Hi guys! o/ I'm back this time with a short story, it has 2/3 chapters, and, well, this time I have no idea what it's focusing on. The story I mean. I just kind of let myself go in whatever direction writing was taking me, so I don't know yet what to expect of this story xD

So do share your thoughts.

As you probably know, I'm a huge sucked for Lux & Talon sooo yeah.

Anyway, the song used is Wicked by Boy Epic. I was obsessed with it for a while and realised it's fit the best with this general idea of the story.

I hope you're gonna enjoy it. If not, thank you for your time in having a look at it regardless!

Summary: He'd been living life as a broken man for the last decade, but never showing the many spots in which his heart broke and started to bleed. He had no right to show pain, after all, when he was the one inflicting most of it. But almost ten years later, in a strange turn of events, life made a fool out of him, bringing them together under the least expected circumstances. Was this what they called fate?

Characters: Luxanna Crownguard, Talon du Couteau, small appearances made by Katarina, Garen, Cassiopeia, Darius and some more.

Genre: Romance, drama.

Rated: M, mostly for mature content.

Wicked – It's Where She…

I fell in love

Yes, I fell in love

But it wasn't good enough

For us

Darkness.

He had always thought that darkness was soothing, he always felt at ease whenever the eerie nothingness surrounded him, enhancing some of his senses while dulling some other. It's been a while since he felt such comfort in the dark. As though reality was shut out from his horizon, and nothing that happened in the outside world could ever possibly harm him.

He felt safe.

Some other times, darkness was suffocating. He felt as though he were floating, being in an endless free fall, his body breaking into pieces with each second the distance between him and the ground was shrinking. The fall never came though. He always remained in that desperate state of free falling.

Until he landed in the arms of her.

It was a first, really. Something, or someone finally heard his cries and reached out her arms for him to hold onto.

Gentle caresses burned his skin, wherever her soft fingers touched him, and he wanted to break free. But his wrists and ankles were tied in sweet silk, rendering him unable to move.

Soft fingers cupped his face, long nails barely grazing his skin, and his heart beat twice as fast. Something inside of him responded to the touch, but he was devoid of any light, as his sight was taken from him by the same gentle silky material.

His mouth agape, muscles convulsed the lower the touches went, the deeper the nails scratched. Crossing his neck and Adam's apple, digging onto his flesh, he wanted to fight the feeling, but it was so good, it felt so right, even though he was most certainly facing death. But dying such a slow, tantalizing death, at those gentle caresses did not sound so bad after all.

Nails grazed at his chest, muscles tightening at the phantom touches, and he inhaled sharply, when the fingers stopped for a mere second right above his heart. It was beating, and it was beating crazily – he could swear the drumming noise would echo through the thickest blanket of darkness altogether.

Or maybe this was the end.

He thought, especially since he could feel a soft pressure on his lower abdomen. A gentle movement, and he felt the soft caress of another's skin, as she lowered her weight onto his, sitting on his lower abdomen, placing each thigh to his side.

The nails still grazed the flesh atop of his heart, but this time around they rested over of his scar, which was placed right where his heart was singing its own song. Heat radiated from his body, and he could not explain the waves himself. It was as though something was pulling him towards her, although he had no idea what was going on.

"I hope you can find me soon," her voice echoed in the darkness, filling up his ribcage, a sweet, melodic voice, as he felt movement atop of him, and then her hair tickled his already sensitive skin, up until she placed her head on top of his heart, listening to the frantic rhythm.

"What is this?!" He found the necessary strength in him to growl at the intruder.

But was she really intruding?

The touches felt so natural, and he was so welcoming, so responsive to her. There was a kind of need that was flowing through him, a unique sort of tension building up inside, just like a bubble ready to burst anytime soon.

"Come and look for me," the voice echoed again, carrying a specific tone of sadness within that was barely noticeable.

"Release me." He demanded, forcing the bindings. They didn't budge.

"Please," she cooed, lifting her head off his chest and nuzzling her nose against his neck.

The familiarity of her actions seemed a tad bit creepy.

"Release me." He repeated, trying not to give in to her scent.

Lilac filled his nostrils and he almost drowned in the scent of her. He wanted to break free and grab a fistful of her hair and –

The silk wrapped itself around her, covering both of them, cooling his heated skin in the process. The softness of the body sprawled next to him almost made him lose his mind.

