The silence after Layla's demand pressed against the walls. Dorian's jaw tightened, his eyes locked on Lucien, but he said nothing. Lucien's smirk deepened. "Answers, is it? Then look around you. The house already speaks."
Layla's grip on her phone tightened. "Stop dodging me."
Dorian stepped forward, his voice low. "Enough."
The floor groaned beneath them, shadows stretching along the walls like a smoke. A deep rumble echoed through the stone, silencing them all.
Instinctively, Iman pressed herself against Lucien, her arms wrapping around him as fear surged through her chest. His presence steadied her, a strange comfort in the chaos. At the same moment, Layla jumped, startled, and clung to Dorian, her fingers gripping his sleeve as if he were the only support, she had.
Lucien's gleamed, but for the first time his smirk faltered. The feeling of Iman's embrace stirred something deeper than amusement - a warmth he hadn't expected, one that unsettled him more than the house itself.
Dorian froze as Layla's arms tightened around him. For a heartbeat - a warmth, the weight of her trust broke through his guarded exterior. His chest tightened, protective instinct flooding him, though he forced his face to remain stern.
Lucien's voice returned, softer but edged. "See? Even the house agrees. You're asking questions it's not ready to answer."
Layla's confusion deepened, her chest tightening as she looked between them. "Then when will I get the truth?"
Dorian's jaw clenched. "Soon. But not from him."
The rumble faded, leaving only silence. The argument was over - not resolved, but suspended, waiting for the next break.
Lucien's smirk returned as he glanced at Dorian. "Why don't you show Layla her room? She'll need somewhere safe... at least for tonight."
Dorian's eyes lingered on Layla, then back to Lucien. "Fine," he replied coldly, his tone clipped. But inside, a quiet warmth stirred - unexpected happiness of knowing Layla had chosen to cling to him.
Layla shook her head quickly, her voice trembling. "I don't want to go with him."
Lucien's tone softened, unexpectedly reassuring. "You'll be safe with Dorian. Trust me."
Iman stepped closer, her voice gentle. "It's alright, Layla. You can trust him. We'll still be here."
Layla hesitated, her eyes flicking between them. Finally, she gave reluctant nod, her grip on Dorian's sleeve tightening.