Hurricane +

1

The night air is heavy with the scent of rain, as dark clouds gather ominously over the city. Luna Hart, a 19-year-old with a knack for finding herself in unexpected situations, stands in front of a grand mansion. The imposing structure is bathed in the soft glow of strategically placed lights, illuminating the intricate architectural details and manicured gardens. The invitation in her hand reads "Harper's 21st Birthday Bash," but the opulence of the mansion seems far too extravagant for a casual office colleague's party. With a shrug, she decides to venture inside, curiosity getting the better of her.

The mansion's massive doors open into a dimly lit foyer, where the flicker of candlelight casts long, eerie shadows on the marble floors. The scent of polished wood and fresh flowers fills the air. Guests, dressed in elegant attire, move gracefully through the grand hallways, their murmured conversations creating a soft hum of background noise. Luna feels slightly out of place in her worn denim jacket, faded jeans, and scuffed leather boots. Compared to the other guests in their lavish gowns and tailored suits, she stands out like a sore thumb.

As she steps further into the labyrinthine mansion, she can't help but notice the curious and judgmental glances directed her way. The elegant guests pause their conversations to stare at her, their eyes scanning her outfit with thinly veiled disdain. Luna shifts uncomfortably, feeling the weight of their stares, but she gathers her courage and presses on.

Unbeknownst to Luna, just moments before she enters, Cassian, a powerful witch with a magnetic presence, is in the midst of a heated confrontation in a secluded room off the main hall. The room is dimly lit, the shadows playing on the walls as Cassian stands over another witch, his eyes burning with intensity. The witch, visibly shaken, tries to avoid Cassian's piercing gaze.

"You dare to disobey me?" Cassian's voice is cold and menacing, echoing through the room. "Do you have any idea of the consequences?"

The witch stammers, attempting to explain, "I-I didn't mean to, Cassian. It was a mistake. Please, give me another chance."

Cassian steps closer, his presence overwhelming. "Mistakes are costly, especially when they jeopardize our mission. You know the rules, and yet you chose to ignore them."The air crackles with tension as Cassian's power surges, making the room feel smaller and more oppressive. The witch cowers, fearing the wrath that Cassian could unleash at any moment."I won't tolerate disobedience," Cassian continues, his voice low and dangerous. "Consider this your final warning."

With a flick of his wrist, Cassian releases the witch, who staggers back, relieved to have escaped further punishment. Cassian turns away, his expression unreadable, and exits the room, determined to put the matter behind him.

As he steps into the grand hallway, the energy around him shifts, softening as he melds back into the opulent surroundings. His eyes scan the crowd, landing on Luna just as she stumbles over the edge of a plush rug. Without missing a beat, he moves swiftly, catching her before she can fall.

His grip is firm and reassuring as he helps her regain her balance. "Careful," he says, his voice smooth and warm, "we wouldn't want you to miss the party."

Luna blushes, embarrassed by her clumsiness. "Thank you," she mumbles, feeling her cheeks heat up. "I guess I don't really belong here." Who wouldn't recognise Cassian Knight.

Cassian's eyes soften as he looks at her. "You belong here more than you know," he replies, his words holding a deeper meaning that sends a shiver down her spine.

As they stand there, the room seems to fade away, leaving just the two of them in a bubble of their own making. Cassian steps forward, his eyes never leaving hers, and takes her hand in his. The touch sends a shiver down her spine, like the calm before a storm.

"Who are you?" Luna whispers, her voice barely audible over the din of the party.

Cassian's lips curl into a knowing smile. "Someone who has been waiting for you," he replies, his voice smooth and enigmatic.

Before Luna can respond, the large double doors at the end of the hallway open with a flourish. A woman, radiating elegance and confidence, steps inside. The room falls silent as the guests turn to look at her. She is dressed in a stunning, floor-length emerald gown that shimmers in the light, her hair styled in perfect waves cascading down her back.

An announcer's voice breaks the silence, "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Miss Isabella Sterling, Cassian's fiancée."

Luna's heart sinks as she processes the announcement. Isabella glides across the room, her eyes briefly meeting Luna's before focusing on Cassian. She approaches them with a graceful smile, but Luna can sense the tension in the air.

"Cassian," Isabella says warmly, linking her arm through his. "I've been looking for you."

Cassian's expression remains composed, but his eyes flicker with a hint of discomfort. "Isabella," he acknowledges, "this is Luna."

Isabella's gaze shifts to Luna, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. "How lovely to meet you, Luna," she says, her tone polite but distant.

"Likewise," Luna replies, trying to mask her disappointment.

As they stand there, the air around them is charged with unspoken emotions and complexities. Luna feels the weight of the situation pressing down on her, but the connection she felt with Cassian lingers, a storm waiting to be unleashed. Before she can fully process her feelings, another figure steps into the room, capturing everyone's attention.

An elderly woman, regal and commanding, enters with an air of authority. The guests part to make way for her, recognizing her as Cassian's grandmother. Her silver hair is elegantly styled, and she wears a gown that speaks of nobility and power.

"Ladies and gentlemen," she announces, her voice strong and clear, "I must correct a grave misunderstanding. Isabella is not the rightful fiancée of my grandson."

A collective gasp ripples through the room as whispers spread among the guests. Isabella's face pales, and Cassian's expression turns tense.

Cassian's grandmother continues, "The true fiancée has been chosen by the fates, and she is not Isabella." 

Luna feels a rush of adrenaline, her heart pounding in her chest. The guests' attention shifts from Isabella to Cassian's grandmother, and Luna takes the opportunity to slip away, overwhelmed by the intensity of the evening. She quietly exits the mansion, leaving the storm of emotions and intrigue behind.