The little bird's games

The night had deepened, the bonfire at the heart of the event casting dancing shadows across the courtyard. Laughter and chatter echoed in the crisp air as students mingled, the earlier pomp of Victorian elegance replaced with modern casual wear. For most, the evening was a celebration of new beginnings—but for Cora, it was a chance to perfect her art of evasion.

Cora kept her head low, staying close to Amelia. Her friend's buoyant energy provided a welcome distraction, shielding her from prying eyes. She hadn't seen Damien since their brief interaction earlier in the evening, and she intended to keep it that way.

Her masked face tilted slightly as she glanced at the bonfire in the center of the courtyard, flames crackling with a mesmerizing intensity. Students surrounded it, laughing and exchanging stories. A few were organizing games, their excitement infectious. Despite herself, Cora couldn't help but feel a small tug of curiosity.

Amelia tugged on her arm. "Cora, come on! Let's join one of the games!"

"I think I'll pass," Cora said quickly, glancing around to ensure a certain someone wasn't nearby.

Amelia frowned, crossing her arms. "You've been avoiding everything fun tonight. Is this about Damien?"

Cora froze, her grip on her mask tightening. "It's not that—"

Amelia raised a knowing brow. "Cora, you're a terrible liar. I saw the way he looked at you earlier. It's like you're the only person in the room when he's around."

Cora shook her head, her voice firm. "That's precisely the problem. Someone like him draws too much attention. I can't afford that."

Amelia sighed but didn't press further. "Fine, but at least stand here with me while I play. You can't just be a wallflower all night."

Reluctantly, Cora agreed, her gaze scanning the crowd for any sign of Damien. She felt relief when she didn't spot him, but deep down, a part of her knew he was never far.

And she was right.

From the shadows of the courtyard, Damien leaned casually against a stone pillar, his arms crossed as his sharp eyes followed her every move. A smirk tugged at his lips as he watched her squirm, her attempts to blend in failing spectacularly.

His little bird was trying to fly away. How amusing.

Damien found her determination to avoid him endearing, almost playful. He had seen countless women throw themselves at him, but this girl—this masked enigma—was different. She was elusive, skittish, and fiercely protective of her secrets. It made him want to unravel her even more.

Maximilian approached him, holding two cups of cider. "You're staring."

Damien's smirk deepened. "Observing."

Max chuckled, handing him a cup. "Call it what you want. You've been glued to her since this afternoon. What's the deal?"

"She's intriguing," Damien replied simply, taking a sip.

Max raised a brow. "That's new. You usually find intrigue in power plays and deals, not shy girls in masks."

Damien glanced at his friend, his expression unreadable. "Everyone has their secrets. She's just better at hiding them than most."

"And you're going to figure them out?"

"Of course," Damien said, his tone casual but laced with certainty. "She's my little bird. She can't escape me."

As if on cue, Cora shifted uncomfortably, her masked face turning slightly as if sensing his gaze. Damien chuckled under his breath.

"Stay here," he told Max, his tone brooking no argument.

Max sighed. "Don't scare her off."

But Damien didn't reply. He was already moving.

Cora felt a chill run down her spine, a sensation she had come to associate with him. Her instincts screamed at her to run, but Amelia's cheerful chatter anchored her in place.

"Cora," a low, familiar voice drawled behind her, sending a shiver down her spine.

She turned slowly, her heart hammering as she met Damien's amused gaze. His presence was magnetic, his tailored suit contrasting with the casual atmosphere. He exuded power and control, his smirk making it clear he knew exactly how he affected her.

"Damien," she said, her voice steady despite the chaos in her chest.

"I didn't think I'd see you here," he said, stepping closer. "You've been quite elusive tonight."

Cora resisted the urge to step back, refusing to let him see her unease. "I've been enjoying the event like everyone else."

"Is that so?" he asked, his tone teasing. "Because it looked like you were avoiding me."

"I think you're imagining things," she replied, lifting her chin defiantly.

Damien's smirk widened. "Perhaps."

Amelia, sensing the tension, cleared her throat. "I'm going to join the game. You two... talk." She winked at Cora before disappearing into the crowd.

Cora wanted to strangle her.

"Your friend has good instincts," Damien remarked, his tone laced with amusement.

"What do you want, Damien?" Cora asked, crossing her arms.

"To talk," he said smoothly. "You've been avoiding me, little bird. I'm curious why."

"I don't belong in your world," she said firmly.

"And what world is that?" he asked, his tone darkening slightly.

"The one where people like you think they can control everything and everyone," she shot back.

Damien chuckled, the sound low and dangerous. "You misunderstand me, Cora. I don't want to control you. I want to understand you."

She faltered, his unexpected words catching her off guard.

"Why?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Because you're different," he said, his gaze intense. "And I don't like mysteries I can't solve."

Before she could respond, a shout from the bonfire drew their attention. A group of students was organizing a game, their laughter ringing through the air.

"Come on, join us!" someone called out, waving them over.

Cora shook her head, but Damien's hand was already on her arm.

"Let's play," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"I don't—"

"Humor me," he interrupted, his smirk returning.

Reluctantly, she allowed him to guide her to the group. The game was a variation of charades, with each participant drawing a slip of paper and acting out a word.

Damien, ever the showman, went first. His exaggerated performance had the group in stitches, his charm effortlessly drawing everyone in. When it was Cora's turn, she hesitated, her mask making her self-conscious.

"Go on," Damien encouraged, his voice low and reassuring.

Taking a deep breath, she drew a slip and began to act. To her surprise, the group cheered her on, their laughter lighthearted and kind. For a moment, she forgot her worries, lost in the simple joy of the game.

Damien watched her, his gaze softening. She was like a flame, flickering and delicate but undeniably captivating.

As the game ended and the group dispersed, Cora found herself smiling.

"See?" Damien said, his voice close to her ear. "You can have fun if you let yourself."

She glanced at him, her smile fading. "This doesn't change anything."

He tilted his head, his smirk returning. "It doesn't have to. For now."

Cora turned and walked away, her resolve renewed. She couldn't afford to let him in, no matter how persistent he was.

But Damien's eyes followed her retreating figure, his smirk turning into something more determined.

His little bird could try to fly, but he would always be there to catch her