Chapter 4: Whispers in the Dark

(From Book 1: The Devil’s Bargain – Dark Temptations Series)

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Seraphina should have walked away. She should have dropped the black card Lucian had given her and pretended none of this had ever happened.

But instead, she found herself lying awake in her small apartment, staring at the ceiling while the night stretched long and restless. The card sat on her nightstand, its presence taunting her, whispering promises she wasn’t sure she wanted to hear.

A key. An invitation. A choice.

Lucian had made it clear that if she wanted to know more, all she had to do was step further into his world.

She turned her head, staring at the card as if it might speak to her. Her fingers twitched with the urge to reach for it, to trace the emblem embossed on its surface.

This was madness.

And yet, even as she told herself not to, she already knew what she was going to do.

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The address led her to a different part of the city, one she had never ventured into before. It wasn’t the same lavish district where Lucian had hosted his masquerade. This place was hidden, tucked away in the shadows, a place that didn’t want to be found.

The building was unmarked, the entrance flanked by two tall black doors with no visible handle or buzzer.

Seraphina hesitated, gripping the black card between her fingers.

Was this a mistake?

Before she could turn away, the doors parted with a whisper, as if sensing her presence. A rush of cool air slipped out, carrying a faint scent—smoky, rich, laced with something almost forbidden.

She stepped inside.

The corridor was dimly lit, the walls lined with dark velvet. There were no signs, no indications of where she was going. Only the soft sound of distant music and the flicker of candlelight guiding her deeper.

Seraphina’s heels clicked softly against the floor as she moved forward. The deeper she went, the heavier the air became, thick with unspoken secrets.

And then she heard it—voices, murmuring low in the shadows.

She wasn’t alone.

Seraphina’s heart pounded as she reached the end of the corridor, stepping into a grand yet intimate lounge. The space was draped in dark fabrics, deep red and black, the glow of chandeliers reflecting off crystal glasses filled with dark liquid.

It was a different kind of gathering than the masquerade. Here, the atmosphere was heavier, charged with something unseen. Conversations hummed in low tones, laced with something that felt like power.

And at the center of it all—Lucian.

He stood near a corner, speaking to a woman in a sleek black dress, his presence commanding even in casual conversation. The moment Seraphina stepped into the room, his gaze flicked to her.

Heat curled low in her stomach at the intensity in his eyes.

She had expected him to look surprised, or at least mildly amused.

But instead, he looked as if he had known she would come.

Seraphina swallowed as he murmured something to the woman before striding toward her, his movements slow, deliberate.

“I was beginning to think you wouldn’t show,” Lucian said, his voice smooth as silk.

Seraphina lifted her chin. “And yet, you knew I would.”

A hint of a smile played at the corner of his lips. “Did I?”

Her fingers curled into her palm. “You don’t strike me as the kind of man who plays guessing games.”

Lucian chuckled, the sound low and indulgent. “No, I don’t.” He tilted his head, studying her. “Yet here you are.”

She exhaled sharply, resisting the way her pulse quickened under his gaze. “And what exactly is here?”

Lucian’s lips brushed the ghost of a smirk. “A place for those who are curious.”

Seraphina narrowed her eyes. “Curious about what?”

He leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her ear. “About how far they’re willing to go.”

Her breath caught.

Lucian pulled back just enough to look at her, his expression unreadable. “Would you like to see for yourself?”

Every instinct screamed at her to say no.

But she wasn’t sure she wanted to.

Lucian offered his hand. “Come.”

Seraphina hesitated only for a moment before slipping her fingers into his. His grip was firm, steady, as he led her through the room, past watchful eyes and hushed whispers.

She didn’t look back.

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The room Lucian led her to was different from the rest. It wasn’t grand or filled with people. It was private, draped in shadow, the flickering glow of candlelight casting long silhouettes against the walls.

A single leather chair sat near a low table where a decanter of dark whiskey waited.

Lucian released her hand, stepping closer to the table as he poured two glasses. “You look like you have questions.”

Seraphina folded her arms. “I have a lot of questions.”

Lucian smirked. “Then ask.”

She hesitated, glancing around. “What is this place?”

“A sanctuary.” He handed her a glass. “For those who seek something… different.”

Seraphina frowned. “That’s vague.”

Lucian chuckled, taking a slow sip of his drink. “Intentionally so.”

She studied him. “And you?”

“What about me?”

Seraphina’s fingers tightened around the glass. “What do you get out of this?”

Lucian’s expression darkened, amusement flickering into something else. “Control.”

The word sent a shiver down her spine.

“And what about me?” she asked, her voice softer now.

Lucian tilted his head. “What do you want, Seraphina?”

She inhaled sharply, caught off guard by the way he said her name—slow, deliberate, as if he was savoring it.

“I—” She hesitated, because she wasn’t sure of the answer.

Lucian took another step toward her, the heat between them almost suffocating. “Do you know what I see when I look at you?”

Seraphina swallowed hard. “What?”

Lucian reached out, brushing his fingers lightly over the bare skin of her wrist. “Someone who is tired of pretending.”

The words sent a jolt through her.

Lucian leaned in, his lips just inches from hers. “Someone who wants more.”

Seraphina’s breath hitched. “And if I do?”

Lucian’s smirk deepened. “Then you’ll stay.”

She knew this was dangerous. She knew Lucian was playing a game she didn’t fully understand.

But as she stood in the dim candlelight, his presence wrapping around her like a shadow, she realized something.

She wanted to play.

And the most dangerous part?

She wasn’t sure she wanted to win