The Girl Who Stole His Gaze

Lucian's POV:

I stood before the full-length mirror in my room, adjusting the cuffs of my black suit. The fabric fit perfectly—almost like armor, molding to my shoulders and frame. The subtle embroidery at the collar caught the light, flickering like shadows turning to flame, a quiet tribute to my fire dragon's dominance. My reflection stared back, unflinching. The dark suit matched the sharp edge I carried with me everywhere, an unspoken warning. My hair, carefully styled, fell slightly over my forehead—neat enough to be presentable but just unruly enough to remind others that control was something I allowed, not something I surrendered to.

The door burst open without warning, breaking my thoughts. I didn't need to turn to know who it was—only two people dared to enter my room like that.

"Look at you!" Zane's voice carried his usual mix of admiration and mockery as he sauntered in. "Giving off some serious Fire Prince vibes tonight."

I turned slightly, just enough to catch the smug look on his face. Zane—always the one with a sly comment and a sharper smirk.

"Careful, Zane," I replied coolly, my tone laced with amusement. "Your jealousy is showing."

Before he could shoot back, Ryker's booming laugh filled the room. He leaned against the doorframe, his grin wide and untamed. "You're going to steal the show, man. The rest of us don't stand a chance."

I arched a brow, turning back to the mirror, but not without a hint of a smirk. "You two don't look bad yourselves. Try not to embarrass me tonight."

Zane immediately dropped into an exaggerated bow, his voice dramatic. "Your Highness approves. We are honored."

I shook my head, half-annoyed and half-amused, but Ryker wasn't done yet. His eyes glinted with mischief, his tone laced with teasing. "Careful, Lucian. I don't think Aria will be able to take her eyes off you tonight."

The name hit me like an ember sparking to life, igniting something I didn't want to acknowledge. My fingers froze for the briefest second against the cufflinks. Aria.

How would she look tonight?

Her sharp blue eyes flashed in my mind—confident, unforgettable. There was something about her that refused to be ignored, and despite myself, I needed to know.

"Don't get too lost in your thoughts, Prince Charming," Ryker added, leaning in closer like he'd caught a secret.

I shot him a look, letting my silence carry the warning. He laughed it off, as always, and Zane grinned behind him like a fox who smelled blood. I hated how well they could read me.

Ryker's grin widened, the kind that always preceded trouble, and his tone turned sharp, cutting through the easy atmosphere. "By the way, your girlfriend, the one who's been pestering you about this event for weeks, will definitely be here tonight. I'm sure she'll be clinging to you the entire time."

The words hit harder than they should have. I froze for a brief second, though I disguised it with a roll of my eyes and a carefully controlled response. "Don't start, Ryker," I muttered, my tone even. Calm. Detached.

But his words lingered, unshakable, stirring something I didn't want to face. Celeste.

Girlfriend. The word sounded wrong, heavy, like armor that no longer fit. My chest tightened, though my expression remained cold, impassive. Lately, I'd started to feel like I was standing on uneven ground whenever I thought of her. She was everything people expected me to want—beautiful, well-connected, perfect in every obvious way. And yet, the closer I looked, the emptier it all seemed.

Is this worth it?

I exhaled slowly, forcing the thought away. It didn't matter. Not now. I had no time to indulge in this storm.

"Let's go," I said, my voice sharper than I intended, but it served its purpose. Ryker and Zane fell silent, falling into step beside me as we left the room.

Our footsteps echoed against the polished marble floors, each sound a deliberate reminder to focus, to shut the door on Celeste and whatever questions lingered. My face stayed unreadable, my movements controlled, but beneath the surface, her name circled my mind like an unwelcome shadow.

And yet, as we walked toward the gala hall, I couldn't stop another thought from slipping in—one that burned far brighter.

Will she be there?