"Talon,"

He groaned.

What the hell was going on?

Give me a damn cigarette
Swallowing my regrets
I need that therapy, that melody
I'm drowning in my sympathy
Doctor can you un-break me

He awoke with a start.

Beads of sweat rolling down his face and neck, he was drenched in it. Looking around, he noticed that he was in his own room, the same dark and cosy place he had spent most of his time, with tiny strands of light breaking through the drawn curtains.

He ran a hand through dark locks, which were by then stuck to his nape and neck as he thought back on that creepy dream he had. A man of his age to dream of such things?! What the hell had gotten into him?

Groaning in frustration and the leftover damages that had remained from his dream, he kicked himself out of bed, trying to focus, so as to prevent the blood from rushing south. He had no idea what the dream meant.

"Maybe it's because it's been too long since I took care of certain needs," he noted to self as he rolled his eyes, which were coloured in a rich shade of chocolate.

Heading towards the bathroom to take a quick shower, he took off his tank top, tossed it on the top of a lump of dark clothes then did the same with his sweatpants, remaining only in underwear while stepping into the bathroom, to turn on the water.

Pushing back his sticky hair, while waiting for the water to reach the right temperature, he stole a glance at himself in the mirror. Tall, with dark, olive skin, black hair that usually rested on his shoulders and chocolate eyes, with a lithe body not missing the necessary muscles, Talon du Couteau was as handsome as they could come.

Being the future successor of the du Couteau business and still in his late twenties or early thirties, many women tried throwing themselves at his feet, to gain leverage one way or another, but Talon simply walked over them. He never shared any romantic interest with anyone, an act which started many rumours to circulate about him – some going as far as to even say he was gay – but none of that affected him in particular.

What did affect him, on the other hand, at least currently, was the fact that he was so hot and bothered for no reason at all. His man-pride would never allow him to admit that he just had a wet dream where he was tied up. And the worst part? He enjoyed it all.

Taking one last glance at the scar that loomed over his heart, a dark bruise shaped like a distorted heart, with its bottom circling downwards, he let out a heavy sigh then stepped out of his underwear, just so he could step into the shower and finally start off his day.

Half an hour later, Talon went down the stairs and headed into the kitchen. The du Couteau household was a spacious place, although inhabited by few people.

Wearing a simple black shirt, dark jeans and having his hair tied in a loose ponytail, Talon made his way to the kitchen, where someone was busying herself.

He smirked as he leaned against the threshold, lighting himself a cigarette, watching the blonde woman preparing another piece of her meals, which would be able to feed at least twenty people. Note the fact that only three were residing in the house – 4, if you were to count the cat.

Upon sensing the smell of his cigarette the woman turned around and looked at him with a venomous glare, and Talon swore she could turn him to stone anytime, if she wanted to do so.

"Do we seriously need to have the same conversation every morning?" She spat in his general direction.

Talon forced back a chuckle, as he walked in the kitchen, keeping the cigarette in his mouth while pouring himself some coffee. "Looks like that." He then tested the waters with his older step-sister.

He had 2 sisters: Cassiopeia, the oldest of the two, whose looks were desired by most women in Valoran, and who was currently threatening him that she was going to kill him with a knife, and Katarina, the youngest of all siblings, who, well, was currently absent.

"I have no idea where have your manners gone." She puffed in annoyance, emerald eyes hiding a glint of venom in them as she stomped up to Talon and snatched the cigarette out of his mouth, only to put it out in the sink. "I am cooking, for heaven's sake!"

"You're always cooking," Talon retorted with a roll of his eyes. He knew how to push her buttons.

"Well, someone has to!" Cassie threw up her arms in indignation and frustration, unable to put up with his antics any longer.

She had enough to stress about anyway. Talon was the last thing she needed to worry about.

"Okay, fine, I'm sorry. I'll take my coffee and leave." He then added with a cheeky smile.

Cassie simply rolled her eyes. "Obviously. Not like you'd even think of giving me a hand."

He winked at her as he hurried away, before messing with her too much.

"Oh, by the way, I'm heading to Demacia later on in the afternoon." She called out behind the man.

Talon turned around with a curious face. So that's why she was making so much food.

