Shadows of Deception

The wind howled through the night, carrying whispers of an unseen presence. Helena stood by the window of the safehouse, arms wrapped around herself as she stared into the darkness. A strange unease gnawed at her, like fingers brushing against the edges of her mind.

Xavier noticed. He always did.

He walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "You're tense." His voice was soft, but beneath it lay a quiet concern.

Helena sighed. "It's Lucian. I know he's out there. Watching. Waiting."

Xavier pressed a gentle kiss to her temple. "Let him watch. He won't touch you."

But deep down, Helena wasn't so sure.

Because tonight, something felt different.

Meanwhile…

Lucian leaned against the ancient stone walls of his hidden lair, his piercing blue eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight. He was perfect—the kind of man who could make hearts race with a single glance.

His face was sculpted like a masterpiece, with razor-sharp cheekbones, a chiseled jawline, and lips that held both cruelty and temptation. His raven-black hair fell in effortless waves, framing his impossibly handsome features. Every movement he made was calculated, deliberate—like a predator who knew the world was already his to conquer.

And yet, the one thing he wanted most had slipped through his fingers.

Helena.

His obsession.

For years, he had envisioned her by his side—his woman, his queen, offering herself to him willingly. He had imagined the sweet taste of her blood on his tongue, the power it would grant him, the way she would surrender to him completely.

She was meant to be his.

And yet, she had chosen Xavier. His weaker, lesser brother.

Lucian's hands curled into fists, his jaw tightening as a growl rumbled in his throat. Why?

He was stronger. Faster. Smarter. He had spent centuries perfecting himself—his mind, his body, his power. Women had fallen at his feet without him lifting a finger, seduced by his otherworldly beauty.

So why, why, had Helena turned away from him?

Was it because Xavier had played the hero? Was she foolish enough to believe love was stronger than power?

Lucian smirked, but there was no humor in it only bitterness.

Love is fragile, he thought. Easily broken. Easily twisted.

If he could not have Helena's love, then he would take something far more valuable—her trust.

He turned toward the black altar at the center of the room. A book lay open, pages whispering in the dim candlelight. Dark magic pulsed from its ancient text, humming with untapped power.

His long fingers traced the symbols as a slow smile curved his lips.

"Sleep, my darling… let me in."

Helena's Nightmare

Helena jolted awake, gasping. The safehouse was dark, but something was wrong. The air was thick, heavy with the scent of roses and something else—something suffocating.

Then she saw him.

Xavier.

But… something was different. His silver eyes, once filled with warmth, were cold, distant.

He stood by the door, his expression unreadable. "Did you think this would last forever?" His voice was sharp, cutting.

Helena's breath caught. "Xavier…?"

He stepped closer, his movements slow, almost predatory. "You really think you're safe with me?" He laughed—a cruel, unfamiliar sound. "You're a burden, Helena. You've always been."

Her heart shattered. She took a step back, the room spinning. This wasn't real. It couldn't be real.

But the pain… oh, the pain felt real.

Lucian's voice echoed in her mind. "He will abandon you. They always do."

Her hands trembled. Doubt slithered in, wrapping around her like chains.

And then—

A sharp pain shot through her head, a sudden rush of energy crashing over her like a wave. The illusion flickered.

She gasped. No. This isn't real. This isn't—

"Helena?"

A different voice. A real voice.

Her eyes snapped open, and the illusion shattered like glass.

Xavier was kneeling beside her, eyes wide with worry. His real eyes. Warm. Loving.

"Helena, talk to me." He cupped her face, concern deepening the lines on his forehead.

Tears welled in her eyes. Her body trembled. She clung to him, the warmth of his touch anchoring her back to reality.

"Lucian," she whispered. "He's inside my head."

Xavier's jaw tightened, fury darkening his gaze. "Not for long."

Lucian's Reaction

Lucian staggered back, gripping his temples. The spell had been broken—too soon.

His breath came fast, ragged. She fought back.

A slow, dark smile curled his lips.

Good.

Because this was only the beginning.

Helena would be his.

Whether she wanted to or not.