The grand gala hall of Vortex Academy unfolded before me, alive with murmurs of conversation and the soft strains of music weaving through the air. The chandeliers overhead bathed the room in a golden glow, their light catching the polished floors and opulent decor. Elegance dripped from every corner, from the sweeping arches to the students, teachers, nobles mingling with deliberate grace.

I walked in, my steps measured and purposeful, as every gaze turned toward me. The weight of their attention pressed against me, but I had long learned to carry it, letting it roll off my shoulders like mist.

"Prince Lucian."

A voice broke through the hum of conversation, and I turned to meet a group of the academy's highest-ranking officials approaching me. Lord Alaric Vyrn, the academy's chief strategist, led the way, his movements calculated and smooth. "You've graced us with your presence in impeccable fashion tonight," he said, bowing slightly.

"Lord Alaric," I acknowledged, my tone cool yet courteous.

Beside him stood Duchess Helena Myrren, the head of elemental diplomacy, her gown a striking cascade of emerald silk. She offered me a practiced smile and a formal nod. "An honor as always, Your Highness," she said, her voice poised.

Finally, Principal Valeria Gale stepped forward, effortlessly commanding the space around her. Dressed in deep indigo robes embroidered with threads of silver, she exuded quiet authority. "Welcome, Prince Lucian," she said, her tone even yet carrying a weight that silenced the nearby chatter. "Your presence here honors Vortex Academy."

"Principal Gale," I replied respectfully, offering her a curt nod as form dictated.

I exchanged the expected pleasantries, my tone composed, but my focus had already begun to drift. Beyond the academy leaders, the vast hall teemed with students and teachers, dressed in their finest for the occasion. The chatter of classmates filled the air as groups gathered in clusters, laughter and murmured gossip spreading like ripples across the room.

My gaze flickered across the crowd, scanning the elegantly dressed students—none of whom were her.

Where is she?

"Relax, Lucian," Ryker whispered teasingly as he leaned toward me, his grin unmistakable. "Your mysterious girl isn't here yet."

I shot him a sharp glance, my jaw tightening. "Enough," I muttered under my breath.

Still, his words lingered. He wasn't wrong.

That flicker of anticipation deepened, a feeling I couldn't quite suppress. I hated how easily she occupied my thoughts—how Aria could linger in my mind despite my best efforts to push her out.

My eyes moved restlessly across the hall, brushing past students laughing in small groups, teachers making polite conversation, and nobles raising their glasses.

Even as I nodded to the leaders before me and listened to the principal speak about the academy's future, my thoughts kept drifting. I couldn't help but search for her again.

Where are you, Aria?

A loud, mocking laugh broke through my thoughts, pulling my attention to a nearby group. Charles, the Earth Prince, stood in the center of his friends, Owen, a fiery elemental, and Mira, a sharp-tongued water elemental. Their eyes flicked toward me, and I could feel the air grow heavier with tension.

"Well, well, if it isn't Lucian and his band of misfits," Owen sneered, his fiery presence practically burning the air around him. "Seems like you’ve gathered quite the crowd these days."

Mira raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I can’t imagine how you keep up with all these weaklings, Lucian. Seems like the fire prince needs more than just flames to control this mess."

"As we all know," Owen continued, a wicked grin spreading across his face, "Celeste is your girlfriend, the one you’re always trying to run away from. But this new air girl... you seem quite interested in her. Always around her. Doesn’t quite suit you, does it? A simple, weak elemental girl. What happened to your usual taste in women, Lucian? Fire and power, not air and frailty."

The words hit like a blow to the chest, and I felt the flames of anger rise within me. I tried to control it, to remind myself that they were just trying to provoke me. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, but then Owen added fuel to the fire.

"Oh, I get it now," Owen smirked, his voice dripping with arrogance as he looked Lucian up and down. "This new air girl... she’s got you whipped, huh? I mean, she’s got that whole ‘mysterious, innocent’ vibe, but I bet she’s hotter than you’re letting on. You can’t seem to stay away from her, can you? Looks like you’ve got a soft spot for weaklings."

