The Devour's mansion was an architectural masterpiece, blending modern sophistication with timeless luxury. Towering glass windows framed the sleek, minimalist structure, reflecting the shimmering blue of the infinity pool outside. The outdoor area was adorned with elegant lounge chairs, string lights hanging like stars above a polished marble patio. The scent of jasmine from the manicured gardens drifted through the cool night air.
Inside, in a spacious master suite lined with gold-accented décor, Selene stood before a full-length mirror, adjusting the delicate straps of her dress. The red gown clung to her curves in all the right places, its fabric shimmering like molten gold under the warm lighting. The thigh-high slit revealed just enough of her leg, while the open-back design left her skin exposed in a way that made her feel both confident and nervous.
Her wavy brown hair cascaded past her shoulders, framing the gentle dip of her collarbone. She had spent extra time perfecting her makeup—subtle yet alluring, with soft gold shimmer on her eyelids and a hint of gloss on her lips.
She exhaled sharply, pressing her lips together. This is it. The night I've been waiting for.
Grabbing her silver purse from the dressing table, she walked to her wardrobe and pulled out a pair of matching stilettos. Slipping them on, she took one last glance in the mirror.
"Perfect."
As she descended the grand staircase, her mother glanced up from the sleek, curved sectional sofa where she was watching a drama on the massive wall-mounted TV. The glow from the screen illuminated the marble floor and high ceilings, casting soft shadows across the modern space.
"Where are you going?" her mother asked, barely looking away from the show.
Selene stopped, barely able to contain her excitement. "I have a date!" she squealed.
Her mother's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Be home before midnight."
Selene nodded quickly before rushing outside, her heels clicking against the polished stone steps.
A black Mercedes Maybach GL5600 was parked just beyond the fountain in their circular driveway. The moment she stepped outside, the driver's door opened, and out stepped Luka.
Tall and handsome, he wore a sharp black tuxedo that fit him perfectly. His platinum blonde hair was tousled just enough to give him a charmingly disheveled look, and his piercing brown eyes shimmered under the porch lights.
He strode toward her, a playful smirk on his lips. "Mi'lady," he said, extending a hand. "You look absolutely—" he gave her an exaggerated once-over, "—exotic."
Heat rose to her cheeks. She folded her arms, trying to appear unaffected. "Shut up, Luka," she muttered, but the giddy smile on her face betrayed her.
He chuckled, offering his arm. "Shall we?"
She took it, letting him lead her to the car.
The rooftop lounge was breathtaking. Suspended above the city skyline, it was a world of its own—a blend of glass and steel, with soft golden lighting casting an intimate glow over plush velvet seating. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed the sprawling cityscape, its twinkling lights stretching endlessly into the night. A circular fire pit flickered in the center, surrounded by elegant tables dressed in white linen.
A live violinist played softly in the corner, setting a romantic ambiance. The scent of gourmet dishes wafted through the air, mingling with the faint aroma of wine and fresh roses placed on each table.
Selene could hardly believe she was here, sitting across from Luka, a Platinum Tier student from Xtreme High—a school strictly for supernaturals. She was Gold Tier, he was Platinum. Their worlds rarely mixed, but here she was, sitting with Luka on a date.
Everything was perfect.
Halfway through their meal, nerves got the best of her. She wanted to sound interesting, to hold his attention, but instead, she blurted out:
"So… did you know that lobsters pee out of their faces when they like someone?"
Silence.
Luka blinked, fork frozen mid-air. "I—what?"
Selene's eyes widened as realization hit. Why. Why would I say that?!
"I mean—" she stammered, panicking. "Not that I was saying you pee out of your—"
Luka's lips twitched.
Then he burst into laughter.
Full, deep, genuine laughter.
Selene buried her face in her hands. "I'm leaving. I'm leaving right now."
"Absolutely not," Luka grinned, shaking his head. "That was the most bizarre and fascinating thing I've ever heard during dinner. I respect it."
She groaned. "I hate myself."
"You should love yourself," he teased, taking another bite of his steak. "You're oddly adorable when you're spiraling."
She peeked at him from behind her hands. "You're enjoying this too much."
"One hundred percent," he admitted.
She sighed, shaking her head. At least he's laughing and not running away.
As they sat in Luka's sleek black Mercedes, the night air warm and filled with the distant hum of the city, Selene felt her heart hammer in her chest. The rooftop dinner had been perfect—well, minus the awkward moment where she accidentally brought up a debate about whether vampires preferred synthetic blood or fresh. But now, as they sat in the quiet of the car, the tension between them shifted.
Luka turned to her, his sharp blue eyes flickering with something unreadable. His hand lifted, fingers brushing a stray curl from her cheek.
"I had a great time tonight," he murmured.
Selene swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. "Me too."
There was a pause. The kind of pause that felt heavy with anticipation. His gaze flickered to her lips, and she knew—this was it.
Her mind raced. Do I tilt left? Right? What if I go the wrong way?
Panic bubbled up, and before she could stop herself, she blurted out, "Wait, do I tilt left or right?"
Luka froze for a second, blinking. Then, a slow, amused smirk spread across his face.
"You're really overthinking this, huh?" he teased.
Selene's face burned. "I just— I don't wanna—"
Luka chuckled, shaking his head. "Here, let me help."
Before she could embarrass herself further, he leaned in, smoothly tilting her chin just enough to guide her in the right direction. The moment their lips met, all her nervousness melted away. His lips were warm, slow, teasing.
When he pulled back, his smirk returned. "See? No instructions necessary."
Selene covered her face with both hands. "I'm never recovering from this."
Luka laughed, resting his head back against the seat. "Trust me, it was cute."
Selene peeked at him through her fingers. "So… we're doing that again sometime?"
Luka grinned. "Oh, definitely."
"Goodnight, Selene," he murmured.
She barely managed to squeak out a reply before stepping out of the car, heart pounding.
As she walked up the steps, she could still feel the warmth of his lips against hers.
Awkward? Yes.
But absolutely perfect.
And as she closed the door behind her, one thought echoed in her mind:
This was the best night of her life. And nothing is going to ruin it.
Selene practically danced her way into the living room, her voice light and full of excitement as she sang, "He loves me, he loves me, oh, he loves me!"
But the moment she stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted.