[b][color=red][center]FLASHBACK[/center][/color][/b] [color=lightgray][center][h1][color=D0B4EC]Lottie[/color] & [color=lightsteelblue]Cas[/color] Part 10[/h1] [img]https://i.imgur.com/3xLx2dH.png[/img] [b][color=D0B4EC]Time:[/color][/b] Sola 26th [b][color=lightsteelblue]Location:[/color][/b] Rosegate [/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/FEbvZzi.png[/img][/center] As they left the candlelit private dock behind, Cassius led Charlotte through the winding streets of Rosegate, his grip steady yet unhurried, guiding her deeper into the city’s embrace. The wine hummed through her veins, blurring the edges of her thoughts, but the warmth of his palm in hers was grounding. The city had transformed under the moon’s glow. What had been a charming coastal town by day now pulsed with something more alluring, more secretive. The flickering lanterns cast long shadows against the cobblestone paths, their glow reflecting off the polished boots of elegantly dressed patrons weaving through the streets. The distant echo of music grew stronger with every step they took. They turned a corner, and there it was. [url=https://i.imgur.com/KX0OhA1.png]The Crimson Veil.[/url] Crimson drapes and ornate golden sconces framed its grand entrance and lined the exterior. The club's emblem, a single black rose entwined with crimson silk, was etched into the wood. A doorman, dressed in fine black attire, gave Cassius a knowing nod before pushing the doors open. A rush of perfumed air washed over them, carrying the scent of expensive cologne, aged whiskey, and something sweetly intoxicating that she couldn’t quite place. The moment they stepped inside, the world shifted. [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/GRqUIK4.png[/img][/center] The grand ballroom had chandeliers dripping with crystals that refracted the light like scattered stars. The ceiling arched high above, its gilded molding depicting scenes of gods and mortals intertwined in revelry. Deep red velvet curtains cascaded from the walls, framing intimate lounges where the city’s elite reclined on velvet couches, sipping from crystal glasses. And then, there was the center of it all—the dance floor. It was alive with movement. Figures, their bodies wrapped in silk and satin, swayed to the intoxicating melody that poured from the musicians on the balcony above. The music was unlike anything Charlotte had ever heard—haunting strings interwoven with a deep, pulsing rhythm that thrummed through the floor. But it wasn’t just the dancers that held her attention. [i]Cages.[/i] Gilded cages seemed to hang from the ceiling, lining the upper balconies. Women draped in sheer fabrics, adorned with jeweled chains that glimmered in the dim light, moved in slow, hypnotic rhythms behind the bars. Their eyes were lined, their lips painted in shades of crimson, their gazes lingering over the crowd like silent sirens watching for their next conquest. Charlotte’s gaze flickered over the room, her breath catching slightly. The deep pulse of music vibrated through the floor, a sound she felt more than heard, and yet it did little to drown out the low murmurs and whispers that filled the air. Her fingers twitched at her sides as her eyes swept over the crowd. A woman in a sheer gown leaned close to a man’s ear, her fingers tracing idle patterns over his chest as she whispered something that made him grin. Another man, older, ran a slow hand along the bare shoulder of a lady perched in his lap, his rings glinting in the light. Then, from the corner of her vision, movement. Her eyes flicked toward a lounge draped in crimson, where a man draped in an open-collared silk shirt watched her from his place on the couch. He held a glass of amber liquor, swirling it idly as he studied her, head tilting slightly before smirking. And then, he winked. Her lips parted just slightly before she caught herself. She dropped her gaze, heart tapping just a little too fast against her ribs. Luckily, the wine in her veins softened the edges of her discomfort, dulling the sharpness of her usual wariness. Cassius barely had a chance to guide Charlotte further inside before a voice—smooth as aged whiskey and just as dangerous—cut through the revelry. [b][color=LightSalmon]Cassius Vael."[/color][/b] He turned, a grin already playing at his lips as a familiar figure approached. [url=imgur.com/jFTTNGV][b]Lucian D’Arcy; owner of the Crimson Veil.