Lucien's POV
My heart pounded as we reached his study.
"Come in," he said, opening the door.
My mind raced as I came in but still I comforted myself that no matter what happens, I should just try to survive.
He sat behind on a chair and gestured to the chair across from him. I obeyed.
The room was silent as he sipped his tea, watching me—calm, relaxed.
But I knew better.
Beneath that calm, something dangerous was waiting.
"Well then," he said at last, breaking the silence, "how is our plan coming along?"
His eyes never left me.
"It's coming along just fine, Ael. In fact—"
"I heard something interesting about you some time ago," he interrupted calmly.
My breath caught. "What…?"
"What was it?" I asked, carefully.
He set his teacup down with deliberate slowness and leaned forward, his gaze sharp and unblinking.
"I heard you were plotting against me. Against Heaven, Lucien."
I widened my eyes in practiced disbelief. "Who told you that?"
He didn't answer. He only stared.
