Dinner with Valerius

Ahicia sat at the grand dining table, the polished mahogany surface gleaming under the chandelier's warm light. Her black gown hugged her figure, but even its elegance couldn't shield her from the unease twisting her insides. Across from her, Damian sat perfectly composed, his golden eyes scanning the room. Around them, a line of servants stood at attention, their gazes flickering to her more often than she liked.

Her fingers tapped an uneven rhythm against the table. She wasn't sure what unsettled her more—the silence or the expectant stares of the maids and butlers. It felt as if she were on display, a specimen under a microscope.

Damian's voice broke through her thoughts. "Ahicia, you need to relax."

She turned her red eyes on him, narrowing them in a silent warning. Whatever he was about to say, she wasn't in the mood for it.

"Ahicia," he tried again, leaning closer. "You—"

She didn't let him finish. With a sharp look, she effectively silenced him. Her expression was resolute, her message clear: don't push me right now. Damian raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips, but he wisely said nothing further.

The sound of heavy footsteps echoed down the hall, and Ahicia's heart leapt to her throat. Every servant straightened their posture, their heads bowing slightly. Damian's demeanor shifted subtly, his usual confidence blending with something more formal.

Valerius Moonlight the First entered the room, his presence immediately commanding. His silver hair was neatly combed, his golden eyes gleaming with an intensity that felt almost predatory. The air around him seemed to thrum with power, his aura so overwhelming that Ahicia felt it like a physical weight pressing down on her chest.

Her body went rigid, her breath catching in her throat. She wanted to stand as Damian did, to greet him properly, but her limbs refused to obey. Her knees locked, her hands gripped the edge of the table, and her voice—usually quick with a retort—was nowhere to be found.

"Father," Damian said, his tone steady as he inclined his head. "Welcome."

Valerius stopped before the table, his sharp gaze landing on Ahicia. A smile tugged at his lips, but it held no warmth. "So, this is the one who's managed to keep your attention."

Damian nodded, his expression neutral. "This is Ahicia."

Ahicia tried to speak, to say something, anything, but her mouth felt glued shut. Her eyes darted to Damian, silently begging for help, but he only gave her an encouraging nod.

Valerius' laugh filled the room, deep and resonant. It sent another shiver down Ahicia's spine, though not from fear. "Why so stiff?" he asked, his voice rich with amusement. "You're not here to impress me, girl. Relax. Be as free as you like."

The kindness in his tone took her off guard. Ahicia's shoulders eased slightly, but she still couldn't muster the courage to respond.

"Damian," Valerius said, turning his attention to his son. "Why didn't you prepare her for this? Did you tell her anything at all?"

Damian opened his mouth to reply, but Ahicia suddenly found her voice. It came out in a rush, accompanied by tears she hadn't realized were building.

"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, her words tumbling out in a mix of frustration and relief. "I was so nervous, so scared, and for what? I…I didn't know…" Her voice broke, and she buried her face in her hands, overwhelmed by the sudden release of emotion.

"Why am I even here?" she added, her voice muffled. "I'm not anything special. I… I'm just a failed experiment pretending to belong here. Look at me… trembling like a fool in front of everyone."

Valerius' laughter softened, turning into a low chuckle. "Well, at least she's honest," he said, his tone surprisingly gentle. "You have nothing to fear from me, Ahicia. If anything, you've given me quite the entertainment tonight."

Damian placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch grounding her. "You're fine," he said quietly, his voice holding a rare note of reassurance. "Stop doubting yourself. You belong here."

Ahicia's tears only seemed to flow more freely at his words. "But what if I mess up? What if I'm not good enough?"

Damian crouched slightly, bringing himself to her eye level. His golden eyes softened as he took her hand in his. "Then we'll deal with it together," he said firmly. "You're not alone in this, Ahicia. Not anymore."

The sincerity in his voice cut through her self-doubt, and for the first time that evening, she allowed herself to take a steady breath. Valerius watched the exchange silently, his sharp gaze flickering between the two of them.

"Well, this is certainly a scene I wasn't expecting," Valerius said, his tone laced with intrigue. "You've managed to surprise me, Damian. I didn't think I'd ever see you this…gentle."

Damian straightened, his usual smirk returning as he met his father's gaze. "There's a first time for everything."

Valerius' lips twitched in what might have been a smile. "Indeed."

Ahicia peeked at Valerius through her fingers, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. His earlier intensity had softened, replaced by a more approachable demeanor. She straightened up, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

"I'm sorry," she said, her voice steadier now. "I wasn't expecting…this."

"No need for apologies," Valerius said, waving a hand dismissively. "I'm sure you'll find your footing soon enough. And Damian…" He shot his son a pointed look. "Next time, do better at preparing her."

Damian inclined his head, a hint of a smirk returning to his lips. "Noted."

Ahicia couldn't help but smile through her lingering tears. The tension in the room eased, replaced by a tentative sense of understanding. For the first time since they'd arrived, she felt like she might just survive this dinner after all.