[/b][/url] A man who thrived in shadows but lived for excess, Lucian was the kind of person who had a finger in everything—trade, secrets, pleasures money [i]could[/i] buy and a few that it [b]shouldn’t[/b]. Dressed in deep crimson, his dark hair slicked back, Lucian carried himself with the kind of confidence only a gentleman with true gravitas could. Lucian’s sharp eyes flicked to Charlotte before his smile widened. [b][color=LightSalmon]"You didn't tell me you were bringing such exquisite company. Welcome, Lady Vikena. It’s a rare pleasure to have true nobility grace our little sanctuary."[/color][/b] Charlotte’s gaze locked on the man and she managed a smile, despite the glimmer of uncertainty behind her eyes.[b] [color=D0B4EC] “Pleasure’s all mine, sir.” [/color][/b] She greeted him politely. [b][color=lightsteelblue]"Pleasure as it may be, there's no need to advertise her arrival or make a mountain out of her nobility."[/color][/b] Cassius kept his tone light, edged with his usual teasing lilt, but beneath it lay a note of intent. [b][color=lightsteelblue]"We're just here to dance and enjoy our night. I trust I can count on your discretion, as I always have, old friend?"[/color][/b] Lucian’s smirk deepened, his gaze flicking from Cassius to Charlotte with an air of intrigue that bordered on indulgence. [color=LightSalmon]"But of course,"[/color] he purred, lifting a hand in a gesture of easy reassurance. [color=LightSalmon]"After all, discretion is the foundation upon which the [i]Veil[/i] thrives. No titles, no politics—only pleasures."[/color] Despite his words, his eyes kept returning to Charlotte, studying her as if she were an enigma he was eager to unravel. She held his gaze, her expression composed, yet despite herself, the faintest hint of a glare flickered in her eyes. Then, with a graceful turn, Lucian extended a hand toward the club’s most exclusive table—tucked away in the perfect vantage point, where the view of the dance floor was unrivaled, yet just secluded enough to ensure privacy. [color=LightSalmon]"Come,"[/color] he beckoned smoothly and lead the two forward. [color=LightSalmon]"Even with discretion in mind, your arrival warrants only the finest hospitality. I’ve taken the liberty of reserving this for you—top-shelf spirits, the best seats in the house, and should you be in need of... other indulgences, I can procure whatever your hearts desire."[/color] His words were laced with an unmistakable implication, his tone a whisper of temptation. [b][color=D0B4EC] “Other… indulgences…?”[/color][/b] Charlotte echoed softly and glanced at Cassius, alarm widening her eyes. Cassius exhaled sharply through his nose, his jaw tightening just slightly as he shot Lucian a knowing look. [b][color=lightsteelblue]"We’re simply here to dance, D’Arcy"[/color] [/b]he reaffirmed, his voice carrying a hint of iron beneath the charm. [color=lightsteelblue]"As was discussed this morning."[/color] Lucian chuckled, raising his hands in a mock display of surrender. [color=LightSalmon]"As you wish."[/color] Taking a moment to offer Charlotte a slight, respectful bow, Lucian stepped aside with a flourish and left , allowing them their privacy, though the glint in his eye made one thing certain—Lucian D’Arcy [i]never truly stopped watching[/i]. Charlotte’s gaze flickered over the table before them only briefly before she looked at Cassius once more. Slowly a smile formed, and a light, airy laugh escaped her lips. [b] [color=D0B4EC] “Cassius, this place is most peculiar...”[/color][/b] Her eyes drifted past him, drawn upward to the cages above where the dancers swayed, slow and hypnotic. She tilted her head, studying them with fascination. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“Indeed it is, love. But it’s also supposedly the best there is.”[/color][/b]Cas responded in kind. [b] [color=D0B4EC] “Tell me, do you suppose they are let out eventually or do they just… [i]nest[/i] in there?”[/color][/b] She giggled at her own joke, but her gaze lingered on the cages for just a moment too long, as if the sight unsettled her more than she cared to admit. Cassius followed her gaze, the corners of his mouth tugging into a smirk at her jest, though he could see the way her amusement didn’t quite reach her eyes. