Part Three

Elena's fingers curled around Lily's wrist, her touch cool and grounding. "Lily, remember," she said, her voice low and urgent, "our kind does not have a very good history with his. It's like an instinctual aversion that witches and vampires have of each other."

The bathroom's harsh fluorescent lights cast shadows across Elena's face, deepening the concern etched in her features. Lily leaned against the cool tile wall, her heart still racing from the encounter.

"Yes, normally," Lily conceded, her voice barely above a whisper. She closed her eyes, recalling the moment Caspian had approached. "But that wasn't there. It's like... like my magic was curious instead of wanting to kill him."

A beat of silence followed, broken only by the distant thrum of music. Lily opened her eyes to find Elena studying her intently, a mix of disbelief and something else – fear? – in her gaze.

"That's impossible," Elena muttered, more to herself than to Lily. "Unless..."

Lily's breath caught. "Unless what?"

Elena shook her head, her raven hair catching the light. "Nothing. It's nothing, Lily. We should go. Now."

Lily couldn't shake the feeling that Elena was holding something back. Her magic hummed beneath her skin, urging her to return to the dance floor, to seek out the mysterious vampire who had awakened something deep within her.

"I can't just leave," Lily protested, her voice stronger now. "Elena, what aren't you telling me?"

Elena's dark eyes flashed with an unreadable emotion, her crimson lips pressing into a thin line. The air in the cramped bathroom seemed to thicken, charged with an electricity that made Lily's skin prickle.

"What you’re describing… does sound like the old stories of destined mates," Elena finally said, her voice low and measured.

The revelation hung in the air between them, heavy with implications. Lily's mind raced, recalling the electric current that had passed between her and Caspian on the dance floor.

"But that's just a story, right? It’s been a long time since it was true?" Lily whispered, even as a part of her yearned for it to be true.

Elena's expression darkened. "If what you're experiencing is real..." She trailed off, leaving the consequences unspoken.

Lily's hand found the cool surface of the sink, steadying herself as the room seemed to spin. The bass from the club pulsed through the walls, a rhythmic reminder of the vampire waiting beyond.

"What do I do?" Lily asked, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her own heart.

Elena's eyes met hers in the mirror, a mix of concern and resignation reflected there. "That, my dear, is entirely up to you. But whatever you choose, be careful. The path I can see you're considering... it's not an easy one."

Lily's throat tightened, her mouth suddenly dry. "I need another drink," she announced, her voice wavering slightly. "Maybe that'll help clear my head."

Elena and Fern exchanged a glance, worry etched across their features. But they nodded, following Lily as she pushed open the bathroom door and stepped back into the pulsing energy of the club.

The trio weaved through the writhing bodies on the dance floor, the heavy scent of sweat and alcohol mingling with the electric tang of magic in the air. Lily's heart raced, her eyes scanning the crowd for a glimpse of that tall, dark figure.

As they approached the bar, Lily's breath caught in her throat. There he was, materializing from the shadows as if summoned by her thoughts. She stumbled, nearly colliding with his broad chest.

"Careful there," Caspian purred, his hands steadying her shoulders. His touch sent sparks racing across her skin, and Lily found herself leaning into him instinctively.

His silver eyes flickered to Elena and Fern, a predatory smile curving his lips. "I don't believe we've been properly introduced. Caspian Ravencroft, at your service."

Lily's magic hummed beneath her skin, not retreating as it should in the presence of a vampire, but reaching out, curious and eager. She watched as Elena's eyes narrowed, her posture stiffening.

"Elena," the witch replied curtly, her hand finding Lily's arm and pulling her slightly back. "And this is Fern."

Caspian's gaze lingered on Lily, ignoring the clear hostility radiating from her friends. "I was hoping I might steal another dance," he said, his voice a silky caress that made Lily's knees weak.

She opened her mouth to reply, torn between desire and the warning looks from Elena and Fern. The air crackled with tension, the competing pulls of magic and instinct threatening to tear her apart.

Lily swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry. "I... I need another drink first," she managed, turning towards the bar to escape the intensity of Caspian's gaze.

As she moved, she felt the warm press of his hand on the small of her back, guiding her. The touch sent a shiver up her spine, a mix of desire and trepidation.

"Allow me," Caspian murmured, his breath tickling her ear as he leaned in close to signal the bartender.

Lily's heart raced, her magic pulsing in time with each beat. She could feel Elena's disapproval radiating from behind her, practically burning holes in Caspian's back.

What am I doing? Lily thought, her mind hazy with alcohol and the intoxicating presence of the vampire beside her. This is dangerous. He's dangerous. But why does it feel so right?

"What's your poison?" Caspian asked, his fingers tracing small circles on her back.

Lily took a shaky breath. "Whiskey. Neat."

She watched as he ordered, his movements fluid and graceful. The bartender seemed entranced, nearly dropping the bottle as he poured.

"You have quite the effect on people," Lily observed, finding her voice at last.

Caspian's lips tilted into a half-smile. "Do I have an effect on you, Lily?"

The way he said her name made her shiver. She opened her mouth to reply, but Elena's sharp voice cut through the moment.

"Lily, we should go. It's getting late."

Lily turned to Elena, catching the glint of concern and anger in her friend's dark eyes. The pulsing beat of the music seemed to fade into the background, leaving a tension-filled bubble around their small group.

"I'm just having a drink, Elena," Lily said, her voice coming out more defensive than she'd intended. She wrapped her fingers around the cool glass of whiskey, anchoring herself.

Elena snorted, her raven hair seeming to bristle with barely contained energy. "Right. Just a drink with a vampire. Nothing to worry about at all."

Caspian's hand remained on Lily's back, a warm presence that felt both comforting and dangerous. She could sense his body tensing slightly at Elena's words.

"Your friend seems... concerned," Caspian murmured, his lips close to Lily's ear. The proximity sent a shiver down her spine.

Lily took a sip of her whiskey, savouring the burn as it slid down her throat. She needed liquid courage. "Elena, it's fine. I can handle myself."

"Can you?" Elena's eyes narrowed, flicking between Lily and Caspian. "Because your magic might not be telling you to kill this vampire, but mine certainly is."

The air crackled with tension, and Lily felt her own magic stirring in response. It wasn't the usual instinctive aversion she'd been taught to expect around vampires. Instead, it felt... curious. Drawn to Caspian in a way she couldn't explain.