~The Path Between~ Sebastian Sallow x reader

Don't flatter yourself

I studied him in silence, unsure whether he was teasing, warning me... or both.

One thing was for sure,Lucien Vale wasn't just a flirt. He was watching me carefully. And that spark of intrigue in his eyes? It wasn't going anywhere.

"But that's what caught Sebastian's eye, I presume"

My eyes immediately sharpened at the mention of his name. Lucien tilted his head, that same infuriatingly smug smirk tugging at his lips as he watched my reaction like he expected it.

"He's not the type to choose acquaintances at random" he continued, tone annoyingly casual.

"He saw someone useful. Someone who could help him get what he wanted"

A strange ache pulled at my chest. My heart clenched at his words, and I hated that it did.

"We're... friends" I replied, the words coming out more defensive than I intended.

Lucien's tongue darted out to lick his bottom lip thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly as he studied my face like he was decoding a riddle.

"Sure" he drawled. "Now, maybe. But back in fifth year? He used you. Didn't he?"

My jaw tensed. The way my chest tightened gave him all the confirmation he needed, even if my mouth remained silent.

"What would you know..." I muttered, the attempt to deflect weak, unconvincing, even to myself.

His expression softened just a touch, though that knowing gleam in his eyes didn't fade.

"I know what it looks like when someone puts their faith in the wrong person"

He let the silence hang for a moment before stepping back, giving me space but not letting go of the upper hand he clearly felt he had.

"I'm not saying this to hurt you, princess" he added, voice quieter now. "Just... maybe don't ignore the cracks in people just because you care about them" I said nothing. Because deep down, I hated that a part of me agreed with him. But I had to defend Sebastian, I had to... right?

"He helped me out too" I said, more to myself than to him. Lucien's smirk didn't waver.

"Oh, I'm sure he did. Had to win your trust somehow, didn't he?" His gaze sharpened as he stepped just a little closer, like a predator circling.

"But tell me... I get the feeling you helped him out more times than he ever helped you. Am I right?" My brow furrowed.

"What's it to you, huh?"

He tilted his head, eyes narrowing as they scanned every flicker of emotion on my face like a page in a book.

"Why are you defending him so hard?" he asked, almost curious, but there was a glint of something darker beneath.

Before I could even think of a reply, he cut in again, faster this time, like he'd figured something out.

"Holy shit... You really care about him, don't you?" The air caught in my lungs. I opened my mouth, but the words didn't come. I stayed silent. He gave a soft, almost mocking chuckle.

"It's sweet, really. You'd risk everything for him. Even if it meant losing your fight. Your purpose. Yourself" He let that hang in the air before hitting me with the final blow.

"But let me ask you this... would he do the same for you?"

My eyes dropped to the floor. His question sat like a weight in my chest. If Sebastian had the chance to save Anne... if it meant sacrificing me...