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“Oh, they nest, absolutely. Every morning the staff climbs up, feeds them the finest crackers in the kingdom, and gives their cages a good shake to make sure they’re still alive.”[/color][/b] He teased right back. Leaning in slightly, he let his lips hover near Charlotte’s ear, his voice dropping into something lower, meant just for her. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“You’re staring, love. Keep it up, and Lucian might think you want a cage of your own.”[/color][/b] He pulled back just enough to catch her expression, his grin sharp with mischief. Charlotte inhaled and whirled her head to catch his gaze. [b][color=D0B4EC]"I—"[/color][/b] She exhaled sharply, pressing her palm lightly against her forehead. [b][color=D0B4EC]"No, I think I’d prefer to remain uncaged, thank you."[/color][/b] [color=lightsteelblue]“As would I.”[/color] He jested in return. Reaching for one of the crystal tumblers on the table, he took a slow sip, letting the burn of fine whiskey settle in his throat before exhaling through his nose. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“And about him…sorry if he was a little…intense.”[/color][/b] His eyes offered reassurance as he spoke. [b][color=lightsteelblue] “He’s always a bit…well…[i]whatever that is[/i]”.[/color] A subtle laugh escaped him as he offered the only explanation he knew how. [color=lightsteelblue]“I had heard he’d cleaned up his act, but given his little [i]offer[/i], I’d say he still carries a few stains here and there. Regardless…I hope he didn’t offend you.”[/color] [/b] Charlotte waved a hand dismissively, a tipsy smile tugging at her lips.[b] [color=D0B4EC]“Oh, it’s alright,”[/color][/b] she assured, though her words came a little too easily. Her gaze flickered back toward where Lucian had disappeared, her fingers fidgeting idly with the stem of her glass before she lifted it to drink, warmth filling her body once more. Then, as she moved, the ground shifted… Or at least, it certainly felt like it did. She let out a tiny squeak, her hands quickly gripping the back of the chair to steady herself. Her eyes lifted to Cassius, her lips forming a little pout. [color=D0B4EC]"The floor is terribly unreliable,”[/color] she announced in a matter-of-fact manner. [color=D0B4EC]"We really must have a word with that Lucy fellow.”[/color] For a moment, she swayed slightly, testing her own balance, then peeked up at him again with the most pitiful, sweet expression. [b][color=D0B4EC]"You’d certainly catch me if I fall right?”[/color][/b] She bit her lip thoughtfully, tilting her head as she added in a slow muse, [b][color=D0B4EC]"You do look very sturdy…”[/color][/b] As if needing proof of this claim, she reached out, pressing her palm lightly against his chest. Her fingertips lingered just long enough before she gave the faintest, satisfied pat. Then her lips curved into a satisfied smile as she informed him. [b][color=D0B4EC]"Mmm. Yes. Quite solid.”[/color][/b] He let out a low chuckle, his grip on her waist steady and sure. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“Oh, darlin’, I’m as solid as they come.”[/color][/b] His voice was rich with amusement, but there was something else beneath it—something certain, something real. His fingers curled just slightly where they rested against her, anchoring her in place. His gaze met hers then, storm-gray and unwavering.[b][color=lightsteelblue]“And I’d never let you fall. Not now, not ever.”[/color][/b] Those words caused warmth to rise to her cheeks and a small, fleeting smile followed—gentle, almost instinctive, as if pulled from her before she had the chance to think. For a beat, he let the words settle between them, heavy with unspoken meaning. Then, his smirk returned, slow and teasing, as his attention flicked toward the dance floor. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“Shall we test that theory?”[/color][/b] He tipped his head toward the music, his hand still lingering at her waist. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“Let’s see if you can keep up, love.”