Confession

Wednesday, 25th August:

The previous day had been rather uneventful for Lucian Wright, with most of his time spent in diligent practice, honing his powers by manipulating the aura that surrounded him. Although he was eager to learn more about what Selena had shown Lucy, her responses remained cryptic, leaving him with a sense of anticipation and curiosity.

At the break of day, Lucian promptly attended to his mailbox. To his heartening surprise, he discovered an invitation, elegantly penned by a physician, graced with the salutation "Sir Lucian Wright."

"Good morrow, Sir Lucian Wright," the missive commenced.

"I take this opportunity to extend to you an invitation to perform at the forthcoming soirée. Your presence would be esteemed at this intimate gathering, attended by a select assembly of no more than ten, comprising cherished friends and kin. In recognition of your artistry, you shall receive compensation of one valling note, and potentially more. Kindly signify your availability by dispatching a letter to 'Porment Street, 8'. The soirée commences promptly at 18:00."

"Anxiously anticipating your esteemed presence, Don Family."

Lucian's heart quickened its rhythm as he absorbed the contents of the letter, his mind fixated on the word "finally."

Entering the living room, the aroma of well-prepared food greeted him, laid out meticulously by Henry. Fluffy salt-seasoned rice and a fragrant herb-infused chicken soup adorned the table, a visual and olfactory delight.

"You've truly outdone yourself, brother. This smells incredible," Lucian commended, his appreciation evident.

Henry's response was a contented smile, and Lucian took his place, gently placing the letter on the table before him, his appetite piqued.

"Another request?" Henry inquired.

"Yes, I'll be out late again," Lucian confirmed.

With their meal concluded, Henry attended to his own duties. Lucian penned a letter, a message he planned to personally deliver to the Don family.

Afterwards he contemplated paying Lucy a visit to check on her well-being. However, after walking to her residence and knocking, he was met with silence.

"I suppose she's doing detective work," he mused, an understanding smile gracing his lips.

Lucian approached Porment Street 8, a grand Victorian home that radiated elegance without excess. Its facade, a harmonious mix of darkened brick and inviting stone, stood tall and commanding.

The entrance boasted a finely crafted wooden door, adorned with a gleaming brass knocker. To the front, an exquisitely manicured garden unfolded, bordered by neatly trimmed hedges and bursting with an array of lively colors, adding vitality to the lush green surroundings. He placed his letter in their ornate mailbox.

...

The clock struck 18:00, and Lucian found himself settled into a chair behind the house. Servants bustled about, setting up a table for ten, where animated conversations and laughter flowed. Dr. Jane Don, elegantly dressed in a striking black gown, inquired, "Would you like to partake in a meal before you grace us with your piano playing?"

Lucian nodded and, raising his voice slightly, replied, "Thank you, I am a bit hungry."

An array of delectable dishes adorned the table: succulent steaks, tender chicken, an assortment of salads, hearty soups, and a medley of mushrooms. Lucian indulged, savoring the flavors that danced across his palate.

With his hunger sated, he approached the awaiting piano, positioned just a few steps from the table within the enchanting garden. The eager gazes of those seated nearby indicated they were fully aware of the musical prowess he was about to demonstrate.

//Toms Mucenieks - Love Story (Piano)//

Lucian's fingers danced across the ivory keys, each note ringing out with a melancholic yet enchanting resonance. The melody he wove was a tapestry of emotions, an ode to his feelings for Elizabeth. He could almost see her.

His left hand set the stage, casting a haunting spell of melancholy. The repeating refrain bore the weight of longing, aching but filled with tender affection. Then, his right hand entered the dance, punctuating the air with higher notes, adding a layer of complexity to the composition.

The resulting harmony was a poignant fusion of sorrow and love, a duet between heartache and hope. It spoke of the pain he carried within, yet also whispered of a glimmer of optimism, a belief that perhaps his love isn't one-sided. The music filled the garden, carrying his emotions to the attentive ears of the gathering.

A profound hush blanketed the garden, the spell of Lucian's music rendering speech unnecessary. It wasn't merely sound; it was a journey of the heart and soul.

Dr. Jane Don, overcome by the emotive strains, delicately touched her cheek, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Lucian's performance had unraveled something within her, summoning forth a cascade of memories that danced in the wake of his music.

When the final notes quivered into the evening air, Lucian gently pivoted towards his audience. He humbly lowered his head, a soft-spoken apology gracing his lips.

"I'm sorry. Allow me to share something more uplifting now." His words carried a quiet grace, a promise to paint the atmosphere with a brighter hue.

He continued on to play more uplifting compositions, until eventually the soirée had come to an end and he bowed.

"You're truly remarkable." said Jane.

"Thank you." he said and bowed again.

Lucian's efforts at the soirée had yielded a generous reward, an impressive total of 2 valling notes. He pocketed the two valling notes, adding them to his existing stash of two valling notes and six valka notes. With a nod of gratitude to Dr. Jane Don, he took his leave, the late hour failing to deter his resolve to visit Elizabeth.

Though the hour was growing late, the pull in his heart urged him onward. A visit to Elizabeth seemed to be the only course of action, regardless of the hour – a call he was resolute in heeding.

...

Knock Knock

The door creaked open, revealing the familiar face of the servant. "Hello, Lucian. Why are you here so late?"

"I wish to see Elizabeth," he replied, his tone carrying a mixture of determination and concern.

The servant graciously invited him inside. Lucian settled in the living room, an air of anticipation swirling around him. Time seemed to slow as he waited for her.

Then, a voice – Elizabeth's voice, echoing down the grand staircase, reached his ears. He rose, a surge of emotion coursing through him, and made his way to the hall. There she was, at the top of the stairs, her presence a calming force amidst the late-night shadows. Her appearance, tousled hair and a simple, comfortable dress, spoke of a rare vulnerability.

"Did something happen?" she inquired, her voice laced with concern, eyes fixed on his.

"I wish to speak with you in private," Lucian confided, his gaze never wavering from hers.

Elizabeth nodded, her heart quickening in pace. Leading the way, she ascended the stairs, her footsteps light against the carpet. Doubts flickered within her.

What am I doing!? I'm leading him to my room, why didn't I lead him to the living room, this just looks so wrong, she fretted, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and something else, something she dared not name.

They entered her room, and she settled on the edge of the bed, patting the spot beside her in silent invitation. As Lucian took his seat, the atmosphere crackled with unspoken feelings and the potential for new beginnings.

The room held its breath, the air tingling with a newfound vulnerability. Lucian, searching for words, finally spoke, "I've been preoccupied lately, perhaps a bit distant."

Elizabeth's response was a soft, breathless, "Oh."

He pressed on, his gaze never wavering from her eyes, the flush creeping up his ears betraying his nerves. "I... I love you, Elizabeth."

Her lips parted in a gentle smile, eyes aglow with affection. Her voice, barely above a whisper, confessed, "I've loved you for a long time."

As Lucian absorbed her words, his heart pounded like a drum in his chest, a symphony of emotions swelling within him. He blinked, his gaze fixed on Elizabeth's, a mixture of astonishment and joy dancing in his eyes.

Elizabeth's confession hung in the air, a delicate melody in the quiet room. It was a moment suspended in time, where unspoken desires finally found their voice.

Intrusion shattered the fragile moment, heralded by the resonant cough of Elizabeth's father as he entered, discovering them locked in a gaze of affection.

"Ehm... Ehm," rumbled his voice, a not-so-subtle indication of his presence.

Both Lucian and Elizabeth turned their attention to Thomas, their cheeks tinted with the hue of embarrassment. Swiftly, Lucian rose from his seat, words stumbling in his haste,

"Hello Thomas. I was here... um, just to discuss her study tasks."

Thomas, his eyes wise to the facade, couldn't suppress a knowing chuckle accompanied with a smile, "Alright, Lucian. Just remember, she's a precious gem, don't you dare break her."

Lucian's understanding smile conveyed more than words could express, a silent affirmation of their unspoken agreement. His gaze shifted to Elizabeth, their eyes locking in a shared moment of anticipation.

"We'll have that dinner you suggested earlier at the weekend," he declared.

Elizabeth's response was a radiant nod, her smile painting her cheeks with charming dimples.

Turning back to Thomas, Lucian remarked, "I must take my leave now, the hour grows late."