𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒

Ep 8. Hidden Threads

The next morning, the weight of Lucian's words still hung heavy over me. I could barely focus in class, and every time the teacher's voice drifted into the background, my mind returned to last night—the tattoo, the secret society, and the terrifying idea that I was somehow connected to it all.

Mia hadn't mentioned anything about Lucian showing up in the middle of the night, and I was grateful she slept through it. How could I even begin to explain it? The way he spoke... the danger he warned me about—it felt like I'd been dropped into some twisted fantasy. But this wasn't a game. Whatever "Noctem Ordinem" was, it was real. And I was right in the middle of it.

I was already antsy by the time lunch rolled around, and when Mia suggested eating outside, I didn't argue. The cafeteria felt too claustrophobic anyway. As we walked towards the grassy courtyard, my eyes scanned the crowd, searching for Lucian even though I didn't know what I'd say if I found him.

"Are you even listening?" Mia's voice broke through my thoughts. She gave me a playful nudge as we sat down under a tree.

"Huh?" I blinked, realizing she'd been talking. "Sorry, I was... distracted."

"Yeah, I noticed. You've been off since yesterday. What's going on?"

I hesitated. Mia was my best friend, and if there was anyone I could trust, it was her. But part of me still felt like I was dragging her into something dangerous just by telling her. The way Lucian had spoken about the society—it was like knowing too much could get you hurt.

"It's just... school stuff. You know how it is," I mumbled, hoping that'd be enough to brush her off.

Mia raised an eyebrow, not buying it for a second. "Aria, we've been friends for too long for you to pull that 'school stuff' excuse on me. Come on, spill."

I sighed, fiddling with a strand of grass. "Fine, but you're going to think I'm crazy."

She leaned in, her expression softening. "Try me."

Taking a deep breath, I began. "Last night... Lucian came to my window. He told me something about this secret society in town, something called 'Noctem Ordinem.'"

Mia's eyes widened, but she didn't interrupt.

"He said they're interested in me, for reasons he doesn't even fully understand, and that I'm in danger. He showed me this tattoo, a symbol of the society. It was—" I stopped, noticing Mia's mouth slightly open, her face a mixture of disbelief and concern.

"You're serious?" she asked.

"I wish I wasn't. But something's going on, Mia, and it's bigger than we realize."

She bit her lip, processing everything. "Okay, let's say this society is real. Why would they be after you? You're just a regular girl."

"I don't know!" I blurted, more frustrated with the situation than with her. "That's what I'm trying to figure out. And Lucian... he seems to know things, things he's not telling me."

Mia was silent for a moment, her gaze flicking over my face, like she was weighing how much to believe. Finally, she nodded. "Alright. If there's something dangerous going on, we'll deal with it together. You're not facing this alone."

Her words brought some comfort, but it didn't ease the growing pit in my stomach. I was dragging her into a mess, and the last thing I wanted was for Mia to get hurt.

Suddenly, a figure caught my eye. Across the courtyard, Lucian stood by a cluster of trees, watching me. Again.

"Mia," I whispered, tilting my head toward him.

She followed my gaze and frowned. "You need to talk to him. Find out exactly what's going on."

I didn't want to. Not here, not now. But she was right. If I was ever going to get answers, I had to confront Lucian head-on.

"I'll be back," I said, standing up and brushing off my jeans.

Mia nodded, her eyes following me as I walked toward him. My heart raced with every step, and by the time I reached him, I wasn't sure what to say. But Lucian didn't give me a chance to open my mouth.

"Meet me tonight," he said, his voice low and serious. "Behind the old church. Eight o'clock. I'll explain everything."

"What?" I shook my head. "Why not now?"

His expression darkened. "Because they're watching."

I glanced around, but the courtyard looked normal—students laughing, talking, eating. No one seemed out of place. But when I looked back at Lucian, his face was dead serious.

"I'll be there," I said, my voice steady despite the unease curling in my gut.

Lucian nodded once, his gaze lingering on me before he turned and disappeared into the crowd. I stood there for a moment, rooted to the spot, trying to wrap my head around what had just happened.

By the time I returned to Mia, she had already packed up her lunch, ready to move. "Well?" she asked, eyes wide.

"I'm meeting him tonight," I said quietly, picking up my bag.

"Tonight? Where?"

"Behind the old church. He says he'll explain everything."

Mia's face paled. "That sounds... ominous."

"I know. But I don't have a choice. I need to know what's going on."

She bit her lip. "Just... be careful, okay? This whole thing is starting to freak me out."

"Yeah, me too," I admitted, though the words didn't begin to cover the fear gnawing at me.

Later that evening, I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. It was almost eight, and I was getting ready to sneak out. I hesitated for a moment, thinking back to Lucian's words and the warning he gave me. The idea of being watched put me even more on edge. I knew I couldn't go there unprepared, at least not without feeling like myself. Dressing up always gave me confidence.

I pulled on my favorite outfit, the one that always made me feel powerful. A black cropped jacket, detailed with silver chains and a studded belt, hugging my figure. I paired it with fitted shorts, their edges lined with intricate embroidery. My thigh-high stockings—one torn intentionally—completed the look, the skeleton design faintly visible beneath. I wrapped a hooded scarf around my long black hair, the plaid pattern adding an edge to the darkness of the night. The final touch was my choker, a silver cross hanging from the center.

This was me. My style. The way I liked to dress up when I went out.

I turned off the lights in my room, glanced out the window to make sure no one was around, and slipped out into the night. The air was crisp, and a cold breeze sent shivers down my spine. The streets were quiet, the soft hum of distant cars the only sound.

When I reached the church, Lucian was already there, leaning against the stone wall, his face hidden in the shadows. As I approached, he straightened up, his eyes meeting mine.

"I'm here," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Lucian stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "Good. Because what I'm about to tell you is going to change everything."

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Girly got styleeee

I actually went to Doris her insta for inspo😭

I love her drip<3

If you guys are wondering who I'm talking ab, here's her insta: fish_fingiiies