Chapter 2: A Dark Invitation

 

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The night air was cool as Tristan stepped out of the gallery, his mind still swirling with thoughts of Leon Armand. His pulse hadn’t slowed since their brief encounter, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t shake the strange feeling that had settled in his chest. There was something off about Leon, something dangerous, but Tristan’s curiosity drowned out his caution.

He didn’t even make it halfway down the street when his phone buzzed. Tristan pulled it from his pocket, his eyes widening in surprise as he read the message.

Unknown Number: I enjoyed our conversation tonight. Join me for dinner tomorrow. 8 PM. La Couronne.

Tristan stared at the screen, feeling his pulse quicken again. He had never given Leon his number, and yet here it was—a personal invitation to one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city. The implications were unsettling, but there was something undeniably magnetic about the idea of seeing Leon again.

His thumb hovered over the keyboard, his mind racing with questions. Why him? Why this sudden interest? But despite the rational part of his brain screaming for caution, his fingers typed a simple response.

Tristan: I’ll be there.

The moment the message sent, Tristan felt a strange mix of excitement and dread settle over him. There was no turning back now. As he made his way home, the shadows of the city seemed to stretch longer, the night growing darker with each step he took.

The next day passed in a blur. Tristan couldn’t focus on his painting, his mind consumed by thoughts of Leon. When the evening finally arrived, he found himself standing outside La Couronne, the grand entrance intimidating in its elegance. His reflection stared back at him from the tall glass doors, a reflection of someone who was about to step into a world far beyond his own.

He took a deep breath and walked inside.

Leon was waiting for him at a private table, his presence as commanding as ever. Dressed in another sharp suit, Leon looked every bit the powerful figure that rumors described him to be. But his eyes—those dark, intense eyes—were locked on Tristan the moment he entered the room.

“Tristan,” Leon greeted him smoothly, standing to pull out a chair. “I’m glad you came.”

Tristan sat down, feeling out of place in the luxurious setting. The air between them felt thick with unspoken tension, as though this dinner was far more than a simple meal.

“I—uh—wasn’t sure what to expect,” Tristan admitted, trying to ease the tension in his chest.

Leon smiled, but it wasn’t a comforting gesture. “I like to get to know people I’m interested in.”

There it was again—that strange feeling of being hunted. Tristan swallowed hard, his nerves on edge as Leon’s eyes never left his. The meal began, but the food tasted like ash in Tristan’s mouth. Leon, however, seemed perfectly at ease, like a predator toying with its prey.

As the dinner came to an end, Leon leaned forward, his voice low and velvety. “This is just the beginning, Tristan. I have big plans for you.”

Before Tristan could respond, Leon slid an envelope across the table. “Inside, you’ll find my first offer for your work. But know this—our relationship is going to go beyond business.”

Tristan’s heart raced as he opened the envelope, seeing the staggering amount of money written inside. It was more than enough to fund his career for years. But the way Leon spoke... this wasn’t just about art.

It was about possession.

To be continued...