LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 6: a dangerous game
The morning sun barely crested the horizon when Serena received the summons. She sat in her grand study, her fingers tracing the rim of acrystal glass filled with dark wine as the messageplayed on her phone.
"Serena," her father's voice came through, smooth yet shrp like blade coated in honey
"You will attend Sebastian Moreau's gala tonight. He is my business rival, and I want his company. His grandson, Adrian, is the key. Play with his mind. Make him surrender everything without question. Do whatever is necessary."
A slow smirk curled on Serena's lips as she ended the message. Her father-ever the manipulative bastard-truly believed he could control her. How laughable.
He thought her abilities were limited to
seduction, to whispers that softened men's wills like waves eroding stone. He had no idea the true depths of her power, nor the storm that raged beneath her serene exterior. He had always underestimated her. A fatal mistake.
Her amusement dimmed, replaced by cold
disdain. She would go to this party, but not forher father's benefit. If Moreau was her father'snenemy, perhaps he would make a more interesting ally. And if not she could always find another way to burn his empire to the ground.
Meanwhile, across the city, Damian stood in his office, staring at the report in his hands.
Serena would be attending the Moreau gala.
With another man.
His grip on the paper tightened, his fangs
elongating slightly before he willed them back.That woman had the audacity not to invite him as her date-her fiancé and instead she was taking someone else?
She was playing a game.
Fine. He could play too.
With a calculated smirk, he reached for his
phone. Moments later, a sultry voice answered.
"Damian," the woman purred. "What a pleasant surprise."
"You're coming to the Moreau gala with me
tonight, " he stated, his voice smooth yet
Commanding.
A pause. Then a delighted chuckle. "How
intriguing. Trying to make someone jealous?"
"I don't play childish games," he lied effortlessly. "Be ready at eight."
As he ended the call, he leaned back in his chair. His mind already crafting his next move. Serena wanted to test his patience? To provoke him?
Let's see who would break first.
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That evening, the grand ballroom of the Moreau estate was alight with opulence, golden chandeliers casting a warm glow over the glittering sea of elites. Serena stepped inside, draped in a gown of deep sapphire, the fabric clinging to her like the tide embracing the shore , her green eyes accentuated by expertly applied makeup that made them even more captivating. Her vibrant red hair was styled into an elegant bun, enhancing her striking beauty. She looked utterly enchanting—seductive and effortlessly mesmerizing.
At her side was Adrian Moreau, young, sharp-featured, and already under her subtle influence.
She could sense his admiration, the way his
thoughts wavered between strategy and desire.Poor thing. He didn't stand a chance.
Then, she felt it-a shift in the air, a pull against her senses, like the tide resisting the moon's command.
Damian had arrived.
She turned her head slightly, amusement
flickering in her gaze as she caught sight of him. He was dressed in tailored black, a woman clinging to his arm, beautiful but utterly unimportant. Serena almost laughed.
He was trying to provoke her.
Adorable.
Serena leaned closer to Adrian, her lips curling in amusement as she traced a finger along the rim of her glass. "Tell me, Adrian," she murmured,voice silk and temptation. "What would it take for you to betray your grandfather?"
Adrian chuckled, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "Ah, Serena, you assume I have a price.
She tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Oh,darling, everyone has a price. Some just take longer to name it."
Adrian smirked enjoying the game," And what your's"
"Oh mine " she leaned in her breath ghosting.
She was enjoying this.
The audacity of that woman.
Adrian reached for Serena's hand, brushing his lips against her knuckles. "Perhaps I should be the one worried about being seduced!"
Serena smiled, slow and dangerous. "Oh, Adrian,".she murmured, letting her fingers linger just long.enough to tease, "you should be."
Damian's fingers curled into a fist at his side. He had played this game to make her jealous.
Instead, she was driving him insane.
______________________________________
Later that night, in the dimly lit hallway, the air thickened with tension. Damian leaned against the wall, his breath slow, controlled--until the woman beside him made the mistake of touching his chest, her intentions obvious,He had no patience for this. Without hesitation,he pulled her close, fangs sinking into her delicate throat. A gasp. A tremor. Then silence.
The life drained from her in seconds, her body limp in his arms.
Then, he saw them.
A door creaked open at the end of the hall.
Serena, her hand on Adrian's arm, her sapphire gown shimmering like the night sky, stepping into a private room.
She turned her head ever so slightly, her eyes locking with his just before she disappeared behind the door. A slow, knowing smirk played on her lips.
Damian's blood boiled. He had never felt such raw, seething anger. It wasnt just jealousy-it was possession, an infuriating urge to rip Adrian apart for daring to touch her.
Inside the room, Adrian's gaze turned glassy as Serena's fingers lightly touched his temple, her power seeping into his mind.
"Now, tell me, Adrian," she whispered, voice dripping with Sweet venom. "What secrets does your grandfather keep?"
Adrian's breath hitched as the truth slipped from his lips. "We know... your father might not be your real father."