Elena's chest rose and fell but she didn't pull away and didn't look away. She swallowed, her throat dry "I'm not here to play," she said, her voice softer now—but steady.
"Good."
Lucian released her slowly, then stepped back. The space between them returned.
"stand properly."
She frowned, confused.
"What?"
Lucian moved closer again, He reached out, his hand hovering for half a second before adjusting her stance—her shoulders, her arm, her wrist… then her legs.. "Like this." His voice was low and controlled but his touch sent a shiver through her.
Elena swallowed, forcing herself to concentrate,
"Again." his voice came through.
when she moved this time it was different, although it was still clumsy and weak but she felt guided
The traing went on for hours in the process, he corrected her again and again and again. Each time, his voice cold, rough, or taunting.
"Not your arm."
His fingers brushed her side lightly.
"Here."
"Elena—watch your balance."
"If you hesitate…" His gaze darkened. "…you die."
Slowly but painfully… Elena began to understand not just how to move but where to aim, where it would hurt, where it would end someone. Her stomach twisted slightly but sfhe didn't stop, she was so focused she didn't know how much time had passed.
Her body was exhausted now, every breath burned. Every movement felt heavier than the last, her legs gave slightly as she stepped forward again but finally gave out.
She dropped onto the mat, her eyes closed, her breathing hard, her body trembling from exhaustion, sweat clinging to her skin, her chest rising and falling uncontrollably. Her arms and legs spread wide.
She should have known… he wasn't going to go easy on her just because she was a girl. He was ruthless.
Lucian walked toward her slowly stopping just in front of her, looking down at her his expression blank. "You can still quit."
She said nothing. She was still breathing heavily trying to slow it down.
"You wanted this." he said flatly.
Elena opened her eyes slowly, she tilted her head back slightly to meet his gaze. Her lips parted, her voice coming out rough. "I still do."
"Good." He turned slightly, stepping back. "Because this…" His voice dropped. "…is only the beginning."
The training continued and it was evening time. Everyone had eventually left the room leaving Lucian and Elena by themselves.
The door opened and Marco stepped in. The sight before him made him grin.
Elena looked drained as she drank from the water bottle greedily.
He walked further, moving to the fighting ring and sat there. "So… we're training the little cub to become a lioness, huh?" his grin widened, he sounded excited for an unknown reason but it only gave Elena goosebumps.
She rubbed she arms together, giving him a skeptic look.
Her reaction only made him laugh. "Don't worry, when it's my turn to train you…" his eyes sparked like a child that had just seen his favorite person. "....I'll go easy on you." he smiled as if already imagining it. "I can't wait." Then he jumped down, walking towards Elena and Lucian. "Trust me… it's going to be fun."
Elena doubts that.
He stop when he got there. "we're going to punch that sand bag till it burst.* he gestures towards the other side of the room looking like a happy child.
Elena felt her throat dry over again, she took a step back from him. He was scaring her with his bumbling energy.
Lucian didn't bother saying anything.
Marco looks her scared face and chuckles. "Oh, you should be scared of me Elena." he said shaking his head.
"what do you mean." she asked glancing at the two men in front of her.
"It's Dante you should be scared of," Marco said as he pointed towards the weapon section. "You see all of that?" he chuckles again but it was dark. "You'll use every single one of them." His voice was low.
Her eyes almost popped out of her face. "you're kidding, right?" she have a nervous laugh
Marco only shrugged "Good luck in the future." His voice was chearful buy it only made Elena on the edge.
"That's enough Marco." Lucian's voice was cold
"awwn, such a fun killer.*
The training room opened, this time it was the butler, Matteo. He was holding a black card that had a little gold design on it.
He walked to them, give a polite bow to Elena "Miss Elena." And the Marco
She nodded "Hello matteo."
Marco also answered.
He walked like to stand beside Lucian, he handed it over to him.
Lucian collected raising his eyebrow in question.
"This came in this evening sir, "It's an invitation from the Caruso family… to attend their gala event." The butler said.
The atmosphere suddenly became tense, the air was suffocating. Lucian's aura darkened instantly. and Marco wasn't any different.
Elena felt compressed between both men. "Alright, calm down now, what dose it say." Her voice broke the ice.
Lucian opened the card and read the context in it. When he was done even Elena face was terrible.
"Lucain" she call his name. "I don't know why but I have a terrible feeling about this.* she said as she looked at him.
*This is a trap boss." Marco added, pacing back and forth. "He is deliberately putting you in a tight spot, if you decline it would be a desaster." he ran his hand over his face. Clearly annoyed.
Lucian chuckled darkly, it sent chills down their spine.
Marco subconsciously took a step back.
Elena swallowed her survival instinct strongly kicking in.
His eyes were darker than normal and so cold it could freez the air in the room. He looked like a demon out to get a soul. "Oh, we would attend the gala." His voice was low but loud enough for them to hear.
They all looked at him.
Then he smirked, it was spine chilling yet it strangely made him more dangerously handsome. Like the god of death and erotica at the same time.
He turned to Elena.
She felt her stomach flipped when his gaze settles on her. The way he looked at her right now was like a predator looking at his pry. It made her feel hot and bothered.
"And you my darling… " he stepped closer to her and leaned in slightly as a grin made it way to his lips.
Her breath caught in throat.
"…will be my plus one."