Under the Moonlight
Chapter 2: Dorm 3A
Aria's boots echoed through the hallways as she dragged her suitcase behind her. Everything in this place seemed like it wanted to swallow her whole. Her stomach churned from more than just fear—the weight of humiliation from earlier was still heavy in her chest.
Her fingers trembled as she reached Dorm 3A. The ornate black door towered above her. Gold letters glinted against the darkness. She took a deep breath and knocked.
Silence.
She turned the handle and pushed.
The room was stunning. Velvet drapes hung from high ceilings. A chandelier of black crystals glowed with an eerie light. But what made her heart stop was the boy lounging on the sofa like it was a throne.
Lucien.
His eyes slid to her. Cold. Dispassionate. "You're late."
Aria swallowed. "I got lost."
"Not my problem." He stood slowly. "Take your things and get in. You'll be sleeping on the floor."
She stared at the hard marble tiles. "What..but There's a couch..."
He stepped closer, towering over her. "The floor. Or do you want me to drag you out and leave you for the others? I promise, they won't be gentle."
Her chest tightened. "Why are you doing this?"
He tilted his head. "Because I can. Because you're mine."
"I'm not a thing that you own."
Lucien laughed bitterly. "Here, you are. You're a human in a vampire domain. You think kindness exists here?"
She bit back tears. "I didn't ask to be here. I didn't choose this."
"No one chooses hell, darling. They just survive it. Or die."
She turned away, dropping her bag on the floor and sitting beside it. Her body trembled.
Lucien walked toward the window and leaned against it, arms folded.
"You reek of fear. It's... intoxicating."
She wiped at her eyes. "Stop talking to me like I'm your prey."
He turned slowly. "Then stop acting like prey."
Her head snapped up. " W..why do you hate me so much?"
Lucien was quiet for a moment. Then he walked to her and crouched to her level.
"You think this is hate? This is mercy. I'm warning you. Preparing you. Because if anyone else claimed you... you'd already be dead."
Aria's voice shook. "Why did you claim me then? Why not just let them take me?"
He looked at her, something unreadable in his eyes. "Because your blood called to me. And I never deny myself something that tempts me."
Her heart slammed in her chest. "You're a monster."
Lucien smiled coldly. " Tell me something..that I don't know."
She looked away, clutching her arms. "You don't scare me."
He leaned in, whispering against her ear. "You should be terrified."
She flinched.
A silence fell between them. She could feel the weight of his presence even when he walked away.
Then, suddenly, his voice broke the quiet.
"Tell me something, Aria. Have you ever watched someone bleed out? Slowly? As they beg you to stop?"
She froze. "Why would you say something like that? I told you that..I'm not scared of you- "
"Because that's the world you've stepped into. And you're still pretending you're strong enough to handle it."
Tears slipped down her cheek. "I hate you."
Lucien gave a small, amused hum. "Good. Hate keeps you alive."
She curled on the floor, turning her back to him. Her body shook with silent sobs.
Lucien stood over her for a long moment.
"Don't cry, little dove. It makes your blood taste sweet."
He turned and disappeared into the bedroom, leaving her alone in the cold glow of the chandelier.