[/color][/b] Cassius wasted no time leading Charlotte toward the dance floor. The music was quick, sultry, designed to pull bodies together in a rhythm that was equal parts skill and seduction. Cassius had never been the type to shy away from either. With a hand still at the small of Charlotte’s back, he guided her through the crowd, his movements effortless, his grip firm but teasing. The flickering chandeliers cast shifting light over them as they moved through the steps, her dress catching the glow like something out of a dream. When he turned her, his palm skimmed over the curve of her waist, sliding to rest just at the dip of her hip, holding her steady. The energy between them was heady, humming beneath the surface as he spun her—keeping her just at the edge of his reach before pulling her back in, closer this time. Close enough that the scent of her skin mixed with the heady perfume of the club. And this time, he didn’t let go so quickly. His hand remained splayed at her lower back, his thumb tracing a barely-there motion against the fabric. He leaned in, voice a murmur just for her. [b][color=lightsteelblue]"You’re keeping up well for a drunk girl, Lottie. This is quite different from our first dance, wouldn’t you say?"[/color][/b] The teasing glint in his storm-gray eyes was unmistakable. Charlotte’s nose scrunched as she playfully made a face at him, [b][color=D0B4EC] “Oh? And here I thought you just got better at leading.”[/color][/b] She teased him. Then, with a mischievous smile, she slipped from his hold enough to twirl on her own, her dress catching the light as she spun on her toes. For a brief moment, she looked as free as bird, her eyes bright and a smile painted on her face. With ease, she landed herself back in his arms and looked up at him with a cheeky smile. They danced through a second song. Then a third. The room pulsed around them, but for all the decadence, Cassius found himself focused only on her. The way the wine had loosened her edges just enough, the way she met his movements without hesitation, the way their bodies moved as though they had always been in sync. It was a perfect moment, and yet… Somehow perfection was improved upon. Suddenly, the music changed. Cassius felt it before he even heard it. The shift in tempo. The swell of strings. The delicate, unmistakable melody that curled into the air like something soft and sacred. It was a song he had heard for the first time only recently. Something beautiful, something special. [b]Charlotte’s song.[/b] Or rather—the song she had written and gifted to Drake. Cassius had asked Lord Edwards if he could copy it down first thing this morning, and when he had come here earlier, arranging the details of the night, he had handed it to Lucian with an imperative request. [b][color=lightsteelblue]"Have your people play this piece. Have them play it as though it were the most important song in the world."[/color][/b] And now, it wasn’t just being played. It was being brought to life by an entire accompaniment. The Crimson Veil’s musicians had taken it, built upon it, woven it into something deeper—yet still so perfectly [i]her[/i] song. Charlotte stilled, her brows lifting in recognition as soon as the first few notes found her ears. Her lips parted with a quiet inhale and her gaze snapped to Cassius. Cassius turned his attention back to Charlotte, gauging her reaction… leaning in—closer now, just enough that his breath brushed against her skin. His fingers tightened just slightly where they rested against her waist. [b][color=D0B4EC] “Is that—”[/color] [/b]She slowed her movements, her eyes wandering the room until they found the musicians where they fixated in awe. [b][color=lightsteelblue]"Don’t stop dancing with me, Lottie."[/color][/b] This wasn’t like before. This wasn’t a teasing game or simple flirtation. This was something else entirely. The melody swelled, wrapping around them, drawing them into a rhythm slower, deeper. The kind of dance that didn’t require intricate steps—just closeness, just feeling. But even in their [i]more than perfect[/i] moment, from his usual place at the owner’s balcony, Lucian D’Arcy watched. And he smiled. However Charlotte hadn’t noticed him. Not this time. A warmth had suddenly bloomed in her chest and spread throughout her body more intensely than she could have ever anticipated. His words echoed in her mind, their weight sinking deeper than she expected, lingering like a melody she wanted to hear again. Her lashes fluttered, breath catching ever so slightly, and without thinking, her fingers curled against his shoulder. The world around them had seemed to blur, and without thinking, she shifted closer, her body molding into the space between them as though it had always belonged there. And