The scent of iron hung heavy in the air. The dimly lit warehouse echoed with the shallow, ragged breaths of men kneeling on the cold concrete floor, their hands trembling as they pressed against their wounds. The glow of a single cigarette burned in the shadows, illuminating crimson eyes that watched them with cold amusement.
Lady Nyx stood before them, her presence commanding, her silhouette sharp against the flickering overhead light. Her long black trench coat draped over her shoulders, her high heels clicking softly as she stepped forward. The terrified men flinched with each step.
"Do you know why you're still breathing?" Her voice was smooth, dangerous—like velvet wrapped around a dagger.
One of the men coughed, spitting out blood before whispering, "M-mercy...?"
A cruel smirk curled her lips. "Mercy?" She knelt in front of him, tilting his chin up with the cold barrel of a gun. "Wrong answer."
A sharp sound of a gun clicking filled the silence, and the man's eyes widened in horror. But just as the tension reached its peak, she pulled back, standing to her full height.
"Fortunately for you, I don't kill unless necessary." She turned, her crimson eyes glowing under the dim light. "But betray me again, and you won't get a second warning."
With that, she waved her hand, and her men stepped forward, dragging the traitors away. The queen of the underworld had spoken.
The next day,morning light streamed through the glass windows of Elias's flower shop, casting a golden glow over the neatly arranged bouquets. The scent of fresh roses, lilies, and sunflowers filled the air.
Elias hummed a soft tune as he adjusted a bouquet, his delicate fingers brushing against the petals. His warm amber eyes twinkled as he admired his work. He loved mornings like these—peaceful, bright, full of life.
The small bell above the door chimed.
"Welcome!" Elias turned, flashing a bright smile at the customer. A courier stood there, handing him a small slip of paper.
"Urgent delivery for a 'Selena Yue,'" the courier said, reading from the order list. "Must be important. The address is... a bit unusual, though."
Elias tilted his head, glancing at the address. "Oh? I don't think I've been there before. Guess it's time for a new adventure!"
The courier gave him a weird look but shrugged. "Just be careful, man. Something about that place gives me the creeps."
But Elias wasn't one to judge. A customer was a customer, and flowers were meant to make people happy!
He quickly wrapped a bouquet—sunflowers mixed with soft white daisies. Bright, cheerful. A good choice for stress relief, he thought as he grabbed his delivery bag and headed out.
The address led Elias to a tall, imposing skyscraper, its dark-tinted windows reflecting the bustling city below. The guards stationed at the entrance eyed him warily as he approached.
"Delivery for Miss Selena Yue!" he chirped, holding up the bouquet.
The guards exchanged glances, one of them whispering, "Does he not know where he is?"
Before they could say anything, a deep voice from an intercom cut through the air. "Let him in."
Elias beamed. "Thank you!"
As he stepped into the luxurious lobby, he marveled at the sleek black and gold interior. Everything screamed wealth and power. He followed the directions given by the receptionist and soon found himself standing in front of an elegant office door.
He knocked twice.
"Come in."
The voice was smooth, controlled—but something about it sent a shiver down his spine. Huh. Maybe the AC is just too strong.
He pushed open the door.
Inside, a woman sat behind a grand mahogany desk. Her long black hair cascaded over one shoulder, and her crimson eyes locked onto him with sharp intensity. She exuded danger, power, and something Elias couldn't quite place.
Still, a customer was a customer.
"Delivery for Miss Selena Yue!" he said cheerfully, stepping forward and placing the bouquet on her desk.
Silence.
The air felt thick, heavy. Her gaze didn't waver, studying him like a puzzle she wasn't sure how to solve.
Elias blinked. "You must be really busy! Flowers help with stress, you know."
Her eyes narrowed slightly. Was this fool seriously speaking to her so casually?
He reached into his bag and pulled out a single sunflower, holding it out with a bright smile.
"This one's free! Sunflowers are great for brightening up a room."
For the first time in a long time, Lady Nyx found herself speechless. No fear. No trembling. Just a man with a warm, oblivious smile handing her a flower as if she were just another ordinary person.
She stared at the sunflower in her hand. A weapon felt more familiar in her grip than a flower.
Elias tilted his head. "You don't like sunflowers?"
She blinked, quickly masking her moment of hesitation. "…They're fine."
"Great!" He grinned, completely unaware of the stunned expressions of the guards outside, who had been watching through the glass in horror.
Elias glanced around the office. "You know, this place could use more color. I can recommend a few arrangements!"
Lady Nyx set the sunflower down, leaning back in her chair. She studied him again. He was… different. Too innocent for this world. Too trusting for his own good.
"…You're not afraid of me?" she asked.
Elias blinked. "Should I be?"
Another silence.
Lady Nyx let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "Interesting."
Elias laughed. "I get that a lot!"
He reached for his bag. "Anyway, I should go. Let me know if you ever need more flowers!"
As he turned to leave, Lady Nyx found herself saying something she never expected.
"Wait."
Elias paused, glancing back. "Hmm?"
She stared at him for a moment before picking up the sunflower he had given her.
"...Deliver more next week."
Elias beamed. "Sure thing!"
As the door shut behind him, silence filled the office once more. Lady Nyx twirled the sunflower between her fingers, an amused smirk curling her lips.
For the first time in a long time, she felt… something.
And that was dangerous.
Because now, she had a weakness.
And his name was Elias Cheng.