.·:¨¨ ≈☆≈ ¨¨:·.Chapter 22: Dangerous Trust.·:¨¨ ≈☆≈ ¨¨:·.

Marlene stayed in Lucien’s mansion, walking slowly through the halls adorned with Persian carpets and wrought-iron chandeliers. Every shadow seemed to stretch and dance in the flickering candlelight, creating an air of mystery that mixed with the nervousness she felt in her chest.

Lucien stood near the window, gazing at the night with a serious expression, as if evaluating every star and every crack of darkness.

“Marlene,” he finally said, his voice low and measured, breaking the silence. “There’s something I must confess. I’ve heard rumors… that someone might try to deprive you of your freedom. It’s not safe to talk about it outside, but I couldn’t not warn you.”

Marlene’s heart skipped a beat. The mansion, which until then had seemed like a safe, strategic refuge, now felt charged with an invisible danger, as if every shadow hid a silent observer. She took a step closer to Lucien, weighing his every word.

“Who…?” she whispered, containing a tremor in her voice as she tried to maintain her composure. “Do you know of anyone specific?”

Lucien turned to her, maintaining his characteristic calm. His intense gray eyes seemed to pierce through her, measuring her every thought.

“I don’t know for sure,” he replied firmly. “I only know that someone with dark interests has set their sights on you. That’s why, while you’re here with me, you have a margin of safety. But it won’t last forever.”

Marlene nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of the situation. The trust she was beginning to feel for Lucien mixed with a constant alertness. Every one of his gestures, every word, had to be measured with precision. She couldn’t afford to show vulnerability, even though the tension in the air was palpable. Kira blinked in front of her with a warning:

[Kira: Mission partially completed. Lucien is now a potential, but extremely dangerous, ally. Maintain emotional and strategic vigilance. Cunning +2, Caution +2.]

“Thank you for the warning,” Marlene said with a steady voice, though her mind was working non-stop, running through every possible scenario. “I can’t let my guard down, not even in front of someone I’m starting to trust.”

Lucien moved a little closer, without invading her space, with an air that combined respect and firmness.

“Tomorrow will be another day,” he said. “If you decide to return, I can show you more of what I know and help you prepare for what’s coming. There’s a lot to understand about Valeria’s movements, about Adrian, and about other interests at court.”

Marlene felt a slight shiver run down her spine. She knew that every word from Lucien could be a clue, but also a risk. The mansion was both a refuge and a potential trap. Every object, every scroll, seemed to have a hidden meaning that could be useful for anticipating threats or deciphering strategies.

Before leaving, Marlene mentally reviewed Lucien’s every gesture and word. She observed how his gaze not only evaluated but seemed to read her deepest emotions. His contained smile, the way he placed his hands on the table, even his calm breathing—everything was a subtle message that could be key to understanding his intentions. The mansion, in its imposing silence, reminded her that strategy and caution were essential.

“You must be careful,” Lucien added, as if he had read her thoughts. “Not only Valeria, but those we don’t know yet, could take advantage of any carelessness. You’re relatively safe here, but the world outside doesn’t forgive mistakes.”

Marlene nodded, making a mental note of every detail. Her heart was pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety. It wasn’t just the tension of a revealed secret, but also the feeling that her trust in Lucien could become either an advantage or a huge risk. Every step she took inside this mansion had to be calculated, every word measured.

“I understand,” she finally replied. “Thank you for trusting me enough to warn me. This knowledge will allow me to act more strategically, though it also reminds me that I must maintain my own boundaries and precautions.”

Lucien nodded, with a look that seemed to say he trusted her, but not completely. Marlene understood that this young strategist was an ally… but also a potential danger if her emotions got out of control.

Before Marlene left the room, she took one last look around, analyzing every shadow, every scroll, every detail that could offer clues about future movements by Valeria or other rivals. Kira issued its final notification:

[Kira: Warning. Player, you have completed the objective, but the relationship with Lucien has been left open. He could become an ally… or an even greater risk. Stay alert. Cunning +2, Caution +2.]

Marlene took a deep breath, aware that this visit had not only given her information but had also marked a crucial moment: her relationship with Lucien was now woven between trust and danger. Every future encounter would have to be carefully planned, and every gesture evaluated so as not to give away unnecessary advantages.

Upon leaving the mansion, the cold of the night greeted her as a reminder that the game of cunning and strategy was just beginning, and that every potential ally could also be a hidden challenge.

[Objective status:

❤ Lucien Devereaux (1/5).]

    ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥to be continued˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