Layla's Room
Layla sat upright on the bed, clutching the blanket to her chest. The whispers pressed against her ears, curling like smoke.
"Chosen... claimed..."
Her breath trembled. She whispered, "Stop it... please."
The door opened quietly, and Dorian stepped inside. His presence filled the room, steady and calm, like shield against the unseen voices.
Layla's eyes widened. "It won't stop. It keeps calling me."
Dorian crossed the room, his movements deliberate, unhurried. He sat at the edge of the bed, his voice low and soothing. "The house feeds on fear. Don't give it what it wants."
She shook her head, tears brimming. "I can't... it's too strong."
Without hesitation, Dorian reached out, gently taking her hand. His touch was firm but reassuring. "Then let me carry it for you. Rest, Layla. I'll stay until you sleep."
His tone was steady, almost hypnotic. Layla's breathing slowed as he brushed a hand lightly across her hair, grounding her in the present. The whispers faded into silence, replaced by the rhythm of his voice.
Her eyelids grew heavy. "You'll stay?" she murmured.
Dorian's gaze softened. "Always."
And with that, Layla drifted into sleep, the fear dissolving under his quiet watch.
On the Balcony
Lucine stood behind Iman, his arms sliding around her waist in a hug. His chin rested lightly in the crook of her neck, his breath warm against her skin.
"You know," he teased softly, "you fit perfectly here."
Iman laughed, leaning back into him. "Is that your way of saying you won't let me go?"
Lucien's smirk curved against her neck. "Exactly. You're trapped."
She tilted her head slightly, playful. "Trapped with a vampire? Sounds dangerous."
His arms tightened, pulling her closer. "Dangerous, yes. But only for my heart."
Iman's cheeks warmed, her smile refusing to fade. "You're terrible at flirting."
Lucien chuckled, his lips brushing just near her ear. "And yet you're smiling. That means I'm winning."
She turned in his arms, facing him now. He pulled her into a front hug, his forehead brushing hers, his voice softer. "I told you... I cannot survive without you. And every second like this proves it."
Iman's hand rested against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm beneath. "Then I'll stay. But only if you keep hugging me like this."
Lucien's rare, genuine smile appeared. "Done."
They held each other, laughter and warmth mingling with the night air. The stars shimmered above, but it was the closeness of their embrace - back hugs, front hugs, whispered teasing - that lit the darkness.