Chapter 13- Silk and shadows

Lucien pushed open the door to his room, and before fully stepping inside, his hand instinctively reached for the light switch near the doorway.

Click.

The sharp sound of the switch echoed through the room, slicing the heavy silence like a whispered interruption. A soft, artificial glow spilled into the once-dark space, chasing away the shadows that clung to the walls like specters reluctant to retreat.

He shut the door behind him with a quiet, effortless motion. The faint rustle of fabric accompanied him as he loosened his necktie, slipping it from his collar and carelessly draping it over the sofa in passing. His steps, soundless against the polished floor, carried him toward the glass balcony doors, where the moonlight cast a ghostly sheen upon the surface.

With a light push, the doors slid open, their movement seamless and smooth. A rush of cold night air surged in, carrying the crisp scent of citrus from the trees below the dormitory.

The cold wind tugged at his hair, loosening its once-perfect arrangement. Strands of silver unraveled like silk threads caught in an unseen current, gleaming under the pale glow of the moon as they danced with the breeze.

For a moment, he looked almost ethereal, like something carved from moonlight itself, his form softened by the restless touch of the wind.

He stood at the threshold, his gaze drifting over the academy grounds spread out beneath the vast expanse of the night sky, bathed in a bluish glow. The world beyond was still, save for the occasional flicker of light from distant dormitory windows.

It was already late, the sun had long since sunk beneath the horizon by the time he returned from the academic building. Discussions of an upcoming function ran endlessly between both students and teachers, devouring up all the time of the evening.

Lucien lingered for a moment, taking in the serene beauty of the night, before turning away and retreating into his room once more.

His steps carried him toward the bookshelves lining the far wall, the bound edge of countless volumes standing in neat, disciplined rows.

His slender fingers traced along the books before settling on one leather-bound book nestled among the others. He pulled it free, its weight familiar in his grasp.

Flipping open the cover, his eyes fell upon the pages, but they remained eerily blank.

His expression remained impassive, though his fingers ghosted over the pristine surface as if searching for something unseen.

"It's still stuck in Chapter 1," he murmured, his voice breaking the stillness of the room like a drop of ink in water.

"Not much has been mentioned. Is this period not that important?" His brow arched slightly as he voiced the thought to no one in particular, eyes narrowing as if trying to decipher an unseen puzzle.

The glimmer of curiosity flickered, only to fade just as quickly, replaced by his usual indifferent calm. With a soft thud, he closed the book and slid it back into place among the others.

Without another glance, he turned and crossed the room, resuming his nightly routine.

- - - - -

Winds rustled gently through the trees, their leaves shimmering as the morning sunlight spilled over the campus.

The academic area, once quiet in the early hours, now hummed with life. Students scattered across the well-manicured grounds, some lounging on the benches while others sprawled out on the lush grass, heads bent in discussion or simply enjoying the warmth of the sun. Groups of friends huddled together, their laughter and voices filling the air like a familiar, comforting melody. The scent of fresh flowers mingled with the crisp morning air as students hurried from one building to the next, lost in their own worlds.

The scene was idyllic, the perfect blend of youthful energy and natural beauty. Yet, amidst the vibrant bustle of the campus, all eyes seemed to be drawn toward a pair of figures walking down the broad pathway.

Heads turned subtly, though no one dared to make it obvious.

The world around Sophia and Jane seemed to fade as they walked, their elegance a magnetic force that captivated every onlooker. Their movements were fluid, each step deliberate and choreographed immaculately. The glistening strands of their hair caught the light in perfect harmony, and their clothes, tailored to perfection, draped around them flawlessly. Their beauty was undeniable, an aura of poise and elegance that made them appear as if they belonged to a different realm altogether.

Their presence demanded attention, pulling the eyes of seniors and juniors alike, without effort. Although, there was something innate about them that set them apart. The quality of their shoes alone told a story of wealth and privilege.

It was true that Blackwood Academy had once been a sanctuary for the aristocracy, where only the elite were allowed to learn. But times had changed.