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My control shattered. Before I could stop myself, the temperature around us spiked, and my shadow powers flared, threatening to overwhelm me.

I snapped forward, my fist grabbing Owen’s collar with a ferocity that made his smirk falter. "Shut your mouth, Owen!" I snarled, my voice low and dangerous. The room seemed to tremble under the weight of my anger, my powers surging, threatening to break free. "Say one more word about her, and you’ll regret it."

The whole room fell silent, every pair of eyes on us. Anyone didn’t understand what we were talking about, but they could see the fury in my eyes, the tension in the air, and how I held Owen by his collar, my grip tightening with each word. The weight of my anger was palpable, and even the teachers seemed to pause, sensing the storm about to break.

Owen’s cocky grin started to fade as he realized just how much trouble he was in, but his fiery gaze never wavered.

But before I could take another step, Ryker’s hand landed on my shoulder, a calming weight. "Lucian," he said quietly, "don’t let them provoke you."

Zane, ever the strategist, flashed a knowing smirk and stepped forward, his voice smooth and cutting. "It’s adorable how you think poking the fire prince with words will end well for you, Charles. Owen, Mira—don’t you know better than to challenge Lucian with such petty taunts?" His tone was almost playful, but there was an unmistakable warning beneath it.

Ryker stepped up with a smirk of his own. "Honestly, you three should know better," he said, his voice dripping with amusement. "Didn’t the last fight with Lucian teach you anything? Or was the humiliation of being defeated not enough for you all?"

Charles’ smirk faltered slightly, but he quickly masked it. "You’re lucky, Lucian," he said, his tone cool. "Next time, we might just have a real conversation."

Owen gave one last, mocking glance before turning on his heel, Mira following with a sharp laugh.

As they walked off, Ryker’s grip tightened on my shoulder, and Zane shot me a knowing look. "We can’t let them get under your skin," Ryker said, his voice low but firm. "You’re better than that."

Zane nodded, his eyes glinting with the same quiet intensity. "Let them talk. They’re just jealous of what you’ve got—and of who you are."

I took a slow breath, forcing the flames of anger to subside. But deep down, I knew this wasn’t over. They wouldn’t stop, and neither would I.

The tension still hung in the air as I stood with Zane and Ryker, my mind only half-engaged in our conversation. My thoughts kept drifting back to what had just happened, to the taunts and the challenge they presented. Then, suddenly, a hush swept through the grand gala hall. The murmur of voices fell silent, and even the soft strains of music seemed to fade, as though the room itself held its breath. My gaze, like everyone else's, instinctively turned toward the entrance.

And there she was.

For a brief moment, the tension from before evaporated. I forgot about everything—the provocation, the anger, the simmering conflict. The world seemed to blur, leaving only her. My breath caught, and something in my chest tightened—unexpected, sharp, and utterly beyond my control. Aria stood at the threshold, poised yet effortless, the golden light from the chandeliers dancing along the edges of her figure.

She looked royal—a vision that stole the air from the room. Her gown, a deep sapphire blue that mirrored the color of her eyes, shimmered faintly with intricate silver embroidery, the delicate threads weaving patterns like constellations across the flowing fabric. The dress cinched perfectly at her waist before cascading to the floor in soft, fluid waves, trailing just enough to make her entrance all the more regal.

Her dark hair fell in loose, silken curls, framing her face with an elegance that seemed so natural, so hers. A small, silver tiara adorned her head—simple, understated, yet it only heightened the sense of royalty she carried. And her eyes—those sharp, radiant blue eyes—held a quiet confidence that no one could ignore, a confidence that made her stand apart.

"She... she really looks like a princess," Ryker murmured, breaking the silence between us.

Zane, for once, had nothing witty to say, his usual grin replaced with genuine awe. "No kidding. The way she carries herself... she's—she's..."

