

I tried to apologize, but he cut me off

"no, no need to apologize. I'm the one who should be sorry. Supremo... He beat me mercilessly, and I took it out on you" his eyes seemed to cloud over, but then they refocused on me.

I didn't quite get why his own uncle would beat him, deep down I know Lord Lucien isn't really cold, maybe he's just trying to cover up his pain.

"you know, Ivy, you're the first person I've opened up to in a long time. I don't know why, but something about you...softens me, makes me feel things I thought I'd never feel again". His words hung in the air, and I felt my heart respond to the vulnerability in his voice.

I looked up at him, my eyes meeting his"I feel it too" I whispered.

But...it's all so complicated, besides I'm just one of his army who's turning into a vampire in a couple of days.

His gaze intensified, and for a moment, we just looked at each other. I could see the conflict in his eyes, the same conflict I felt inside myself. We both knew that our situation was impossible, but in that moment, it didn't matter.