The first rays of sunlight slipped through the curtains. Iman stirred, blinking against the warmth, only to find Lucien still beside her. His arms rested lazily across her waist, his smirk already waiting.
"You watch me sleep?" she teased, stretching.
Lucien's voice was low, playful. "Only because I wanted to see of you dream about me."
Iman laughed, nudging him. "You're impossible."
He leaned closer, snuggling into the crook of her neck, his breath warm against her skin. "And yet you're still here. That means I'm doing something right."
Her cheeks flushed, but she shoved him lightly. "You're not charming you know."
Lucien chuckled, pulling her into a quick back hug before letting go. "Then I'll just keep trying until you admit I am."
Meanwhile, in the next room, Layla woke to find Dorina leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed.
"You stayed," she said softly.
Dorian shrugged, his tone dry. "You talk in your sleep. Hard to leave with all that entertainment."
Layla threw a pillow at him, laughing despite herself. "I do not."
His smirk deepened. "You do. But... it was better than listening to the house whisper."
Her smile faded slightly, but his voice softened. "You're safe. At least while I'm here."
Breakfast
The four gathered at the long wooden table, the morning air filled with the scent of bread and tea. Layla and Iman sat side by side, exchanging glances as Lucien and Dorian bickered lightly over who had kept watch better.
Lucien's smirk sharpened. "So, Dorian... I hear you spent the night in Layla's room."
Layla nearly choked on her tea, her cheeks burning. "Lucien, don't start!"
Dorian's eyes narrowed, his tone defensive. "I was making sure she wasn't attacked by the house. Nothing more."
Lucien leaned back, clearly enjoying himself. "Oh, of course. Purely professional. Standing guard... in her room."
Layla groaned, burying her face in her hands. "You're insufferable."
Iman giggled, whispering to Layla, "He's never going to let Dorian live this down."
Dorian crossed his arms, glaring at Lucien. "You're one to talk. You practically glued yourself to Iman all night."
Lucien's smirk widened. "Difference is... she didn't mind."
Iman rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her amusement. "Didn't mind? You hogged the blanket and clearly pushed me off the bed."
Lucien raised a brow, feigning innocence. "That was strategy. Keeps you close."
As he spoke, his hand slipped beneath the table to catch Iman's. She tried to tug it free, but he only tightened his grip, giving her palm a teasing squeeze. When she shifted in her seat, his knees brushed against hers, lingering just long enough to make her cheeks warm.
"Lucien," she hissed under her breath, trying not to draw attention.
He leaned closer, his voice low and mischievous. "What? I'm just keeping you steady."
Layla peeked through her fingers, exasperated. "You two are ridiculous."
Dorian muttered, "At least I wasn't flirting like a fool."
Lucien shot him a grin. "Jealous, Dorian? You should try it sometime."
Layla snapped, tossing a piece of bread at Lucien. "Don't drag me into this!"
Lucien caught the bread midair, smirking. "I didn't even take your name. Feeling guilty, Layla?"
Layla's face turned crimson, glaring at him. "You're impossible."
Iman laughed, though her hand was still trapped in his under the table. "I think Layla's more likely to throw bread at him than fall for his charm."
Lucien leaned back, still grinning. "See? Even her aim is perfect."
The table erupted in laughter, teasing bouncing them until the house almost felt alive with warmth instead of whispers.
Just as the laughter began to fade, the heavy doors of the hall creaked open.
A tall figure stepped inside, his coat sweeping the floor, his presence commanding. His eyes carried centuries of knowledge, sharp yet softened by something unreadable.
Lucien's expression hardened instantly. "Alaric."
The table fell silent. Layla and Iman exchanged confused glances, their smiles fading into unease.
Professor Alaric's voice was calm but heavy meaning. "Enjoy your peace while you can. The bond you share has already drawn attention... and The Order does not forgive such defiance."
The warmth of breakfast dissolved into silence. For the first time, Layla and Iman realized their world had widened - beyond teasing, beyond romance, into something far larger and far more dangerous.