Chapter 23: Chased by awkwardness

Ruelle's breath hitched as she tried to gather her thoughts. She had followed him with the intention of thanking him, but now, under his cold gaze, her words felt trivial and foolish. But clenching her hands and straightening her posture, she tried to pretend that she wasn't intimidated by him, even though every instinct in her body screamed for her to run back to her building, to the safety of the light. 

"I—I wanted to thank you," she said, her voice steadying. "For the carriage ride earlier."

Lucian's sharp gaze bore into her, his expression unreadable. For a moment, it seemed as though he might dismiss her altogether. But then, he repeated, "Thank me?" He took a step closer, and though there was distance between them, she felt her heart begin to pound at his nearing proximity. "You think I care about your gratitude, human?"

Ruelle faltered, her initial resolve weakening under his icy gaze. His words stung. She said,