"Royal," I finished quietly, though the word didn't sit right on my tongue.

Because it didn't make sense. How did Aria—someone from an ordinary family, someone who should be like everyone else—effortlessly exude the kind of grace and power that rivaled the most noble-born in this room? It wasn't just the dress or her beauty; it was her. The way she walked, the way she held her head high without arrogance, as though she belonged here.

Doesn't she belong to an ordinary family? I couldn't help but wonder. Then why... why did she look every bit the princess tonight?

"Lucian."

I blinked, snapping out of whatever trance I'd fallen into as Ryker nudged me hard in the ribs. His smirk was teasing, his tone full of mock amusement. "What's with that look? Like you've just seen a ghost—or someone who's got you completely spellbound."

I shot him a glare, though I knew he wasn't entirely wrong. I couldn't tear my gaze away from her. Even as the crowd began to murmur and shift again, as the room adjusted to her arrival, Aria remained the center of it all—of their attention, and of mine.

And I hated how easily she pulled me in.

She was standing with her friends now, their soft laughter and conversation barely audible over the noise of the gala. Yet, even amidst the crowd, my eyes never left her.

Minutes passed, but I couldn't pull myself from watching her. And then it happened.

Her gaze shifted, her eyes searching for something—or someone. I knew it before she even found me. She was looking for me.

The moment her eyes landed on mine, a thrill shot through me like a spark catching fire. A smirk tugged at the corner of my lips, entirely instinctual, as if her attention alone was a victory I hadn't been chasing but craved nonetheless. I held her gaze, unflinching, letting her see that I'd noticed her too.

The faintest flicker of something crossed her face—surprise, maybe, or curiosity—before her friend leaned in, whispering something that pulled her attention away. Just like that, the moment was gone.

But the satisfaction lingered. She'd been looking for me.

"You're enjoying this far too much," Ryker muttered beside me, clearly catching the exchange.

I ignored him, content to let my smirk linger for a heartbeat longer.

And then—of course—Ryker and Zane ruined it.

Before I could register what was happening, Ryker grabbed my arm with a devilish grin, and Zane followed suit, both of them tugging me forward with far too much enthusiasm.

"What are you—" I started, scowling as I dug my heels into the marble floor, but it was no use. They were already dragging me across the room, straight toward her.

"Come on, Lucian," Zane said, his tone teasing yet determined. "You can't just smirk at her across the room and not follow up. You're a prince, not a coward."

"I don't need your help," I hissed through clenched teeth, my glare bouncing between the two of them.

"Sure you don't," Ryker said, his grin widening. "But we're doing this anyway."

I somehow freed myself from Ryker's grip, but by the time I realized, it was too late. I was now walking behind them, the distance between us narrowing. I considered shoving both of them aside, but it was already beyond my reach. Aria and her friends began to notice us as we got closer.

Her head turned toward us just as we reached them, and for the first time that evening, I felt something unusual—a brief flicker of nerves.

But I buried it quickly. After all, I was Lucian Vortex. And no one—not even her—could shake me that easily.

At least, that's what I told myself.

Esme and Calen froze the moment we reached them, their faces painted with shock and disbelief. I wasn't surprised; after all, I wasn't exactly known for casually walking up to people at events like this—let alone approaching her.

Ryker, as usual, was unbothered. He flashed that infuriatingly charming grin of his and stepped in without hesitation. "Hi, guys. Mind if we join you?"

"Sure," Esme said, her voice controlled but cautious.

I kept my expression neutral, polite, though beneath the surface, my heart raced like a silent storm. I wasn't entirely sure why I was standing here—or maybe I was. Ryker and Zane had dragged me into this, but now that I was face-to-face with her, leaving wasn't an option I entertained.

Zane was the first to break the silence, his tone casual and teasing as he grinned at Aria. "You know, Aria, you're the most beautiful girl in this entire hall."