"How so?" Talon then asked, with another cigarette in his hand.

"Kat called. She needs some help with her wedding dress."

Yeah, remember the absent youngest sister? Well, she was getting married that incoming weekend.

She's got that devil's touch

That apocalyptic lust

I swear I'm not a sinner

I'm just beautifully broken

He couldn't believe his eyes.

It was as though he was in a trance, although he could still grasp reality pretty well. And yet, it felt as though he had suddenly plunged back in time.

He was looking at her, but at the same time, it felt as though he wasn't. The woman sitting in front of him shared her face, her features, but everything else was different. She had wavy hair, resting lazily on her shoulders, the colour being dark purple to black and purple eyes, while wearing a purple nightgown of silk. It emphasized all the curves he missed, creating a high contrast between the milky white skin and her general dark appearance.

And yet, there she was, glassy eyes staring back at him.

She was as much of a stranger as she was the half of him he missed so much it was killing him softly.

Talon let out a strangled laugh. "It looks like I'm starting to miss you this badly, that I end up dreaming of you again."

The woman in front of him replied with a sad smile. "So you realised it was me," she then spoke, the same melodic voice that made his skin crawl and eyes bleed with tears.

His heart clenched and the scar started to hurt. Seeing her again, albeit in his dream hurt too much.

"Maybe it's because of the wedding," he heaved out a sigh, closing his eyes and letting his body fall backwards.

He fell on something soft, an armchair with lots of cushions appearing behind him, easing the fall.

Talon needed strength and courage to open his eyes and look at her again, especially since he had to hold back a stream of memories from rushing down in the back of his head. Thinking about her hurt. It tore him to pieces.

He was a coward, he wanted to wake up. He couldn't stand looking at her, not after what he did to her, all those years ago.

And yet, when the familiarity of her heat wrapped his own self around her as she sat on his lap, making herself comfortable, his body reacted on its own, his hands almost immediately resting on her hips, as he took in the scent of lilac. He missed her, he missed her so much.

But he had no right to do so, not after what he did to her.

Gentle hands cupped his face, as her nails grazed his jawbones, forcing him to her level. He didn't dare open his eyes, although feeling her that close was starting to make him lose his mind.

It felt like time rewound itself, and she was back in his arms, and they were both happy. Or well, as happy as people, broken beyond repair, like them could ever get.

Her other hand laced through his hair, until she got a hold of it, pulling at it gently, while she leaned in to place a chaste kiss on the side of his neck. He bit the bottom of his lip, holding back a groan.

"I miss you," she whispered against his skin, and heat rushed through his body.

Even though it was a dream, she was making him go insane.

"Your lies have the same sweetness like they always had. I guess some things never change," he whispered as he wrapped his arms around the small of her body, pulling her closer into his arms.

She chuckled, and his heart skipped a beat.

"It's a dream, so why does it matter?" She asked with a sweet, poisonous voice, as she pulled herself back just enough to make room for her hand between their bodies.

Sneaking her hand under his pants, she found what she was looking for and he gasped when she taunted him.

What a bittersweet feeling this was. He was losing himself to his feelings and memories of her.

He had buried her memory so deep that for a moment, he almost thought that he was over her. But then, with the recent ongoing events, she was bound to resurface. Because she was never going to be truly gone.

He managed to avoid reality for a few years, but it appeared that his luck was about to end.

"When are you going to stop tormenting me?" He then asked, his voice a mere whisper.

"What do you mean you're leaving?!" Her voice echoed in the back of his head, broken and tormented and on the verge of crying. But he did not stop, nor did he turn around to look at her broken image.

She stopped what she was doing, only to lift her pretty face from the crook of his neck and to look at him. Talon held her gaze, he was too weak to look away.

With a sweet smile, she answered him. "When I pay you back twice the pain you caused me,"

"Just that, I'm leaving. I should've never run away with you in the first place." His voice was cold, icy.

He laughed, his voice dry, flat. He had it coming, after all.

"I-I thought… I left everything behind, for you. You promised you'd stay, Talon." Her cries were scratching his ears, and he couldn't wait to be gone already, for good.

"Why did you break my heart?" She then asked with her trademark pout, his heart ached, creaks appearing on it.

