Chapter 12- Between the Lines

"For heaven's sake!!!" Kevin's exasperated voice shattered the quiet air, his pitch rising slightly with irritation. He dragged a chair back from the polished mahogany table, its legs scraping against the marble floor, and slumped into it with an audible huff.

The trio had stepped into the secluded section of the library, a private sanctuary which was reserved for only a handful of elite students. Unlike the common reading halls, which maintained an air of refinement, this space exuded quiet luxury and privilege.

Towering bookcases lined the walls, their gold-embossed spines glimmering beneath the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. Stained-glass windows filtered the daylight, casting fragmented hues across the polished marble floor in a mesmerizing dance of color. Ornately carved tables stood between plush velvet chairs, their rich fabric inviting silence and solitude, shielding those within from the noise and distractions beyond.

Not far from the entrance, the distant voices of their admirers could still be heard, their excitement dulled by the thick doors. The librarian had already barred them from stepping inside, refusing to let them even linger in the public section of the library.

Theodore rejoiced at Kevin's suffering, the corners of his lips quirking up in amusement. With effortless ease, he pulled out a chair opposite him and sat down, stretching out his legs with a lazy air. His movements were slow and deliberate, as if savoring Kevin's frustration.

Lucien, meanwhile, strolled past them with effortless grace, his steps unhurried and measured. As he wandered along the towering shelves, his fingers trailed lightly over the spines of the books, their gilded lettering shimmering faintly under the glow of the chandeliers. His hands, slender yet poised, moved with practiced ease, pausing occasionally as he browsed the shelves without any particular destination in mind. It felt like he was simply indulging in the act of searching rather than seeking.

Kevin let out a vexed groan, his fingers digging into the side of his neck as though trying to knead away the tension. "The screeching's only gotten worse since the vacation," he muttered, his voice thick with exhaustion. "Wherever we go, they're always there. Don't they have anything better to do?" His lips curled into a deep scowl as he leaned back in his chair.

Theodore simply hummed in acknowledgment with a lopsided smirk playing on his lips.

Kevin exhaled sharply, his irritation mounting. "Shouldn't they be focusing on their studies instead of following us around?" he snapped, his tone laced with disdain. "Unless, of course, they've resigned themselves to living like peasants for the rest of their lives."

Theodore's grin grew sharper. "Huh. Just realized something." He propped his chin on his palm, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Your voice is actually kind of annoying. I never noticed it before because you don't talk much."

Kevin shot him a cold glare.

"You should really speak less," Theodore continued smoothly, "Might help maintain that untouchable 'prince' image of yours."

Kevin let out an exasperated sigh.

"Don't talk to me right now," he warned, his tone dangerously low. "I might just punch you."

Theodore merely shrugged, clearly enjoying Kevin's frustration.

Lucien, meanwhile, finally settled into a chair, wordlessly flipping open the book he had picked up. His eyes traced the pages, though there was no real focus in his gaze. The book, a first edition novel from fifty years ago, hadn't been chosen with any particular purpose in mind.

Kevin turned to him with a scowl. "Lucien, you're the vice head of the student council. Do something about those people."

Lucien barely lifted his gaze from the pages, his voice as monotone as ever. "They aren't exactly breaking any rules," he said calmly. "They're just following us while maintaining a safe distance…There's not much I can do about it."

Kevin groaned louder, slumping back in frustration.

Theodore, still lounging in his chair, let out a lazy yawn. "Just enjoy the attention and quit whining," he drawled.

Kevin turned away from him entirely, his voice dropping in temperature. "I thought I told you not to talk to me."

Lucien continued reading, his elbow propped on the armrest while his chin rested lightly against his palm. His expression remained passive, his golden eyes scanning the words in front of him. A quiet sense of ease surrounded him, as if he had completely tuned out the conversation around him.

Theodore, now bored of provoking Kevin, turned his attention to Lucien. "What are you reading?"

Lucien flipped another page without much thought. "I don't know."

Theodore scoffed. "Boring answer."

But then, unexpectedly, Lucien spoke again.

"What do you think about stories?"

Both Kevin and Theodore turned to him, momentarily caught off guard by the abrupt question.

Lucien's fingers idly traced the edge of the book. "If a character exists within the confines of a book, are they bound to behave exactly as they were written?" He paused briefly before continuing. "Or, if given the chance to exist beyond the pages, would they act differently?"