I shot him a look, narrowing my eyes slightly. Subtlety, Zane. Clearly, that wasn't in his vocabulary tonight.

Aria laughed softly at the compliment, the sound light and unforced, though she shook her head modestly. "There are so many amazing-looking girls here tonight. I'm sure plenty outshine me."

Her words were self-deprecating, but it only made her stand out more—graceful, grounded, and completely unaware of the effect she had.

Ryker, not missing a beat, leaned in slightly, his smile growing wider. "No, we mean it. You're breathtaking, and no one here can compare." He delivered the line with sincerity, but the mischievous glint in his eyes gave him away. I knew him too well. He was setting something up—me.

And then, he went in for the kill. "You can ask Lucian if you don't believe us."

I stiffened at the sudden attention, my gaze snapping toward Ryker. My eyes narrowed into a faint glare, silent yet unmistakable: Are you serious right now? He just grinned back, completely unapologetic and clearly enjoying himself.

All eyes turned to me, including hers. Aria's gaze—curious, waiting—made it impossible to ignore.

I could feel the weight of the moment, the question unspoken but lingering. The tension pressed against my chest, demanding an answer. My jaw tightened slightly before I gave Ryker one last look—I'll deal with you later—and shifted my focus back to her.

My voice, when I spoke, was firm and certain, cutting through the air with no room for argument. "He's right."

Her eyes widened just slightly, a hint of surprise flickering across her face before she quickly masked it. But I caught it, and something about the way her composure wavered for that brief moment sent satisfaction through me, uninvited but undeniable.

The truth was, Ryker hadn't been wrong. She was breathtaking, and tonight, she looked more like royalty than any crown could declare. But those were words I'd never say aloud—not yet.

So instead, I let my answer hang in the air, unadorned and absolute.

As the conversation shifted, her gaze lingered on me for just a moment longer before she turned back to her friends.

That was when Celeste entered.

Her arrival was impossible to ignore—not because of who she was, but because she ensured no one could. The golden gown she wore sparkled under the chandeliers, designed to draw every eye in the room. She moved with a practiced precision, exuding the kind of confidence meant to command attention. To most, it would seem effortless. To me, it was exhausting. Every step, every glance, every calculated gesture spoke of someone accustomed to bending the room to her will.

Her gaze found me almost immediately, sharp and cold for the briefest second before she smoothed it into a honeyed smile. I didn't react. I never gave Celeste the satisfaction of knowing what she hoped to find in my expression.

"Lucian," she purred, gliding up to me like a predator cornering prey. "I was looking for you everywhere."

Before I could respond, Ryker's voice broke the tension, dripping with amusement. "Everywhere? Guess you missed the part where he was trying to avoid you."

The smirk on his face was insufferable, but his words hit their mark. A ripple of barely suppressed laughter passed through our group, and Celeste's smile faltered for just a second. Her sharp glare zeroed in on Ryker, though he remained smug and unaffected. If anyone enjoyed baiting her, it was him.

She turned her attention elsewhere, zeroing in on Aria.

"Well, Aria," Celeste said, her tone sweet as poison, "you're not looking bad tonight. For once."

I felt my jaw tighten involuntarily. Celeste knew exactly where to dig, and her words were designed to sting. But Aria didn't flinch. She met Celeste's gaze with a smirk and a calmness that only made her more infuriatingly composed.

"Well, Celeste," Aria said coolly, "it's nice to see you finally recognize something good when it's right in front of you."

Her words were effortless, but they cut deep. Zane and Ryker choked on their laughter, and even I had to fight the twitch of a smile. Celeste, however, was not amused. The fury blazing in her eyes would have made a lesser man squirm.

"Lucian, let's go," she said abruptly, slipping her arm through mine as if it belonged there. "I want you to meet my father. He's here now."

I resisted the urge to sigh, my body tensing as she tugged me across the room. Her grip was possessive, her triumph radiating with every step. I didn't look back. I couldn't.