CHAPTER FOUR

My eyes open and the first thing I notice is the sun filtering through the window above me. It is daybreak. I feel a sense of confusion wash over me and I jolt upright to sit, cramping myself in between my legs. 

"The sun is not burning your skin?" Lucian's deep voice comes.

I look all around my body in ignorance, as if to clarify his statement. That is the thing missing. In a weird I suddenly remember part of the situation—I had read it in a book, and my memory flashes before me. In situations like these vampires or supposedly the Nightwalkers like this people address it as, are enemies to sunlight. But I am confused as to why mine is different.

"You are just like me…amazing," Lucian continues. It is the first he compliments me. He steps into the room, his gaze fixed on me, staring deeply into my soul. 

His massive frame looms over me, casting a shadow that seems to swallow the light filtering through the window, and I can see him not burning either.

"I... I don't understand," I stammer, my mind racing with questions. "Why am I not affected by the sunlight? And why are you not as well?"

Lucian's expression softens slightly, though his gaze remains intense. "Some of us are different," he explains cryptically. "Our kind is vast and varied, with abilities and weaknesses that differ from one individual to another. And some don't even have any abilities whatsoever."

He pauses as if considering his next words carefully. "Perhaps it's a gift, or perhaps it's something else entirely. Whatever the reason, it sets you apart, and makes you unique."

Unique. The word echoes in my mind.

"None of us truly understand what we've become or why. But we adapt, we survive." Lucian concludes.

Survive. Feeding is survival. I muse to myself.

"We have to prepare for tonight," Lucian continues, his voice snapping me out of my reverie. "Lord Marcus expects you to join the hunt."

"Do you think I can do it?" I ask, doubting within me.

Lucian's gaze softens a rare hint of warmth in his eyes. "You survived your first feeding. That's more than some of us can say. Trust in your instincts."

"Come," Lucian says, extending a hand toward me. "It's time for you to properly meet the others…and prepare for the hunt."

I take Lucian's hand, allowing him to guide me out of the chamber. We walk through the hallway everywhere surprisingly still dark. 

"Can I ask you a question, Lucian," I say, and he looks at me for a moment before nodding.

"Are we the only ones with this ability…you know, the sunlight?"

"For now, yes," He replies. "But I believe there are others like us two that we haven't met yet, or may never meet. But knowing this, it's also rare, even among our kind. Most Nightwalkers are vulnerable to sunlight, which is why we usually operate under the cover of darkness."

"Is it a good thing or a bad thing?" I inquire, my curiosity piques.

Lucian shrugs, his demeanor unreadable. "It's just what it is. What matters is how you choose to use it."

As we approach a large chamber, I can hear the faint murmur of voices and sense the anticipation in the air. Lucian pauses at the entrance, turning to face me.

"I hope you are ready?" he asks, his gaze searching mine.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what lies ahead. 

♦♦♦

"You are prone to sunlight?"

 Lord Marcus exclaims in shock, and then a manic laugh follows. "That's good news for us!"

He suddenly leaps from his throne in a bound towards me as he points his fingers at me. He is a foot too close. He whispers. "Lucian perfectly picks you…do you think it's a sign? Of something better, we all can achieve together."

"Anyways," He turns back to the crowd. "Your hunt won't wait any longer…you prove your allegiance to me now. As I've once said, Lucian will take charge of your training. He knows the terrain, and he will know how to bring out the best in you. Learn from him, obey him, and you will earn your place among us. Off you both go now. Hurry…your hunting begins now!"

Lucian steps forward, his gaze steady and reassuring. "Follow me," he says, his voice a calm anchor amidst the storm of emotions swirling within me. With a nod, I fall into step behind Lucian as we make our way out of the chamber, through the hallways, and into the cool sunny breeze.

As we step outside, I feel the rush of air, like I have just been released from bondage. But then a wave of amplified noise catches me. My ears start to ring as my sense becomes sharper. I start to panic and cave in as the atmosphere overwhelms me. 

"What's that…make it stop!" I cover my ears in pain as I phase from side to side. I can't stay in one place, my vampiric speed taking over me. 

"Make it stop, please!" I try to run back inside but Lucian quickly blocks my way, holding me still.

"Focus, Aria! Breathe!" Lucian's voice cuts through, grounding me in the present moment. His hands grip my shoulders firmly, and slowly, I force myself to take deep breaths, willing the overwhelming sensations to subside.

The world around me begins to come back into focus, the sounds and scents slowly becoming more manageable. Lucian's presence beside me is a reassuring constant.

"Take it one step at a time," he says, his voice calm yet firm. "You're still adjusting to your new senses. It's overwhelming, I know, but you can control it. Focus on my voice."

I nod, trying to cope with my reality back in.

"Better?" Lucian asks, his eyes searching mine for any sign of distress.

I manage a weak nod again, my breathing slowly returning to normal. "

Thank you," I murmur, my voice still shaky.

Lucian grins a little, gesturing for us to continue. "Come, let's find a quieter place to rest for a while, and then we get to the basics."