CHAPTER 31: NORTHCREST CITY

The station was alive with noise.

Northcrest’s train hub always was — a sprawling beast of steel and light, its tiled floors constantly filled with a moving sea of people.

Vendors shouted out their wares, the smell of roasted chestnuts mixing with the tang of oil and iron.

Trains screeched in and out of platforms, shaking the air with thunder.

For most, it was just another day of commuting, of rushing to work or returning home.

But not for Vanessa.

She stood stiffly at the far end of the platform, hood drawn low over her face.

Beside her, her younger sister Emilia hummed cheerfully, clearly far less concerned about blending in.

Vanessa took a slow breath, steadying herself.

Today mattered.

Today she would meet him — the mysterious man behind the account, the one who had reached out with words that struck deeper than any flattery ever could.

Lucius von Hohenberg.

She’d even gone as far as to do her hair before leaving, carefully straightening and brushing it until it gleamed.

It was tucked beneath her hood now, but she knew it looked good.

Still... a pang of nervousness kept her second-guessing.

"Sis," she whispered, tugging lightly at her sister’s sleeve, "do I look beautiful?"

Emilia turned, crimson eyes full of mischief as they flicked over Vanessa.

Both women were striking, but Emilia had a teasing air to her that Vanessa never could quite compete with.

"Of course you do," Emilia said, grinning knowingly. "You always do. If I weren’t your sister, I’d be crazy for you. Especially with these bonkers of yours..."

Before Vanessa could react, Emilia’s hand darted forward, aiming shamelessly at her chest.

Smack!

Vanessa slapped the hand away so quickly it stung her own palm.

Her face heated beneath her hood.

"Bitch, we’re in public!" she hissed in a sharp whisper, glaring.

Emilia only chuckled, rubbing her reddened hand. "What? I’m just stating facts. You’ve got the goods, sis."

Vanessa groaned and turned away, tugging her hood even lower.

Sometimes she wondered if Emilia was actually in love with women the way her eyes always lingered on her breasts.

Or was she just an obscene pervert?

Emilia, though, didn’t stop needling.

"Honestly, I don’t think he’s going to come."

Vanessa froze, caught mid-thought. "...What do you mean?"

"I mean exactly what I said," Emilia continued, leaning casually against a metal pillar. "I doubt he was even talking to you in the first place."

A train had stopped now and people were getting out.

Vanessa’s brows knit. "He’s the owner of the account. Of course he was."

"Well..." Emilia tilted her head, smirking. "What if someone else was using it? What if he just said all that to sound impressive? I mean — who the hell says they love the old age of Awakeners? That’s like quoting textbooks for fun."

She gave Vanessa a pointed look. "You’re the exception ’cause you’re basically a fossil, sis. But if it’s someone my age? No way. He was probably just trying to impress you."

The words struck deeper than Vanessa expected.

She bit her lip, falling silent.

Emilia had a point.

What if she was being fooled?

What if he’d never show, and she’d come all this way looking like an idiot?

There had been far too many disappointments like this, especially as the GUILD was falling.

The crowd swirled around them, a river of movement.

For a moment, doubt sank into her like cold water.

And then —

"I see..."

The voice cut clean through the noise of the station.

Both sisters turned at once, their eyes locking on the tall figure walking toward them.

He wore an oversized black hood, its shadow obscuring his face.

But what couldn’t be hidden were his eyes — deep purple, glinting like gems beneath the dim station lights.

"My intention," the man continued as he drew closer, "was not to impress Miss Vanessa. I was simply sharing my views."

Vanessa’s breath caught in her throat.

Emilia, on the other hand, went pale.

Recognition flashed across her face like lightning.

She’d heard that voice before — on the streams.

"S-sorry!" she blurted, bowing deeply right there in the middle of the subway station, drawing odd looks from passing commuters.

Lucius didn’t respond.

He didn’t need to.

’Ugh... How dare she compare me to other men?’

He was offended, rightfully so.

But instead of reacting, he motioned with a hand, gesturing for them to follow.

From behind him came two others — both women.

One wore a cap and glasses, her posture slightly awkward as if she’d rather melt into the floor.

This was Luna.

The other carried herself with poise, her blonde hair catching the light, green eyes sharp and unashamed.

Elara.

Unlike the sisters, neither bothered with disguises.

Elara especially seemed almost proud to be seen at his side.

Lucius approached, and Vanessa swallowed hard before stepping forward to meet him.

Her hand trembled slightly as he took it.

"Miss Vanessa," he said evenly, his grip firm but respectful. "It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ll be staying in Northcrest for the time being, to be closer to the GUILD."

"I-I see," Vanessa stammered, her heart pounding.

She cursed herself inwardly.

She was supposed to be composed, professional.

Instead, she sounded like a nervous schoolgirl.

She pulled her hand back quickly, biting her lip.

Had she been rude?

But Lucius only tilted his head slightly, unconcerned. "I was the one who came first, wasn’t I? If you don’t want me here, then—"

"No!" Vanessa interrupted, grabbing his hand again before he could finish.

Heat rushed to her cheeks. "No, that’s not it. I... I parked my car outside. Let me drive you and the people you brought to the accommodations."

Lucius studied her for a long second, unreadable beneath his hood.

Then he nodded.

"I don’t mind."

Relief loosened the tight coil in Vanessa’s chest.

She turned quickly, motioning toward the exit.

The five of them ascended together, weaving through the station until they emerged into the open morning light.

Her car was waiting —a sleek black sedan large enough to seat five comfortably.

Emilia slid into the back with Luna and Elara, while Vanessa took the driver’s seat.

Lucius settled into the passenger side beside her.

Vanessa gripped the steering wheel, trying not to feel too aware of him sitting so close.

As the car eased onto the road, the silence stretched.

The city passed in flashes — tall buildings, street vendors, flickering neon signs.

But all Vanessa could focus on was the man beside her.

"So, Mr. Lucius," she said finally, her voice firmer than she felt. "I’ll ask you once again — what is your true reason for wanting to join Grimmaw?"

[Author’s Note]

🙂‍↕️200 PS for 3 Chapters tomorrow?