"I don't know what I was thinking, okay? I never expected us to run away, I never thought your family would kick you out for this, but this… This isn't something that I want. I want something stable, something safe. And you're fire. You're danger. I can't have a future with you, after all."

"I don't know." He shrugged, smiling. But his expression was giving away the pain he was feeling through his drawn brows and tearful eyes. It hurt, hurt so much. "I was afraid."

She chuckled, again. How innocent that gesture looked, but in that context, she was wicked. She'd come to completely tear him to pieces.

"Talon, please! But we – I can make it work! I can work two jobs, and in time, we will be able to save up a bit more. We'll buy a house, and start a business, just like you wanted to! Just please, don't leave! Talon! Please! –

– I love you!"

"You left me all alone, after you promised me the world. I was left in the dark, with no one to rely on, while you returned to your family. You had a home to return to, while you stole mine from me. And for what?" She shook her head.

Talon knew what was coming. This was his subconscious talking, after all.

"For who?" She shook her head in disdain, that sweet smile never leaving her face. "For your sister's own happiness."

The cracks shattered around his heart, and the pain overflew him like a river. Everything he had kept inside, bottled up was free at last.

Tears streamed down his face, and, at last, his eyes really opened, just to find him in his room, crying.

It was going to be a hell of a wedding.

Now there's a darkness deep in me

I keep falling asleep

To these wicked dreams

The house was empty, the silence within it almost deafening. He was standing tall, leaning against a kitchen cabinet, while smoking his cigarette. Cassiopeia wasn't there to pester him about his indoor smoking habits. She had gone to Demacia a couple of days prior, to help Katarina prepare for the wedding, while their father was away, who knows where. So Talon was left alone.

It was always the worst when he was left to himself, like a child who couldn't go unsupervised.

The memories would always wash ashore, and he would drown in his past, guilt eating at him like alcohol eating at one's liver. It's been so many years, and although he learned how to put on a façade when others were around, whenever he was left alone, he'd always be so miserable.

Save for the tomcat they owned. Chocolate eyes looked at the tiny ball of white fur, as he drank milk from his bowl, glancing up every now and then to check if Talon was still around.

"One day, I wish we could get a cat." Her voice echoed in the back of his head, and he trembled.

Anything and everything would bring forth glimpses of her, of actions, of conversations, of dreams and wishes that all would end up crumbling at his feet.

He still remembered her face, when she was waking up, her voice when she called out his name, and the softest of her touch when she would snuggle up next to him, after coming home from work.

He had misjudged her at first, he thought she was another spoiled princess when he ran into her back at the Institute, and learning of her background. And yet, after eloping in secret, it was her who gave up her studies and decided to take on multiple jobs, so that they could have an income and he could continue studying, just to not disappoint his step-father.

"Talon," her voice echoed in his head as he closed his eyes, and his chest hurt.

It hurt so much he was on the verge of crying.

But he had done the right thing, breaking things off for her.

He had no right to mess up her life, had no right to take advantage of the kindness the du Couteau family showed him when they adopted him. So he had to choose. Hurt her or the ones who have given him shelter and a home.

He chose to hurt her. She had been just a momentary fling, anyway. They didn't belong together, after all. And she was insignificant too, in his life. It's not like she had been the love of his life. And he wasn't hers either.

So choosing to abandon her over his family was the right decision to make.

Wasn't it?

Glancing at the clock, Talon heaved a sigh and put out his cigarette. "Come, Shiro, let's fill up your bowl by the time the cat-sitter comes." He said to the cat, that seemed to make a face, but allowed Talon to pick him up anyways.

He had to start getting ready and drive to Demacia for the wedding.

There was just one faithful question that kept repeating in his head, and his heart raced at the mere thought of it: Would she show up as well?

You can call me fantastic Mr. Black

So cool, now there's nothing left

But an empty soul

Everything is so bitter cold

This wedding promised to be the main event of the summer, since two children of the two oldest and well known families from the whole continent were getting married. The du Couteau household ruled over Noxus, while the Crownguard lineage from Demacia dated back to centuries ago. The two noblest families, once great rivals, were fusing together.

It was an event the whole continent was speculating about. And not to mention that the wedding was held at the Crownguard manor, in a garden that was specially grown for this event.

