Butler Halley composed himself and went to serve them the dinner before leaving the room.
Luzella's eyes widened as she gazed at the array of dishes before her, she couldn't help but wonder if she was expected to make her way through it all. "I don't think I can eat all this," she said, her voice barely above a whisper and her gaze darting from one dish to another dish.
Alaric's expression softened slightly as he met Luzella's gaze, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "You don't have to," he said, his deep voice low and reassuring. "Just eat what you can."
Luzella's eyes lit up with hope as she swiftly turned to Alaric, her gaze locking onto his. "Really?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, seeking confirmation of his reassuring words.
Alaric nodded with a hum to reassure her. A relief washed over Luzella's face that she didn't need to eat all this. However, a doubt came to her mind and her brow quickly furrowed with a questioning gaze settled in her eyes. "Then who will eat all of this?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern about the food going to waste.
Alaric raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with sarcasm as he replied, "Little girl, with the many staff members working in the mansion, Do you think the food will go to waste?" His words dripped with indirect amusement, implying that the staff would likely devour the food before it went to waste.
Luzella's response was a simple "Oh," before she dug into her food, the clinking of her fork against the plate the only sound breaking the heavy silence. Alaric's intense gaze remained fixed on her, his eyes seeming to bore into her very soul. As she felt his piercing stare, Luzella glanced up, her heart skipping a beat as their eyes met. Her voice laced with nervousness, she asked, "Why aren't you eating? And why are you staring at me like that?" Her question hung in the air, filled with unspoken emotions.
Alaric's gaze didn't waver, his eyes piercing through the silence like shards of ice. His voice dropped to a whisper as he spoke, "I'm not eating because I'm saving my appetite for something more... satisfying." his words hanging in the air like a promise. "And I'm not staring at you, I'm staring at my meal, little girl," he added, his tone low and mysterious.
Luzella's fork slipped from her fingers, clattering against the plate with a loud clang that echoed through the silent room. Her face fell, a look of dread washing over her features as she froze, her eyes locked on Alaric's intense gaze. For a moment, she seemed paralyzed, her mind racing with uncertainty about what he would do.
Alaric's eyes sparkled with amusement as he watched Luzella's reaction, her sudden stillness and wide eyes a reflection of her growing unease. He leaned forward, his movements smooth and calculated, his smirk grew wider on his face as his gaze lingered on her face and he savored her discomfort. He couldn't resist the urge to tease her again, "I think you'd better eat while you can," he said, his voice dripping with subtle menace, "who knows when you'll get your next meal after this."
The air seemed to vibrate with tension as Luzella's eyes locked onto Alaric's, her face pale and drawn. The sound of her ragged breathing was the only sound in the silent room, a stark contrast to the heavy, oppressive silence that hung between them.
Luzella's voice trembled slightly as she asked, "W-wh-what do you mean?" Her words were hesitant, barely above a whisper and her lips parted slightly as she waited for his response. The fork she had been holding earlier lay forgotten on the plate, her hands clenched into fists in her lap. Her face was pale, and her breathing was shallow, as if she was bracing herself for the worst.
Alaric's smirk grew even wider as he watched Luzella. He regarded her with an air of mock innocence. "Oh, I think you know exactly what I mean, Little girl." he said, his voice dripping with amusement. "But if you need me to spell it out for you..." He paused, letting the tension build, before continuing, "Let's just say that your... circumstances have changed."
Luzella's body slumped forward, as she really exhausted by his words and actions. She couldn't hold it anymore. Her shoulders shaking as the pent-up frustration and fear finally broke through her defenses. Tears welled up in her eyes and slid down her cheeks in a silent, uncontrollable flow. She didn't bother to wipe them away, her hands hanging limply at her sides as she lowered her head and wailed, the sound escaping her lips in a raw, anguished cry.
Her tears fell onto the tablecloth, creating small, dark spots that spread slowly. She felt lost and alone, unable to find the words to express the turmoil inside her.
The sound of her sobbing filled the room, a stark contrast to the silence that had preceded it. Her body shook with each ragged breath, her chest heaving as she let out all the emotions she had been holding back. She didn't try to speak, didn't try to explain or ask anything, she simply let her tears flow, allowing herself to release the pent-up tension and fear that had been building up inside her from the evening after she met him.
Alaric's words had been the final straw, pushing her to this breaking point. She felt exhausted, overwhelmed, and helpless, and the tears were her only outlet. She was beyond words, beyond reason, all she could do was let her emotions pour out of her.
