Valmont Series - Inheritance Code

Chapter 4.7 - The Link That Lingers

Aria's lips parted just enough to suggest a smile — not to confirm it.

"No pressure," she said. "I've never been one to chase validation."

Luc's expression didn't shift, but his tone eased — low, unreadable.

"Didn't think you were."

A breath of space passed between them — not silence, just... awareness.

Aria glanced at him, eyes steady. "Still. You've been watching."

He didn't deny it.

"Some things are worth watching."

She let that hang — neither challenged nor accepted.

"You sound like you're waiting to be impressed."

Luc's mouth curved faintly.

"I prefer to be surprised."

Aria's pulse nudged once, but she held her tone level.

"Then don't blink."

The loop ring glided forward — smooth as always.

But to Aria, it felt slower than usual.

As if Avalon itself had adjusted the pacing.

Or maybe time just moved differently in a capsule that held this much tension in such little space.

It wasn't claustrophobia.

It was pressure — elegant, unsaid, mutual.

She wasn't sure if the system was adapting to them...

Or if this moment simply didn't want to end.

Luc's voice came again — not louder, just closer.

"You haven't accepted any alliance requests yet."

Aria didn't respond. She didn't need to.

"Prestige syncs faster when you're strategically linked," he continued. "Not everything has to be earned alone."

She glanced toward him — just once.

"And," Luc added, tone velvet now, "only higher rank can initiate a Prestige Link, Lancaster."

A pause. Weighted. Intentional.

"Try not to miss your chances."

The capsule eased into its destination tier. The doors slid open.

Luc stepped out with perfect timing — the sweep of his coat cutting a line through the filtered light.

Then, without looking back:

"Later, Tinkerbell."

And he was gone.

Aria didn't move.

Not right away.

She just stood there — still in the capsule, still holding her posture.

Her breath returned in a slow wave – unsteady, reluctant

She hadn't noticed it had left.

Composure was usually easier than this.

Most people were easier than this.

Even Finn had been effortless — all soft compliments and curated charm. Predictable.

He had moved to her rhythm.

Luc didn't.

Luc didn't move unless it was calculated.

Didn't flatter.

Didn't orbit.

He rewrote the gravity in the room.

And Aria either moved with it...

Or risked being pulled under.

Her ONYX pulsed softly — the faint signature of a proximity sync.

Now it faded, returning to neutral.

She lifted her hand — a smooth, silent gesture — and the interface rose before her.

The Prestige Link request was still there.

Luc Raveneau. Rank: Archon.

She let it hover.

Not to hesitate.

To claim the pause.

Then, without blinking, she swiped right.

Prestige Link: Accepted

Her ONYX dimmed. The interface closed around the accepted link — clean, final.

Aria remained still — posture intact, breath controlled.

But her reflection in the glass wavered just slightly with the curve of light.

Composed, yes. But not untouched.

She looked unchanged – That was the lie she wore best.

It wasn't defeat.

But it wasn't control either.

She stared at the accepted link for a second longer.

Then blinked once. Slow. Measured.

Game on.

Next Chapter:
Chapter 5: Visibility Index: Activated
You thought rising was the hard part.
But in Avalon, the moment you're seen —
the system starts watching back.

The system has noticed. Have you?
Leave a comment if you're watching.
Vote if you're ready to be seen.