Kevin raised an eyebrow. Theodore merely tilted his head, waiting for more.

Lucien's voice remained calm, yet his words carried a strange weight. "Let's say a book describing a character as 'smiling genuinely.' But how exactly?" He let the question linger. "What if the details are omitted and left vague because they aren't essential to the plot."

In the actual scene… what if that smile had more to it? What if their fingers twitched just slightly? What if their eyes flickered with something uncertain? What if, just for a moment, they hesitated before smiling?

A small silence stretched between them.

Kevin and Theodore exchanged a glance.

"What… is he even talking about?" Kevin mumbled under his breath, his confusion palpable.

Lucien let out a quiet breath, gently shutting the book in his hands. "Never mind," he said, his voice neutral once more. "I was just rambling to lighten the mood."

Theodore snorted, leaning back in his chair. "Here I was thinking your mind was finally falling apart from spending too much time with Kevin."

Kevin shot him a glare but didn't bother to respond.

And just like that, the conversation drifted away, leaving only the rustling of pages and the distant murmur of voices beyond the library walls.

- - - - -

The warm glow of the light bulb bathed the polished surfaces of Jane's private dormitory, illuminating the room's elegant grandeur. It was a far cry from the cramped, shared quarters that most students were accustomed to.

This privilege was reserved only for those with wealth and status, a distinction that ultimately included everyone in her circle of friends.

The room smelled of roses and vanilla, a scent carefully curated to linger like an unspoken promise of refinement. Lavish silk drapes cascaded from tall windows, allowing only the softest moonlight to spill onto the polished hardwood floors. The centerpiece of the room was the vanity, its surface adorned with crystal perfume bottles, ornate hairpins, and velvet-lined jewelry boxes overflowing with precious trinkets.

Jane reclined on a plush chaise lounge, surrounded by her closest friends, all of whom were dressed in the finest loungewear. They sipped tea from delicate porcelain cups as they chattered about the upcoming events. The night unfolded with the familiar rhythm of vanity and indulgence, their conversation flowing with the effortless grace of those who had never known a life without luxury.

"I can't wait for the gathering," Sophia gushed, her voice light with excitement. "I had a dress specially tailored for the occasion. It's midnight blue with silver-thread embroidery." She absentmindedly twirled a strand of her long blonde hair between her fingers.

Lillian sighed dreamily. "That sounds lovely, I've packed a lilac chiffon dress with pearl beading. My mother had it imported from overseas."

The conversation drifted between them like a dance, each girl taking turns to weave descriptions of their carefully chosen attire.

Then, Evangeline let out a dramatic sigh, her voice thick with frustration. "I found the perfect dress, an ivory gown with beaded sleeves." She faltered, her expression clouding as she crossed her arms. "But I still haven't found the right ruby bracelet to match it. I've been searching everywhere, but nothing seems quite right."

"Oh?" Sophia tilted her head. "Didn't you mention seeing one you liked?"

Evangeline nodded, lowering her voice just slightly, as if sharing a secret. "Yes, I saw a stunning design with Celeste du Valmont. You know, the daughter of the woman who owns La Belle Étoile Parlour."

Jane's fingers lingered on the rim of her teacup, her expression calm, but a hint of irritation flickered in her eyes.

Celeste du Valmont

A girl who, under normal circumstances, Jane would tolerate or perhaps even find mildly amusing.

But what Jane couldn't stand were the whispers. The rumours that there was something between Celeste and Theodore.

How absurd.

How daring of that girl to even entertain such thoughts? Theodore was far beyond her reach, and yet she still harbored such foolish delusions.

Jane let out a soft chuckle, carefully placing her teacup down before speaking. "A ruby bracelet? That reminds me, I have one that would match your dress perfectly, Evangeline."

Evangeline's face lit up with delight. "Truly?"

"Of course." Jane smiled, the picture of generosity. "You don't need to trouble yourself searching for one. I'll give it to you."

Evangeline beamed. "That's so kind of you, Jane! I'll pay you for it."

Jane waved her hand dismissively, her tone light. "Don't be silly. It's nothing."

Nothing at all.

Though, in truth, the bracelet belonged to her mother. But what difference did it make? Her mother had more accessories than she could keep track of. One bracelet gone unnoticed was hardly a concern.

The conversation effortlessly shifted back to dresses, parties, and idle gossip.