The sound of her own despair was deafening, and yet, she couldn't seem to stop. The tears kept flowing, a liberating release that was both painful and necessary.
Alaric's eyes widened in surprise as Luzella's tears burst forth, her wails echoing through the room like a emotional storm. For a moment, he was taken aback, his body stiffening in response to her anguish cries. He felt a shiver run down his spine as he listened to her sobs, the sound piercing him like a knife. He was caught off guard, unsure of how to react, his usual composure momentarily faltering.
As he sat there, frozen in uncertainty, a dawning realization crept over him that he had pushed her too far. The thought sent a pang of unease through his chest.
Alaric's movements were swift and decisive as he stood up from his seat and strode towards Luzella. He grasped the back of her chair and slid it backwards, creating space to reach for her. Then, in a gentle yet firm motion, he lifted her out of the chair and into his arms, holding her close as she continued to sob.
As he cradled her against his chest, Luzella's body instinctively leaned into him, seeking comfort and solace in the warmth of his embrace. Alaric's arms wrapped tightly around her, holding her securely as he tried to calm her down. For a moment, he just held her, letting her tears soak into his shirt as he stroked her hair softly, trying to soothe her frazzled nerves.
After then, Alaric carried Luzella out of the dining room, her sobs still echoing softly as he cradled her in his arms. He navigated through the hallway, his footsteps quiet and deliberate, until he reached a cozy room with a plush couch. Gently, he sat down on the couch, settling in with Luzella still wrapped in his arms.
Without releasing his hold, he adjusted his position, making her sit on his lap, her body nestled against his chest. Luzella's tears had begun to slow, and she lay still, her face pressed against his shoulder. Alaric's arms wrapped snugly around her, holding her close as he leaned back into the couch, his chin resting on the top of her head.
As they sat there, the silence between them deepened, with only Luzella's occasional sniffles and Alaric's gentle strokes on her hair filling the air. Alaric's fingers moved softly through her hair, a soothing motion that seemed to calm her fragile state. Luzella's body relaxed into his, her breathing slowing as she let out a shuddering sigh.
Alaric's voice was low and gentle as he asked her, his words spoken softly into her ear. "Are you done?"
Luzella shook her head slightly, her face still pressed against Alaric's shoulder. Her voice was muffled as she whispered, "NO..." The word trailed off, barely audible. Alaric's concerned gaze didn't waver, his eyes softly closed as he hold her close in his arms.
Luzella's small headshake was a subtle movement, her face still nestled against Alaric's shoulder.
Despite the turmoil that had driven her to tears, Luzella felt an inexplicable sense of comfort in Alaric's arms. It was as if his warmth and strength were a balm to her emotions, soothing the raw emotions that had overwhelmed her. She hadn't forgotten that he was the one who pushed her to this point and she had been crying because of him, yet his embrace was where she felt most at peace.
Alaric's arms cradled her, a reassuring presence that seemed to wrap around her like a shield. For now, she just let herself be, letting the comfort of his arms wash over her like a gentle wave.
As the comfort of Alaric's arms wrapped around her, Luzella's eyelids grew heavy, her breathing slowing as she let go of her worries and fears. The warmth of his body seeped into hers, calming her nerves and soothing her emotions. She let herself drift off to sleep.
Alaric's arms tightened gently around her, as she slept. He shifted slightly, adjusting his position to cradle her more securely against him. His chest rose and fell with slow, steady breaths, a gentle rhythm that seemed to match the beating of her heart.
As Luzella slept, her body relaxed completely, her muscles releasing all tension. Her face, still flushed from crying, was peaceful, her features soft and vulnerable. Alaric's gaze was fixed on her face, his eyes filled with a deep tenderness as he watched over her. He also felt guilty for made her cry like this.
The silence between them was comfortable, a sense of stillness that wrapped around them like a warm blanket.
The hours had slipped away unnoticed, and midnight had descended upon them, casting a quiet darkness over the room. Luzella remained fast asleep, securely nestled in Alaric's arms, her gentle breathing a soothing melody that seemed to lull him into a contemplative state.
Alaric's gaze was lost in thought, his golden eyes fixed on Luzella's peaceful face as his mind wandered through the tangled threads of their past, present, and future. The soft glow of the moon outside cast an ethereal light on his features, illuminating the contours of his face and the depth of his eyes.