The night was quiet, the courtyard washed in silver light. Iman walked slowly, her thoughts heavy after the clash with Layla. She hadn't expected her own anger to rise like that, and the memory of it burned.
Lucien found her there, his steps soft but certain. "You left in anger," he said gently. "I felt it even from afar."
Iman lowered her gaze. "She wouldn't listen. I tried... but it was like speaking to stone."
Lucien tilted his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You know, I never thought I'd see you storm off like that. You looked... terrifying."
Iman shot him a glare, though her cheeks warmed. "Terrifying?"
He chuckled. "Yes. If I were Layla, I'd have surrendered on the spot. You should use that look more often - it suits you."
Iman shook her head, trying to hide the smile that crept in. "You're impossible."
Lucien leaned closer, teasing softly. "Impossible, but effective. See? You're smiling again. And since I managed to fix your mood... don't I deserve a reward?"
Iman narrowed her eyes, voice sharp but playful. "What do you want, Lucien?"
Lucien smirked, lowering his voice. "A kiss, perhaps."
Iman's cheeks flushed, but instead of laughing it off, she leaned in suddenly and pressed her lips to his.
Lucien froze, eyes wide in shock. He had only been teasing - he hadn't expected her to actually do it.
But then, the surprise melted into warmth. His hand rose instinctively to her cheek, and he kissed her back, slow and steady, turning the playful moment into something deeper.
When they parted, he whispered, almost dazed, "I was only teasing."
Iman's face burned with shyness, her eyes dropping in embarrassment. She turned slightly, unsure of what to say.
Lucien smiled softly, pulling her into his arms. He hugged her close, his warmth steady against her trembling. Then, gently, he kissed her temple and the curve of her neck - tender gestures meant to soothe her embarrassment.
"You don't have to be shy," he murmured. "With me, you're safe."
The moonlight wrapped around them, sealing the moment in quiet intimacy.
Iman's embarrassment faded into calm, replaced by Lucien's steady embrace and gentle kisses.
And through trials waited ahead, in that instant they both knew - their bond had crossed into something neither could deny.