Love was a curious little thing. Although Talon lost most of his feelings and humanity when he abandoned her, he allowed the love between Katarina and her future husband, Garen, to bloom.

They met a little after Talon met her and although he was keeping the relationship a secret, Katarina went public with it from the beginning. Hers was no easy love to defend, due to the many scrutinizing comments made from both sides and more, but true love always prevails.

Talon couldn't say the same.

He had no right to hurt the name of the family and drag it in the mud, for his own selfish reasons. Katarina's happiness was more important than his own, so he chose to abandon the one person who he would've ever called his. But maybe she never was his to own, since he let go of her so easily.

He wasn't strong enough, unlike his sister and future brother-in-law. They defied everything and ended up creating history with their marriage.

Talon would've simply ruined even more lives. What's one broken heart – his – compared to dozens?

Arriving at the Crownguard mansion, he stepped out of his car and handed the keys to the valet, while casually making his way to the entrance. His hair tied in a ponytail at the back of his head and wearing a black suit, his appearance was dashing to most. Every single woman fawned over him as he walked by, but he barely regarded them.

His heart was nearly breaking his ribcage, as he could barely remain steady. Just the thought of running into her, and wondering how she looks like after almost ten years made him a deadly curious mouse, heading straight into a trap. Talon wondered how he'd react once he spotted her. Would he lose his head? Or would they act like they were total strangers? Was she even invited to the wedding?

She did get kicked out of the family almost a decade ago, and all because of him.

Talon eventually managed to spot Katarina, given the fiery hair and the white dress, and for a second, he was taken aback. She looked like a princess, with the white wedding dress on. He quickly made his way towards her, and he also spotted her husband, Garen.

"Look who's an awkward penguin," he joked once he got close enough to them.

Both Garen and Katarina turned to face him, and although Garen laughed at his comment, Katarina's green eyes nearly murdered him on the spot.

"I'm stressed enough about this whole thing. I don't need your smartass retorts."

Talon chuckled and proceeded to shake hands with Garen then hugging his sister.

"Have you seen Cassie?" He then asked, noticing that their lavish sister was nowhere to be found.

"I think she's making friends. Father's running late also. I swear, people in this family." Katarina was exasperated at this point.

She just wanted everything to go smoothly. Luckily for her, she had Garen to calm her down.

There was still some time left for the ceremony to begin, so people were still arriving, and making small talk after congratulating the couple.

There had been a shift in the conversations however, as people quickly started whispering.

Turning around, Katarina's eyes widened. "Oh look, there's Cassie. She's coming this way." Talon was about to turn around when Katarina's next words made him freeze mid-action. "And she's with Garen's sister."

The people around them were murmuring also. Talon now realised who they were whispering about. The outcast Crownguard, the one who dishonoured her parents and ran off somewhere. Some were wondering what was she doing there, some others curious as to how did the groom's parents accept to have her invited.

But for Talon, the most he wanted to do, was run away. He didn't have the strength to face her. He didn't want to look at her or else he may crumble to pieces. He wasn't that strong, to see her face.

"Hello," Cassie greeted them, clinging glasses with the groom and the bride, looking gorgeous in her dark dress and curls.

"We were wondering where you disappeared," Katarina said with annoyance.

Cassie simply laughed. "Well, I was minding my own business, when I saw this lovely lady and I couldn't take my eyes off of her."

"Yeah, she's my sister. Talon," Garen turned to him with an honest smile on his face. "I believe you two never met each other. This is my younger sister, Luxanna."

Talon looked around, with a fake smile on his face. But even that was wiped off his face when his chocolate eyes met her baby blue ones.

A cascade of memories and feelings washed over him when he saw her face again. Porcelain skin adorned her heart shaped face, and baby blue eyes seemed to stare back into his soul. Her small nose, pump lips remained the same, although she looked different, more mature. There was something about her that swept him right off his feet.

Her hair was shorter now compared to before, now it was a simple bob, barely reaching her shoulders, and whereas he remembered her having golden hair, it was now platinum white. She was wearing a long, royal blue dress, with a deep V-cut, and another cut showing off her legs as she moved. Her silver heels matched her earrings and bracelet, while her neck was empty of accessories.

She was stunning.

His memories of her did her no justice.

