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"They came here on my request." Aleena said. Her voice was calm. Soothing. Almost melodic.
A ripple murmured through the crowd.
"I was aware of the unrest," she continued "And fearing for your safety, I sent word where I could. And they answered."
The onlookers exchanged quick glances, their murmurs low and uncertain. The bald man took slow steps forward, his gaze maintained with her. Then inclined his head slightly.
Lucian's gaze narrowed.
"My lady," the bald man said. "Please permit me. I understand the Duke's presence."
His eyes shifted. His gaze, cold. "But this young lady…" he lifted a finger and pointed directly at Ray. "Doesn't seem like she belongs."
A cold dread ran through Ray's spine.
Me?
The realization hit her like a gust. All eyes fell on her, heavy. Cold and suspicious. She tried to speak, but no words would leave her lips.
Not because she had nothing to say, but she didn't know how to defend herself.
The room seemed to narrow with every sharp stare, every judgmental whisper, the weight of their gazes pressing down all at once.
Then a huge frame loomed before her, casting a long shadow over her.
Lucian stepped close, positioning himself in front of her. His gaze was cold, dangerous, sweeping over the bald man and all those who had navigated their judgement at her.
"She belongs here." His tone calm, almost frightening. "With me."
Ray's chest heaved, a strange mix of fear and warmth curling up in her stomach. For a brief moment, the oppressive weight of every stare seemed to have lifted.
Her gaze completely focused on Lucian, and the warmth slowly settled in, brushing over the fear. She didn't understand it, the fluttering sensation. The feeling of …. Safety.
But deep down she knew, as long as she was beside Lucian, no harm would befall her. At least, for now.
She drew closer, and for a moment their eyes met. His gaze was cold, like a predator about to strike, but in that moment, only for a split second, they softened.
Then it vanished, replaced by the same cold indifference the crowd had seen before.
The bald man's fist clenched tightly. He knew pushing further was useless, yet he couldn't visibly express his emotions.
Now it has been settled she is not a spy." Aleena cut in, her voice calm but firm. "I would like for each of you to treat my guests with cooperation and respect."
The bald man bit his lip, his jaw tightening. After a long moment, he bowed slightly. As the tavern fell silent.
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The noise from the tavern dulled into silence as the door shut behind them.
Ray and Teo stood close together, steadying Gaia as she trembled in their hands. Her shoulder shook, as tears spilled freely from her eyes now that they were out of danger.
"It's alright," Ray said softly, patting her shoulder. "Nothing bad happened. "
"I was scared, my lady," Gaia muffled, wiping her face with her trembling hands. "I thought something was going to happen to you."
Ray forced a small smile. "I'm fine. See?" She said,
Teo let out a breathy chuckle of relief. "Well… on the bright side, we should be thankful those men and that lady arrived when they did."
Ray nodded, but her thoughts had drifted elsewhere. She was grateful Lucian had been there. Grateful he had stepped in without hesitation. That he had protected her.
But the question lingered, heavy in her mind.
Why was he there?
And worse, the circumstances of the evening had made him meet her.
The female lead. Far sooner than the story had intended.
Ray's fingers tightened at her side as her thoughts finally pulled back into focus. She hadn't realized she'd been staring, lost somewhere between relief and confusion.
That her attention was fixed on Lucian without meaning to.
It wasn't until he lifted his gaze and caught hers that she startled into reality.
He had been speaking to Aziah, his voice low, controlled and distant.
Then he stopped and turned towards her.
Ray felt it instantly. The sudden shift in the air. The quiet pull that followed with every step he took.
As he drew closer, the warmth she had been clinging to, twisted into something uncertain. Something she couldn't quite name yet.
Then he stopped in front of her. "Let's talk."
Before she could respond, his hand wrapped around hers. Gently drawing her to the side.