For Centuries - Season 1 [Completed]

Saturday Night At The Pearl, Volume 4, Episode 33C

Lucas' Playlist: "Apocalypse", Cigarettes after Sex

In the speed of the fight, it seemed as if the movements were one. For a time. A long chain of steps, regularly interrupted. Ups and downs of a tempo which our lives depended on. A duo constantly denying itself. A choreography that did not want to be followed.

Our blades crossed. I held the position. But then he changed his approach and hit me like lightning. I did not have time to protect myself properly and the sword cut my shoulder. As he was so close, I punched him and took a step back.

Then, kneeling suddenly, I hit Titus' leg. He flinched and leaned forward. I seized this opportunity to grab his arm in my hand and jump behind him. My sword was now on his throat. It was over. He dropped his blade on the floor.

I breathed for a minute as everyone present stayed quiet, waiting to see what I would do. According to the rules of the duel, I could kill him, right at this instant. But it was never my intention. I let him go and faced him.

"By the power of the ritual duel," I said, "I am now at liberty to do whatever I want with you. I do not wish you any harm. But the Council will have to leave me alone and break the spell. I swear in front of you all that I am not putting our community in danger."

Abosede took a step forward. "The upcoming of the ritual duel is not limited to an end of the dispute. You are now legitimate to claim the leadership of the Council."

Reluctantly, Titus knelt before me.

"I have already expressed my position on this matter a long time ago and I will remain faithful to my principles. I do not care about power and I will not lead the Order. As long as I have your word that this institution will not harm me, Aidan or James, I will leave the rest to you."

***

At the Pearl, Aidan was waiting anxiously. When he saw me, he did not move but he smiled.

"We can be in the same room now, my love," I said. "The curse is over."

He hugged me tight and kissed me on the neck.

"She was brilliant. Incredible. You should have seen that," Anna said.

I interrupted. "Well, we will speak later about the fact that you were not supposed to be there."

I could see that Aidan was not sorry at all about his stunt. I rolled my eyes and smiled at them both. I felt a hand on my shoulder and, turning my head, I saw it was James. 

"So you survived?" He said.

"So YOU survived?" I answered.

"Well, alcohol is helping for now. A lot of alcohol."

I nodded emphatically. "Of course."

Lucas changed the tone by playing a song by Cigarettes after sex. It was one of these genius moments when he had this unusual choice of a tune which was absolutely perfect. He always knew how to read the room: when to bring a slow dance to keep everyone close or when to create an uproar with an explosion of beats. At this moment, he had felt the love in the room and the need to express it.

Suddenly, over the sweet rhythm of the guitars, I asked Aidan to dance with me and we reached the center of the room. James came to the bar and offered his hand to Ahmed. The bartender smiled immediately but the surprise struck him quickly and he hesitated. James' hand did not move. He waited. And Ahmed took it. They danced together not far from Aidan and me.

As the song went on, the movements of the dance made me sweep the room and I felt the presence of an immortal. My eyes fell on a man standing against the wall near the entrance. I could only see him from side on. His face had deep scars as if he had been burned a long time ago. Something troubled me and I slowed down, peering at him. He turned his head, and my heart stopped. His eyes. "Amaury," I said.

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