CHAPTER 19

AVA CLARKE

Lucius and I walked up to where his car was parked, and I quickly got in before securing the seatbelt around my body at that moment. Inside the car, I mentally thanked myself for feeling the safety of the surrounding metal. Lucius started the vehicle, and silence hung between us for a moment before he broke it.

"So, how was the testimony?", he asked, turning his head to look at me, and I blinked my eyes rapidly. I sighed, looking out the window. I still couldn't believe that the detective thought I was lying about my attack the night before, and it's frustrating when no one believes you.

"The detective didn't believe me. It seems the word 'vampire' is enough to be considered crazy.", I said. Lucius frowned, expressing a mix of compassion and curiosity.

"Vampire? Do you really believe that, Ava?", he asked, lowering his voice as if he were eager for my response.

I shook my head firmly, thinking it was all just fantasy and not real in the world we live in. Supernatural creatures aren't real, but things like violence and injustice are very real, and I've experienced moments like that.

I think of my parents, who died in a car accident, and wonder mentally about what my life would have been like if they were still alive. I'm sure everything would be very different, and sometimes I wish for that. But using the word "vampire" to describe everything I went through the night before seems completely insane. I can't believe in that kind of thing.

Lucius continues waiting for my response, and I realize I'm taking too long to answer his question.

"No, of course not. But it was the only way I found to describe what I saw. He wasn't human, Lucius, I'm sure of that."

As we drive through the streets, I notice Lucius staring at me in a strange way. I feel uncomfortable under his piercing gaze and turn my gaze to the unfolding nighttime landscape outside.

"Do you believe in vampires, Lucius?", I ask, trying to understand the intriguing expression on his face. He remains silent for a moment before responding:

"Believing or not in something depends on each person, Ava. The world is full of mysteries, and not everything can be explained rationally."

I furrow my brow, confused by the enigmatic answer. He seems very quiet now, as if he's pondering everything I told him.

"Are you saying you believe in vampires?", I ask again, seeing his green eyes fixed on the road as he continues to drive attentively.

Lucius looks away from the dark road ahead.

"Believing is a strong word. I prefer to keep my mind open to possibilities. Sometimes, the inexplicable is closer than we imagine."

I realize Lucius seems restless while driving the car, as if something weighs on his thoughts. I try to change the focus of the conversation.

The rest of the way is covered in a silence loaded with unspoken thoughts. I feel there are more mysteries around me than I can comprehend, and Lucius's presence, with his enigmatic eyes, only adds to the intrigue. As we approach the mansion, the night seems darker than ever, and the mystery surrounding my situation takes on darker contours.

I feel he could hide thousands of secrets, and when I look at his face, I have a strong desire to discover more details about my boss's life. I remain silent in the car and furrow my brow when I look at the street, seeing many town residents putting up various types of large posters everywhere, which confuses me. Furthermore, I turn my head to see Lucius looking at me with a small smile, as if he knows what I'm thinking at that moment.

"In a few days, there will be a festival celebrating the spring solstice. This kind of festival always happens around here, and I wanted to talk to you about it, Ava.", he says, and I nod, listening to everything he has to say at the moment.

"I know you're new to the mansion and our family, but we're considered a very important family in the city. Every year, we throw a party for this time of year, and there's always a ball at the mansion for the whole city.", he says, and I open my mouth, completely surprised.

A ball.

I've never been to a ball, not even the prom at my school, and now he's telling me there will be a luxurious ball at the mansion for everyone in the city. It totally catches me off guard because I thought they were a more reserved family than that.

"Oh, that's cool. A ball with long dresses and all that?", I ask, and he nods, smiling, and I quickly feel excited about this kind of party.

"Yes, a grand ball for everyone. The preparations will start today, and I wanted to know if you'd like to help us this year.", he asks, and I agree, nodding several times.

Inside the car and on the way to the mansion, he tells me that this ball will have an old theme where everyone can dress in vintage costumes, and I think that will be a lot of fun.

For a moment, as I continued to listen to Lucius's voice telling me about the ball, I felt all my fear quickly fade away. He has a strange power over me, as if I feel completely safe with him.

"And I wanted to ask you one more thing about the ball. I know it may seem strange and inappropriate because I'm your boss, but would you accept being my partner at the ball, Ava?"

I'm caught off guard again. Furthermore, I thought he would never ask me something like that. But I can't refuse his invitation, and I agree again.

"I can be your partner at the ball, but I don't know how to dance.", I say, making him laugh, and I like hearing that sound.

"Don't worry about that. We have time to teach you to dance, and I'm sure you'll learn quickly."

When he told me that, I thought he would give me lessons every day until the night of the ball at the mansion, but I never imagined that Damien would be the one responsible for teaching me to dance. The weekend went by quickly, and today is Monday. I arrived from the university a few hours ago, and now I'm in front of Damien.

I sigh, seeing his green eyes fixed on my face at this moment. Likewise, I look at his face, seeing some strands of his white hair against his forehead, and that increases his natural charm.

"I hope you don't step on my foot, little mouse.", he says with humor, and I roll my eyes, looking at him with an irritated expression. Damien acted strange and alone in his room for many days, but now I can see that the most annoying part of him is back to make my life even more complicated than before.