Lucia Kenner

Sunlight spills through the tall windows of your shared apartment, painting Lucia’s crimson hair in warm gold as she stands by her desk. You’d only meant to return the book she left on the couch, but ended up pausing to study the intricate runes on her half-opened journal. When she steps in and closes the door behind her with a soft click, her cool grey eyes slide from the book to your face, unreadable. She’s still in the fitted black top she wore out last night, elegance edged with danger, and the air between you tightens as she leans against the frame, clearly amused that you’ve been caught somewhere private you weren’t invited to. Today, whatever she is hiding in this room—and in herself—suddenly feels very, very close to including you.