Lethal Lineage: New Lines

Chapter 6

I melt at the cute candle Larken lit on the island counter between their wine glasses. So far this date was perfect.

"So, tell me about yourself, Miss Nathara." He smirks, practically purring my name.

It makes a blush rise to my cheeks, probably the reaction he was hoping for. I sigh and carefully pick up my wine glass. "Well, let's see. I was recently declared not a threat by the Royal court,"

"Congratulations." Larken interrupts.

"But it's kind of a shame because now what am I going to do with all these 'Crazy Snake Lady' shirts I have?"

"With your charm? I'm sure you have a fan club." Larken leans on the counter towards me, giving his full attention.

"Oh, definitely." I sarcastically agree. "I'm currently also a student at Sorian Academy."

"What a coincidence. I work there." Larken tilts his head, blue eyes resembling the depths of the ocean in the candle light.

"Oh, really?" I ask, taking a sip of my wine. The moment is ruined as I cough with disgust. This tasted disgusting!

"Sexy." Larken chuckles at my gagging. He calmly sips the red wine with no reaction.

"Yup, that's me." I grimace, pushing my glass away. "You should know I'm quite a flirt when I drink."

Larken makes a face. "Oh, no. You're not one of those girls that flirts with really bad puns, are you?" He teases, referring to the time I asked him if he 'wanted to see my snake'.

I turn away to grab a new glass for some water, mouth dry from our 'eleglant' drink choice. How do people drink that?

"I once read that being able to make someone laugh opens them up to liking you. Puns always get a laugh, either because it's funny, or because it's so bad it's laughable." I say.

"Well, you've made me laugh a few times already, and I think it's working." Larken nods.

"Yeah, baby, I got game." I boast cockily as I return to the counter. It works. He laughs, head shaking.

"Alright, alright. Enough about you, Miss perfect." Larken takes a seat at one of the bar stools on his side of the island. "Aren't you curious about the man you're on a date with?"

I wanted to start asking questions right then, but I rub my chin in thought. "Hm, I don't know. You're really rocking the whole, 'mysterious bad boy' vibe."

The air around them began feeling heavy. Their little game was turning serious.

"Well, I'm a pretty solid stereotype for that. I'm a pureblood, descendent of Thor and the founder of Sorian Academy." He reminds me. "I had a pretty shitty childhood after my mother passed away and my father took his grief out on me."

Holy shit. It was happening. He was actually opening up! Remain calm! Remain! Calm!

"I was lucky enough to be taken care of by my uncle Elide. He's done a lot for me." Larken's voice softens as he looks into his wine glass.

I was afraid to speak. I didn't want him to regret saying anything to me by bombarding him with questions.

"I got into a lot of fights, took everything personally, and got into the habit of pushing people away. Then one day this girl shows up," he sighs, lifting his head to observe me. "She was weird, and quite the drinker. I had to endure her bad flirting several times."

A smile curls my lips at the fuzzy memories.

"But for some reason, I liked having her around. I was lucky enough that she wanted me around too." Larken's eyebrows furrow. "And my dumb ass fucked it up."