Lockwood and Co. had received an unexpected invitation to a party hosted by a prestigious agency in the ghost-hunting world. It was an opportunity for them to network and showcase their skills, but little did they know that it would turn into a night they would never forget.
As they mingled with other agents, Lucy Carlyle found herself engaged in a conversation with a competitive agent from another team. The man, with a smug smile on his face, began to talk down to Lucy about Lockwood.
"Lockwood is a desperate nobody, with no family and no life," the man sneered. "Join our team of elites, Miss Carlyle, and you won't regret it."
Before Lucy could respond, Lockwood gently pushed her out of the way and swiftly punched the man in the face. The room fell silent as the man stumbled backward, clutching his bleeding nose.
"Miss Carlyle is staying right where she is, sorry," Lockwood said firmly, his voice laced with a hint of anger.
Enraged, the man retaliated with a powerful punch of his own. Lockwood's head snapped back, and he stumbled, his body crashing into a nearby table. The sound of shattering glass filled the air as onlookers gasped in shock.
Lucy's heart raced as she watched Lockwood being beaten up. She desperately wanted to intervene, but she knew that Lockwood was more than capable of handling himself. She could only hope that he would emerge from this confrontation unscathed.
Finally, the man's assault ceased, and Lockwood collapsed to the floor, blood trickling from his busted lip. Lucy rushed to his side, her hands trembling as she checked for any serious injuries. Relieved to find that he was conscious, she helped him to his feet and guided him towards the restroom.
Once inside, Lockwood leaned against the sink, his face a mess of bruises and cuts. He reached for a towel and began to clean himself up, the red-stained tissue turning a deeper shade with each wipe. His suit, once immaculate, was now in disarray, and his usually perfectly styled hair was slightly disheveled.
Lucy watched him with concern, her heart aching at the sight of his battered appearance. She handed him a fresh tissue, her voice filled with worry. "Are you okay, Lockwood?"
He managed a weak smile, his eyes reflecting a mix of pain and determination. "I'll be fine, Lucy. Just a few bumps and bruises. Nothing I can't handle."
But Lucy knew better. She could see the pain etched on his face, the exhaustion in his eyes. She wanted to tell him that he didn't have to be so strong all the time, that it was okay to let others take care of him for once. But the words remained unspoken as they both understood the unspoken bond that held them together.
Lockwood took a deep breath, his voice filled with determination. "Let's get back out there, Lucy. We can't let this ruin our night."
Together, they left the restroom, Lockwood's face still bearing the evidence of the brutal encounter. But as they rejoined the party, their heads held high, it was clear to everyone that Lockwood and Co. were not to be underestimated.
In the face of adversity, they stood strong, their spirits unbroken. And as the night wore on, they continued to prove that Lockwood was far from a desperate nobody. He was a leader, a protector, and a friend. And Lucy Carlyle was proud to stand by his side, no matter the cost.