Last Elysium

Unforeseen encounter

As the moon ascended, casting a silvery sheen upon the manicured lawns and labyrinthine hedges, the Delacroix estate emerged as a dreamscape of elegance. Crystal chandeliers adorned the halls, their luminous glow refracting in the polished marble floors, while gilded mirrors reflected the soft radiance of the attendees in their resplendent attire.

As guests, draped in silks and adorned in jewels, mingled in hushed conversations, unaware of the twists that destiny had woven into the night, the fragrance of exotic blooms mingled with the heady aroma of a thousand candles. The air hummed with the distant melody of classical music, performed by a hidden orchestra in the corner of the grand hall.

The manor was extensive, and the laughter from the guests and other noises filled the hall creating an exuberant atmosphere in contrast to the place's usual tranquil ambiance. Y/n and Damien walked toward an empty table and Damien pulled a chair for you to sit and once you settled down, he took a seat next to you and made himself comfortable for the night. The butler approached you and gracefully poured champagne on both of your glasses leaving them half-filled. Y/n thanked him and took a sip of your drink, it was refreshing and it helped you ease your mind even for a bit before putting the glass on the table.

Damien glanced at you and surprisingly had a warm look in his eyes. "You alright?", he asked with a concerned tone. "Yeah, I'm not used to this kind of social gathering, I'm just nervous that's all", you said reassuringly and he nodded in response before he leaned back in his seat, then he grabbed his glass of champagne, and took a sip in it. Your eyes wander around your surroundings and everyone is outlander to you. Y/n couldn't help but feel like an outcast in the event since no one wanted to approach you or initiate a conversation with you at all. It was very hard to socialize with other people if you were a timid type of person, to begin with.

You felt a bit uncomfortable as if everyone around you were scrutinizing you from head to toe. Damien noticed your discomfort and spoke to you once again, "You don't seem to enjoy this kind of occasion, eh? Are you sure that you're alright?", he asked calmly with his eyebrow raised. "Yeah I'm fine, I guess I just need to take a break and get some fresh air before anything else, do you mind if I leave for a moment?", you asked politely and you wanted to get his permission first before you go outside. "Yeah sure, go ahead, I'll just wait for you here then and please don't take too long you don't want to keep me waiting here all alone while the other guests are enjoying their time together with their companions", he said playfully with a bit of seriousness to it. "Alright, don't worry I won't take long". Y/n smiled at him and as you were about to get up from your seat to leave, you caught a glimpse of his playful smirk plastered on his face. "See you later princess, I'll be waiting for you", he said softly with a bit of a flirtatious tone to his voice before he winked at you, he then took a sip from his glass of champagne, and watched you as you quickly left with a flustered expression.

You walked towards the balcony and rested your arms on the railings. Y/n let out a sigh of relief, the moonlight illuminating the captivating beauty of the scenery in front of you, it was truly a sight to behold. The cold breeze touching your soft and delicate skin sent a shiver over your body and you felt a sense of belonging and peace to the place. "This is much better", you whispered under your breath.

Y/n took out a box of cigars and took one out before you put it in your mouth gently holding it in place with your lips, you cupped your hands around the cigar to protect the flame since it was a breezy night before igniting it with the lighter. You put back the lighter and box of cigars inside your purse again. Your arm still resting on top of the railing while your other hand is holding the cigar a few inches away from your face as you exhale the smoke, you manage to unwind for a bit before you suddenly hear a familiar voice from behind.

"Hey there Y/n! still smoking, eh? I never thought that I'd meet you at this place", the man said in a husky voice with a hint of surprise in his tone. You looked over your shoulder before you slowly turned yourself around to face him and your expression lit up instantly with a sense of happiness to it once you saw him. "Good to see you here", you said calmly with a faint smile on your face.