then she looked at him, and for a heartbeat, everything stopped. For the briefest moment, her pupils widened, a flicker of something unspoken flashing in her blue eyes—something almost like wonder, like the quiet realization of stepping off a ledge and finding herself floating instead of falling. But then, the tension melted and her expression softened. And then she gave him a tender smile that was different from all the others he had seen tonight. The moment stretched between them, fragile yet electric, like the pause between lightning and thunder. The air around them was thick with something neither of them had dared name, and yet, it was there—woven between their bodies, in the heat of her fingertips curling against his shoulder, in the way she fit against him as though it would be a sin for them to part. Cassius wasn’t sure if it was the wine or the music or the way she was looking at him now—like he was something [i]worth seeing[/i]—but it did something to him. Something reckless. Something inevitable. His fingers flexed where they rested at the small of her back, pulling her the slightest bit closer, just enough to feel the warmth of her against him, the rise and fall of her breath. His heart pounded harder than it should have, louder than the music that surrounded them. He let his gaze trace her face—the delicate curve of her lips, the flush high on her cheeks, the wide, wondering blue of her eyes. Gods, she was beautiful. And it wasn’t just the way she looked, it was the way she [i]felt[/i]—like poetry set to motion, like a song he wanted to learn by heart. Cassius exhaled slowly, his voice dropping to something low, something meant just for her. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“You’re looking at me like I might disappear if you blink.”[/color][/b] His thumb brushed absently over the fabric at her waist, a slow, thoughtless caress, and she shivered beneath his touch. [b][color=lightsteelblue]“I promise, love… I’m right here.”[/color][/b] And then, because she was so close, because her lips were right there, because for the first time in his life he had no choice—he lifted a hand, fingers catching beneath her chin, tilting her face up ever so slightly. Her breath trembled, her pulse a flutter beneath her skin. Charlotte didn’t move, didn’t dare to—except for the way her lashes lowered, her lips just barely parting in the softest intake of breath. Cassius hesitated just long enough to give her the chance to pull away, to stop this before it started. But she didn’t. So he leaned in. The moment their lips met, it was as if the rest of the world ceased to exist. It wasn’t rushed, wasn’t hurried—it was slow, deliberate, a kiss that tasted of whiskey and something sweeter, something new. His lips moved against hers with aching precision, as though he were memorizing the shape of her, the feel of her, the way she fit against him so effortlessly. And gods, she did. A slow breath escaped through his nose as he deepened the kiss, his hand sliding to cradle the curve of her jaw, thumb stroking softly against her cheek. He had kissed plenty of women before, but nothing had ever felt like this—like the space between them had finally been bridged, like something long unspoken had finally found its voice. For a moment, there was only warmth, only the press of her lips against his, the music fading into something distant, something inconsequential. And then, as much as he didn’t want to, he pulled back—just slightly, just enough to meet her gaze. His lips quirked into the barest of smirks, though his eyes—intense—betrayed something deeper, something [i]real[/i]. Charlotte’s lips were still tingling from the warmth he left behind, her pulse thrumming in her ears, and for a fleeting second, she swayed ever so slightly forward, as if drawn to the absence he had left behind. Her fingers twitched against his shoulder, her mind sluggish with wine and the dizzying aftermath of [i]him.[/i] Then, just as the moment teetered on the edge of something unspoken, her brows knit together slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. [b][color=D0B4EC]“Oh…”[/color][/b] A soft, breathless sound, as if she were only now realizing what had happened. Her gaze flickered down to his lips once more before lifting back to his eyes, wonderstruck. For the first time in what felt like forever, Cassius was at a loss for words. [/color]