Chapter 7 – The Villainess's Invitation

The drive back home from the academy was silent, except for the occasional hum of the engine and Lyra stealing glances at Aeron, who seemed unusually thoughtful. His white hair gently fluttered in the breeze from the car's open window, and his silver eyes reflected the passing city lights.

Lyra finally broke the silence. "You've been awfully quiet. Are you okay?"

Aeron blinked out of his thoughts. "Just... thinking. About Selene."

Lyra's expression hardened slightly. "You shouldn't get involved with her. She's dangerous."

Aeron smirked lightly. "I know. That's why I'm interested."

Lyra frowned, unsure if he was joking. "I'm being serious."

"I know. That's why I'm worried you're not laughing."

The car arrived at the large estate owned by the Valtoris family—Selene's family. Even though they had been "taken in" after their parents' accident, the truth was clear: they were here for their dead parents' company shares. The mansion always felt cold, too perfect, like a dollhouse with no soul.

They stepped into the grand foyer, greeted by the head maid with an unexpected message.

"Young Master Aeron, Young Miss Lyra," she said with a bow, "Lady Selene has instructed that from today onward, you will be dining with her at the main table."

Both Lyra and Aeron blinked.

"…Is she possessed?" Aeron whispered.

"Shh!" Lyra nudged him. "Why would she suddenly want that?"

Aeron gave a small laugh, rubbing his chin. "Well, maybe she finds me charming."

Lyra gave him the most dramatic eye-roll possible. "She probably wants to poison you."

"Ah," Aeron said dramatically, placing a hand on his heart. "A slow, romantic death. My favorite."

The maid coughed awkwardly. "Lady Selene awaits in the dining hall."

As they entered, the long mahogany table stretched out before them. Selene was already seated at the head, sipping wine like an empress. Her silver hair fell over one shoulder, and her red eyes locked onto Aeron like a predator eying its prey.

"You're late," she said flatly.

"We live here," Aeron replied casually. "Technically, you're early."

Selene's eyebrow twitched. "Sit."

They sat across from her. Servants brought course after course, and the atmosphere grew thick with tension.

Selene finally spoke again, staring at Aeron. "You're interesting."

Aeron smiled. "That's what the school nurse said after I ate six servings of cafeteria pudding."

Selene narrowed her eyes. "I mean you're not like before."

"Puberty hit me like a truck," he said, taking a bite of meat.

Lyra, in the background, looked like she was on the verge of facepalming herself into a coma.

Selene leaned in slightly, her gaze piercing. "You'll sit with me every day from now on. I'll be keeping a close eye on you."

Aeron blinked innocently. "You sure? I can be pretty annoying. Just ask Lyra. Or the pet fish I overfed."

Selene didn't smile. But her eyes lingered.

And for the first time… the villainess didn't seem so distant.