☆Chapter 33: Lucian》 From Shadow to Shield☆

The Silent Ceremony

The De Luca estate was buzzing with life. The grand hall was filled with elite associates, high-ranking officials, and key players in the underworld, all gathered for one reason—Lucian Romano's official appointment.

Lorenzo stood at the front, his usual cold and stoic expression in place.

Seraphina sat beside her grandfather, her eyes shining with excitement, but her face carefully neutral.

Lucian stood before them, dressed in a tailored black suit that fit him perfectly. He had grown well over the years—taller, broader, and more composed. His once timid demeanor was replaced by quiet confidence, and the fire in his eyes spoke of determination.

"Lucian Romano."

Lorenzo's voice echoed across the hall.

"You have trained. You've endured years of discipline, blood, and sacrifice."

Lucian's jaw clenched.

"Today, you stand not as a Romano…"

Lorenzo's eyes narrowed.

"But as a De Luca."

The room fell silent.

"And your loyalty… belongs to one person."

Lorenzo's gaze shifted to Seraphina.

Seraphina's heart skipped a beat.

Lorenzo's cold tone softened, just barely.

"Your life. Your sword. Your gun. Your loyalty. You will protect your patreon at all costs."

"I swear it."

Lucian's voice was steady, his gaze unwavering as he locked eyes with Seraphina.

"I will protect my patreon with my life."

Seraphina's throat tightened, but she didn't speak.

Her expression was unreadable, but her eyes…

They gleamed with unspoken gratitude.

"Till the God's descent, and my soul reaped, till my breath froze, and my heart sinks. My loyalty will be forever hers, as she is my goddess. My light and my day."

Lucian didn't break the eye contact, that made Serafina shiver.

"Is this an Oath or a confession?" Nonno grinned.

Lorenzo gave a final nod, and the ceremony ended without unnecessary fanfare.

☆☆☆

Later that night, as the moonlight bathed the De Luca estate in a soft glow, Seraphina found Lucian standing alone in the garden.

"So…"

Seraphina's voice was soft as she approached.

"How does it feel to be officially tied to me, Mr. Romano?"

Lucian turned, his usual stoic face softening when he met her gaze.

"It feels… right."

Seraphina smiled gently.

"You know, you don't have to do this."

"I want to."

Lucian's voice was firm, but there was an underlying vulnerability beneath it.

"You've always been there for me, Sera. Even when I had no one."

Seraphina's smile faltered.

"I just…"

"You saved me."

Lucian's eyes softened, his expression filled with gratitude.

"This is my way of protecting you back."

Seraphina opened her mouth to argue, but Lucian beat her to it.

"And no, you can't talk me out of it."

Seraphina huffed, crossing her arms.

"You've been spending too much time with Matteo. You're getting annoyingly stubborn."

"It's effective, isn't it?"

Seraphina rolled her eyes, but her smile was genuine.

☆☆☆

From a distance, Lorenzo watched the two of them, his expression unreadable.

"They've grown."

Matteo's voice broke the silence as he stepped beside Lorenzo.

"Too fast."

Lorenzo's jaw clenched.

"Lucian… he's more than ready." Matteo nodded.

"The kid's tough. He's got potential."

"But…" Lorenzo's eyes darkened, his gaze never leaving Seraphina.

"I don't trust the Romanos."

"Lucian isn't his father."

"Doesn't matter."

Lorenzo's voice was low.

"Blood ties are unpredictable."

"And yet…" Matteo smirked, glancing at Seraphina and Lucian laughing softly.

"You let him get close to her."

Lorenzo's silence spoke volumes.

☆☆☆

The next morning, Lucian stood silently by Seraphina's side as they prepared to leave for her tutoring session.

"You're really taking this seriously, huh?"

Seraphina raised a brow, noticing how rigid Lucian posture was, walking 3 paces behind her.

"Of course."

"Relax, Lucian."

Seraphina's lips curled into a playful smile.

"It's not like I'm going to trip and fall into danger on the way to class."

Lucian expression didn't budge.

"You never know."

"Oh, come on." Seraphina rolled her eyes.

"Matteo isn't this strict."

"Matteo isn't sworn to protect you with his life."

"He'd argue otherwise."

Lucian smirked.

"I'm different."

"Oh, I know."

Seraphina's eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Matteo lets me sneak out. You? You'd rat me out in a second."

"I would." Lucian nodded seriously.

"With pleasure."

"Traitor."

"Guardian."

☆☆☆

As they walked through the estate, Seraphina felt a shift.

Lucian wasn't just walking beside her anymore.

He was protecting her.

Watching. Calculating. Ready.

"Lucian…"

Seraphina's voice was softer now.

"Are you sure about this?"

"I've never been more sure."

Lucian's eyes held no hesitation.

"You're my family now, Sera. And I'll protect you…"

"No matter what."

Seraphina's heart clenched, and for once…

She didn't argue.