Chapter-54 The Weight Of Influence

Frederique sat at the edge of the Velvet Veil's balcony, the golden morning light softening the room below. The luxurious brothel felt so different in the daylight... less mysterious, more open, yet still thrumming with quiet power. Fey nobles lingered at the silk-draped tables, speaking in hushed tones over delicate crystal cups. Courtesans laughed softly, leaning close to their clients, every touch calculated, every glance purposeful.

She felt out of place.

Solas' words still echoed in her mind from before.

' You're changing. Trust yourself.'

But trust felt impossible when every moment her Hunger loomed beneath her skin, a presence she could feel but never quite control.

A soft rustle of fabric pulled her attention back.

Selora approached, her fox-like tail swaying gently behind her as she folded her arms, emerald eyes narrowing in thought. She was dressed differently today... less provocative, more elegant. The deep crimson fabric of her dress clung to her curves but with an air of power, not seduction.

She radiated effortless confidence.

"You've been brooding up here all morning, little one."

Frederique tensed.

"I'm not..."

Selora arched a delicate brow, silencing her with a look.

"Don't lie to me. You're thinking too much. And when you think too much, you start to doubt."

Frederique lowered her gaze, embarrassed.

"...I don't know how to be like all of you. I can't be calm. I can't be... charming. When people look at me, they see danger or nothing at all."

Selora's lips curled into a knowing smile.

"And you think that's a bad thing?"

Before Frederique could answer, Selora gestured to the crowd below.

"Look. Watch closely."

Frederique followed her gaze.

A tall, pale Sidhe noble sat near the center of the lounge, speaking with a trio of courtesans. He wasn't doing anything dramatic... just sitting there, half-smiling, one long finger tracing the rim of his glass. Yet the way he carried himself, the sheer grace in how he existed... it made people notice.

A ripple of attention.

A subtle draw.

"That, Frederique," Selora whispered, "is power. No spells. No claws. Just presence. Do you understand?"

Frederique shook her head slightly.

"But... how?"

Selora leaned closer, voice low.

"Influence isn't about making people afraid. It's about making them curious. Making them want to be close, even when they don't know why. You don't need to fight to be dangerous."

She straightened, eyes glinting.

"Come. I'm going to teach you."

----------------------------------------------------------

Selora's Lesson

They moved to a quieter corner of the lounge, near a wall of draped silk where the morning sun cast warm patterns across the floor. Selora stood tall, hands on her hips, every inch commanding.

"Lesson one: Presence. Power begins with how you hold yourself. Stand tall. Shoulders back. Stop shrinking like you're afraid of being seen."

Frederique hesitated, then awkwardly straightened her posture.

"No. Not like you're getting scolded. Like you're meant to be seen. Confidence, girl."

Frederique adjusted again, trying to mimic Selora's poised stance.

The fox Pooka circled her slowly, appraising.

"Better. But presence is more than posture... it's in your intention. Why should they look at you? What do you want them to feel?"

Frederique frowned.

"I... I don't know. I just don't want them to... "

"Wrong." Selora cut her off.

"You must know. If you don't control the narrative, someone else will. So, what do you want them to feel when they see you?"

Frederique's jaw tightened.

"...Like I'm worth noticing."

Selora's grin widened.

"Good. Hold onto that."

----------------------------------------------------------

Lesson Two: The Stare

Selora moved closer, her emerald eyes locking onto Frederique's.

"Now, the stare. Eyes are the window to the soul, yes? But they're also a weapon. If you hold someone's gaze long enough, you can make them feel anything. Respect. Fear. Lust. Or, if you're clever... make them break first."

Frederique swallowed.

"And how do I do that?"

"Start by not looking away."

Selora's eyes bore into hers... steady, unblinking. The heat between them intensified, a pressure building. Frederique resisted the urge to glance away, feeling exposed... vulnerable.

Seconds stretched.

She felt the Hunger stir.

Push.

' No. Not now.'

Frederique's breath hitched, and she finally averted her gaze.

Selora clicked her tongue.

"Too much. You let it bleed through. You let the Hunger stare instead of you."

"I'm trying... "

"I know. And you will try again. But this time, control it. Your eyes are a promise, not a threat. You must be in charge."

Frederique steadied herself.

They tried again. This time, she exhaled slowly, focusing not on dominance but... curiosity. She wanted Selora to wonder what she was thinking, not to fear it.

Selora's lips curved slightly.

"Better. Good girl."

----------------------------------------------------------

Lesson Three: Aura and Seduction

Selora relaxed, her own posture shifting into something softer, looser. Her lips parted just slightly, her gaze half-lidded, as if sharing a secret. Even the way she breathed felt calculated, drawing attention without a word.

"This," Selora whispered, "is seduction. Not sex. Not desire. It's focus. It's how you make them feel like they are the only thing in the room."

She stepped back.

"Now, try. Just... let them notice you."

Frederique hesitated but stepped forward, mimicking the slow, deliberate motion Selora had shown. She softened her gaze, let her lips part just enough...

... and immediately felt the Hunger twist inside her.

A ripple.

Not curiosity, but alarm.

A Fey across the room looked up sharply, his expression wary. Whispers began.

Selora's hand was on her arm in an instant.

"Stop. Breathe."

Frederique sucked in a shaky breath, heart pounding.

"I... I'm sorry. I can't stop it... "

"Yes, you can." Selora's voice was calm but firm.

"This isn't about the Hunger. It's about you. You're stronger than it. Remember why you're here. Influence, not intimidation. Again."

----------------------------------------------------------

The Third Attempt – Success

Frederique focused harder this time.

She imagined not power but... control.

She let her body relax. Let her gaze soften. And instead of forcing herself to be noticed, she simply... allowed it.

The shift was subtle, but this time, the reaction was different. Fey turned their heads, but not with fear... curiosity bloomed instead. Soft murmurs. Quiet interest.

Selora's approving smile said it all.

"Now you're learning."

----------------------------------------------------------

Final Words of Warning:

As the lesson closed, Selora folded her arms, expression serious.

"Remember, Frederique. Influence is a double-edged blade. If you use it without restraint, it becomes corruption. But when wielded properly... it can be your greatest strength."

Frederique nodded, heart steadying.

For the first time in a long while, she felt like she was beginning to understand.