Chapter 1 :The Queens of the Night

THE POINT OF Elodie

The music vibrated through my entire body, a powerful bass resonating deep in my chest. The colorful lights danced across the room in an enchanting chaos, painting fluorescent bursts on the walls and on the moving bodies. I loved this feeling: freedom, euphoria, that moment when nothing else mattered but the intoxication of the night.

And as always, Isabella was by my side.

— Come on, another round! she shouted, raising her glass with a radiant smile on her lips.

I laughed and clinked glasses with her before bringing my cocktail to my lips. The burn of the alcohol slid down my throat, pulling a shiver of pleasure from me. Isabella always knew how to make me forget my worries.

My sister was a star in the darkness, a goddess of the night. With her sculpted body, her long legs showcased by a tight red dress, and her devastating smile, she drew all eyes to her. I had always been the more discreet, wiser, and composed one. She was the fire. I was the shadow of her light.

But tonight, I wanted to shine a little too.

— Come dance! she yelled, pulling me toward the dance floor.

I let myself be dragged without resisting, laughing under the effects of the alcohol. We were inseparable, as always. Her arms wrapped around me as we swayed to the rhythm of the music, our bodies in perfect harmony. She was beautiful, she was alive… and I admired her.

Men were watching us. Some approached, tried their luck, but Isabella toyed with them like a capricious queen. She flirted, brushed her fingers against them, laughed, and then pulled away, leaving them wanting more. It was her favorite game.

— You should have some fun too, little sister… she whispered in my ear, her lips brushing against my cheek.

I smiled, slightly troubled. She had that power, Isabella. A natural charisma, a sensuality that enveloped her like an aura.

The night air was cool against my burning skin. After hours of dancing, laughing, and drinking, I felt light, almost floating. Isabella and I walked arm in arm, still intoxicated by the electric atmosphere of the evening.

— That was amazing! I breathed out, laughing.

— As always with me, little sister! replied Isabella, running a hand through her wavy hair.

We were nearing the exit when I saw him.

A man, tall, muscular, a bit too confident. He was waiting for us near the door, a cigarette in hand, his gaze sliding over us insistently.

— Hey, beauties… he called as he stepped forward.

I immediately felt a shiver of discomfort run down my back. I didn't like this guy. He had that predatory smile, that way of sizing us up that made me uneasy.

— We don’t need company, sorry, I replied, walking past him.

But he stepped in front of us, blocking our way.

— Come on, don’t be cold, doll… I just want to chat.

He raised his hand to stroke my arm, and I instinctively pulled back.

— Let go of me, I whispered, my voice sharper.

— Ohhh, she has some spirit! he sneered before turning his gaze on Isabella. And you, beauty? Don’t you want a real man tonight?

I thought I saw Isabella smirk – which put me even more on alert. She loved to play with men, but this one was different.

— We’re leaving, I declared, grabbing my sister’s wrist to pull her away.

But he grabbed my arm tightly.

— In a hurry, baby?

My heart raced. His gaze was different now: darker, more threatening. Isabella frowned, realizing this was no longer a game.

— Let her go.

He burst out laughing.

— Oh, big sister wants to play the protector?

With a swift motion, I broke free and stepped back, breathless.

— Leave us alone! I spat, anger replacing fear.

The man stared at me, and for a moment, I thought he was going to do something stupid. But finally, he stepped back, shrugged, a smirk on his face.

— Tss… Too bad. You could have had a good night.

Then he turned and disappeared into the night.

My heart was still racing. Isabella placed a hand on my cheek and smiled softly.

— Don’t worry, beautiful. He wasn’t worth it.

I nodded, but deep down, I knew this night wouldn’t end as I had hoped. My breath was still ragged, my nerves on edge. The adrenaline buzzed through my veins after that altercation with that guy. I hated men like him, those who thought everything was owed to them, that no meant yes.

— You should have accepted my offer, dolls… he called out with a smug smile as he turned to leave.

Except someone stopped him.

A swift movement, a shadow that surged behind him… and a powerful blow crashed against his jaw.

The man staggered from the impact, tripped backward, and collapsed to the ground, dazed. My mouth fell open in surprise.

— When a woman tells you no, you listen, asshole.

I looked up and met a deep blue gaze, piercing like a blade under the dim light of the streetlamps. Him.

A man, tall, athletic build, dressed in a slightly open black shirt over a sculpted chest. Charismatic, imposing, captivating. He exuded a natural power, but also a disturbing calm, as if everything was under his control.

He looked at me, then at Isabella, before sighing.

— Are you okay? He didn’t hurt you?

His voice was deep, a bit rough. It resonated in me with a strange intensity.

I shook my head, still stunned by the scene.

— No… well, thank you.

Isabella, beside me, was eyeing our mysterious savior with evident interest.

— What if you’re our knight in shining armor? she joked, a sly smile on her face.

The man chuckled lightly, crossing his arms.

— No armor, but I’ll take the compliment.

A silence settled between us. A silence charged with a sweet tension, an unexpected attraction.

— My name is Elodie, I finally introduced myself, realizing my heart was beating a little too fast.

— Samuel, he replied, extending his hand.

I shook it gently, and his warm contact against my skin sent a shiver through me. His gaze never left mine.

— You should be more careful, Elodie. This world is filled with guys like him.

— Luckily, there are also men like you, I whispered without thinking.

A smile touched his lips, and my stomach knotted under the intensity of his gaze.

— Can I have your number? he asked, a bit amused.

Without hesitating, I took out my phone, and our fingers brushed as he entered his contact. An electric shock ran through me.

— Good night, Elodie, he murmured as he handed my phone back.

— Good night, Samuel.

I watched him walk away, unable to look away. Something told me that this night marked the beginning of something unexpected… and dangerous.