Lucien POV
The moment I stepped out of the car, the noise faded.
Flashes. Voices. Cameras.
None of it mattered.
Because the first person I noticed was her.
Nyx stood there beneath the lights, dark fabric hugging her frame like it was made only for her. The wind barely touched her hair, but somehow it moved anyway — soft, controlled. She looked unreal. Not the kind of beauty people scream about.
The dangerous kind.
The quiet kind.
My chest tightened.
I couldn't take my eyes off her.
For a second, I forgot where I was. Forgot the crowd. Forgot the cameras. Forgot everything.
Then she looked at me.
Just once.
And instinctively, I smiled.
It wasn't even intentional. It just happened.
Before I could walk toward her, Victor uncle's hand landed on my arm.
"Lucien," he said, pulling me slightly back. "Come, greet the sponsors first."
I clenched my jaw.
Of course.
I wanted to enter with her.
I wanted to stand beside her.
But guess what?
Uncle ruins everything.
I nodded politely, masking my irritation, while my eyes searched for her again through the crowd.
She was already being dragged toward the red carpet by Lyra.
And somehow, that irritated me even more.
Nyx POV
When I saw him, my thoughts went blank.
Completely.
Lucien stood there in his gothic suit like he had walked straight out of a forgotten kingdom. Dark aura. Sharp posture. That silent authority around him that made people unconsciously move aside.
He looked exactly how I imagined.
Unreal.
Divine.
Like an eighteenth-century prince who didn't just rule lands — he ruled fear.
His expression was cold, composed… until his eyes met mine.
Then he smiled.
My heart skipped.
I wanted to smile back.
I really did.
But it's been ages since I smiled naturally. And when I do, people say I look… evil.
So I kept my face neutral.
As usual.
Lyra tugged my arm."Come on, Nyx. Red carpet."
I leaned closer to her and whispered, "Lyra, before we go… can you fix my corset?"
She blinked. "Now?"
"It's too tight. I can barely breathe. And if I can't breathe, I definitely can't eat."
She stared at me for a second… then burst out laughing.
"Ten," she giggled softly while adjusting the back, loosening the knot just enough. "You didn't change a bit. In such an important event, all you're thinking about is food."
I just nodded.
She shook her head, still smiling.
Unknowingly… she found it cute.
Once the corset loosened, I inhaled deeply.
God. Relief.
"Better?" she asked.
"Yes. Now I won't faint dramatically in front of rich people."
She laughed again.
We stepped onto the carpet.
Flashes exploded everywhere.
"Ma'am, this side!"
"One more pose!"
I moved on instinct.
Chin up. Shoulder back. Eyes calm.
My body remembered something my mind didn't — how to walk like I belonged here.
Lyra finished first and waited at the end while they kept calling me.
"One more, ma'am!"
I was done.
Thankfully, Lyra came back, grabbed my hand gently, and pulled me inside.
The main hall was glowing.
Students everywhere. Elegant dresses. Expensive suits. Artificial laughter floating in the air.
We reached our group.
I stood slightly at the corner, needing space.
Crowds drain me.
Lucien appeared beside me anyway.
I gave a small huh expression.
He noticed.
Almost smiled.
They started talking about outfits and designers.
I stayed silent.
Truth is, I hate crowded places.
But I was here for Lyra.
She wanted me here.
And that mattered.