The Lady in Red 

Chapter 8 – The Lady in Red 

In a shadowy lounge, a woman sat alone in a corner, a wine glass in her hand. Her crimson dress clung to her, bold and sleek, like spilled blood. A faint, sly smile curved her lips, but the air around her felt thick, like a storm waiting to break. Guards by the door watched her cautiously, their eyes tense and alert.

The quiet shattered when the heavy double doors creaked open. A young girl stepped inside, her steps slow and careful, like she was afraid to disturb the air. She stopped at the entrance, her gaze sweeping the room before she bowed low. "My lady," she said, her voice soft but steady, "the Velari will be found soon. I just need more time. I swear I won't fail you."

The woman in red laughed, a low, chilling sound that made the guards stiffen. She handed her half-empty glass to one without a glance, then rose, her heels clicking softly on the polished floor. She moved toward the girl, her steps smooth and deliberate, stopping just inches away. With one finger, she lifted the girl's chin, forcing their eyes to lock. Tension buzzed between them, sharp and heavy.

"Time," the woman said, her voice cold as ice, "is slipping away. The Velari holds power you can't even dream of. If someone else finds it first, everything we've worked for…" she waved a hand, "will be worthless."

The girl swallowed hard, her face pale. She nodded quickly. "I understand. But if the Velari is among us now, I'll find it. It's been years, but one has been born. I can feel it. I won't fail."

The woman's eyes narrowed, glinting with doubt. Then she laughed again, cruel and sharp, the sound echoing off the stone walls. "You'd better not," she said, her tone biting. "Or you know what you'll face."

The girl nodded, her hands trembling slightly. "Yes, my lady."

"Good," the woman said, waving her away like dismissing a servant. "Go."

The girl turned and hurried out, her footsteps echoing in the silence. The doors thudded shut behind her, heavy and final.

…

At the restaurant, Aria felt a prickle on her neck, like eyes boring into her. She turned, her gaze landing on a woman approaching their table. The woman was tall and striking, with sharp cheekbones and a smile that didn't reach her cold, calculating eyes. Her red dress shimmered under the restaurant's warm lights, drawing every stare like a magnet.

She didn't bother with greetings. "Well, Damon," she said, her voice smooth and smug, "it's been a while since you came here. What changed? Your new mate?"

Damon's eyes darkened, his jaw clenching tight. He stood slowly, his hand brushing Aria's arm, a protective gesture. "You need to leave," he said, his voice low and sharp, like a blade.

The woman's smile grew, unfazed. "Relax," she said, waving a hand casually. "I just wanted to see the new Luna with my own eyes. She's… lovely."

She reached a hand toward Aria. "No need to be shy," she said, her tone sweet but edged with something sharp. "We'll get to know each other soon."

Aria's heart pounded. She didn't move, her hands staying firmly in her lap. Something about this woman felt dangerous, like a snake waiting to strike. Her instincts screamed not to touch her.

The woman raised an eyebrow but lowered her hand. She glanced at Damon, chuckling softly. "She's timid. But beautiful. The Moon Goddess must really favor you." Her smirk sharpened. "No wonder you're so calm now."

Damon stepped forward, closing the distance between him and the woman. His face was stone, his voice colder. "You're scaring her Linda. That wasn't part of your visit. Leave. Now."

The woman raised her hands, mocking surrender. "Alright, alright," she said, still smirking. "No need to get aggressive. I meant no harm."

She turned to leave but glanced back at Aria. "We'll meet again," she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "Maybe we'll even be friends."

Aria stayed silent, watching the woman's heels click away, each step confident and sharp. The restaurant's soft chatter returned slowly, like the air had been holding its breath.

Damon sat down, reaching for Aria's hand. "You okay?"

Aria nodded, though her hands were cold and her chest tight. She wasn't sure if she was okay, but she didn't want to make a scene.

They ate in silence. Aria pushed her food around her plate, her appetite gone. Damon kept glancing at her, his brows furrowed with worry, but he didn't push.

Finally, he stood and offered his hand. "Come on," he said, his voice soft. "Let's dance."

Aria blinked, surprised. "Dance?"

"Just one song," he said, a small smile breaking through his usual intensity.

Soft music began to play, filling the restaurant with a gentle melody. Damon pulled her to her feet, his touch careful but firm. Aria followed, her heart still unsteady from the woman's words.

They stepped onto the small dance floor in the center of the room. Damon placed one hand on Aria's waist, holding her other hand lightly. His warmth steadied her, even if she hated to admit it.

At first, Aria was stiff, her steps clumsy. But Damon guided her, moving slowly, matching the music's rhythm. The beat pulsed through the floor, and his hand on her back felt solid, like an anchor. She started to relax, letting the music carry her.

He spun her gently. Aria gasped, caught off guard, and stumbled slightly. When she turned back, her hands landed on his chest. Their eyes met, and the world seemed to blur, the restaurant fading into the background.

Damon leaned down, his breath warm against her ear. "I love you," he whispered.

Before Aria could process the words, his lips met hers. The kiss was slow, almost hesitant, like he was afraid she'd pull away. But she didn't. She couldn't. Her heart pounded, her mind spinning.

When he pulled back, Aria stood frozen, eyes wide, breathless.

She had no words.

And that was where the night truly began to change.