The fall of the nobility and class system had shifted the school's demographics. Scholarships now allowed brilliant minds from all walks of life to attend, and the school had opened its doors to the masses. But even as the student body grew diverse, it was impossible to ignore the air of refinement that clung to the descendants of nobility. They moved differently, spoke differently, and carried themselves with a kind of quiet dignity that others could never replicate.

Once a noble, always a noble. The saying still held weight here, even if unspoken.

Sophia's eyes narrowed slightly as she spotted familiar outlines further down the path, and her lips curved into a knowing smile.

"Oh my! Isn't that the boys?" she remarked, her eyes sparkling with a touch of excitement.

Jane followed her gaze. "Hmm… I see them," she responded, her voice calm, yet there was an undeniable hint of interest in her tone.

Their pace quickened, but their movements remained composed, as if the world slowed down around them. They approached the boys, and Sophia, ever the picture of grace, greeted them with a delicate smile.

"Fancy meeting you gentlemen out here,"

Theodore, as always, met her smile with his signature grin, the one that seemed to promise mischief at every turn.

Lucien offered Sophia and Jane a quiet nod of acknowledgment while Kevin only gave them a brief glance before turning his attention elsewhere.

"Good morning, ladies," Theodore remarked. "Out for a stroll or enjoying the weather?"

Jane tilted her head slightly, her gaze steady and serene. "Perhaps both," she replied, her tone measured, yet the slight curve of her lips hinted at something more. "And what about you, Theodore? Have you finally gotten tired of the library?"

Theodore chuckled. "That can't be so, but a change of scenery never hurts."

Sophia's eyes glinted as she glanced at Lucien, who stood silently beside them. "I had assumed that Brother Lucien would be holed up in the committee room. What a surprise!" she exclaimed, her smile light yet searching.

Lucien met her gaze for a moment, his expression placid, before answering. "It is indeed busy, but we get a break once in a while."

Kevin, who had been leaning against a nearby pillar, let out an exaggerated sigh. "Why are you two even here? This area is off-limits to first years," he muttered, clearly irritated but trying to hide it.

Theodore shot him a mocking grin. "Oh, come on, Kevin. Don't be so sour. We were just in the middle of having a pleasant conversation."

Kevin rolled his eyes and looked away while the two girls exchanged a glance.

The group fell into a calm silence, though there was an undercurrent of unspoken thoughts. Before the conversation could resume, it was abruptly interrupted by the sound of a shaky voice.

"Um… Lucien…" The voice faltered, coming from a student standing a few paces away, wearing the badge of the student committee. The young man adjusted his glasses nervously as he approached. "There… there is a call for you from… from your home."

Lucien's brow furrowed in confusion, the calm facade momentarily cracking. "A call?" he echoed, his tone uncertain as he glanced at the student.

The student nodded, and Lucien felt a flicker of unease. It was odd. His father rarely contacted him directly.

Lucien nodded curtly in response. "I'll be there," he said, the words clipped but polite.

The group exchanged looks, their curiosity piqued as Lucien walked away swiftly with the student toward the telephone room.

His mind was swirling with thoughts.

Could it be his father calling? Although it was unusual.

A part of him felt skeptical. What could possibly be so urgent? Was something wrong at the mansion?

He opened the door to the call room, its walls lined with simple furnishings and the faint scent of polished wood in the air. Lucien stepped inside, his gaze flicking around the room as his thoughts churned.

His slender hand reached out, the cold metallic surface of the telephone feeling sharp against his skin. The chill of it seemed to ground him, reminding him that something was off.

He picked it up slowly, the weight of the moment settling over him as he placed the receiver to his ear.

"Hello?" His voice was calm, though a slight crack betrayed a hint of uncertainty.

He waited, listening for any sound on the other end. For a moment, all he could hear was the soft static of the line.

Then, a soft breath tickled his ear.

"Umm… Brother Lucien?" The voice on the other end was soft, melodious, and unmistakable. It sent a shiver down his spine as he froze in place.