"And this is my older brother, Talon," Katarina interrupted his trail of thought, effectively snapping him back to reality. Talon feared that he may have been staring too much.

"Nice to meet you," she spoke, the same melodic voice he remembered, but this time around, she sounded more confident, sure of herself, as though she had no fears left.

"Likewise," Talon said and they both lifted their own glasses in the other's general direction.

He then semi-turned around to empty the contents of his glass while Lux sneaked a few glances at him.

Nobody noticed their behaviour. Well, almost nobody.

The ceremony itself went on perfectly, and although Talon sat next to Cassiopeia, he couldn't help but fidget, and try to steal glances at Lux. He couldn't believe his eyes. She's changed so much in the years they were separated, she emanated a different aura – gone was the heartbroken girl crying after him not to leave her.

A lump formed in his throat.

Should he talk to her? Or should he just pretend that they never knew each other? Talon wanted to go with the second option, although he had his own doubts. What was he even supposed to say? Did he even have a right to say anything?

He had no idea but what he knew for certain was that his heart had completely shattered when seeing her. Sadly, he was pretty sure she didn't feel the same. His presence had no effect on her. And in retrospect, why would it even? He was the one who walked away.

He was the one who abandoned her.

Attending the wedding had been a mistake.

"You know, you're being way too obvious." Cassiopeia's voice brought him back to reality.

"What?" Talon mouthed, flabbergasted.

She rolled her emerald eyes then looked at him with a dead stare. "I know it's her."

Talon looked away, fidgeting with his glass of whiskey instead. He never openly mentioned her to anyone, although Cassiopeia had a knack of getting under someone's skin. And a few years back, when loneliness hit him, she didn't want to let him drink alone, so she joined him. Talon only said that he missed her. How Cassiopeia ended up figuring out the rest, it was beyond him.

"I guess you two breaking up had to do with Katarina and Garen getting together." She sighed into her drink. And oh how right she had been. "I don't know the details but I saw the way she looks at you."

Talon laughed with amusement. "With what eyes? The eyes of someone who wants to murder you on the spot but needs to act civilised because people are watching?"

She rolled her eyes again. "No, you idiot. She's hurting." Cassiopeia was, indeed, good at reading people, but Talon doubt her words. At most, Lux was in pain because she had ended up attending the same event as Talon and she couldn't stand the sight of him.

Truth be told, Talon couldn't stand the sight of himself either.

"Maybe you two should talk things out. It's been a while after all." The blonde looked at her brother from the corner of her eye. "Just saying."

But before Talon could reply, Katarina showed up at their table, demanding Talon to take her dance.

"Father still hasn't shown up and the only people who took me dancing were Garen, his father and some random Noxian army guy. I want some attention from my family too!" She pouted and Talon just couldn't refuse her.

Cassiopeia always told him that he spoiled Katarina way too much. But then again, she suffered the most when their mother died, and ever since, Talon had been her backbone. So how could he step in the way of her happiness?

"Of course," he replied, somewhat glad that he could get away from Cassiopeia.

If she continued pestering him some more, he'd probably end up telling her everything about him and Lux. And that was one of the biggest secrets he'd kept hidden his entire life.

They started dancing, and Talon couldn't help but be happy for her. Katarina was finally going to have her own family, and she could be happy. She had he own share of misfortune during her life, so his suffering was worth just to see her happy. Maybe.

"What's wrong?" Katarina asked him with worry.

Talon snapped back to reality and he twirled her slowly, sticking to the rhythm. "What do you mean?" He feigned ignorance.

But Katarina wasn't going to buy any of that. "You've been edgy all week but today you're even worse. Did something happen? You seem really out of it. I know you don't enjoy these sorts of events, but I appreciate the fact that you came."

"Nothing's wrong. I'm just a bit tired from work. But don't worry about me. This day is all about you." He tried to brush off her worries with a trademark smile, but Katarina knew better.

"Is it about someone being here? That's the reason you're so uptight?" These damned du Couteau sisters would be the end of him.

Talon looked at the table where he was previously, just to watch Cassiopeia smirking from ear to ear. So she guessed what they were discussing also.

"Of course not silly, why would I feel bothered about some–" His sentence hung in the air as he watched Garen and Lux dance close to them.

Garen also noticed them, and they decided to walk over.

Great.

"May I steal back my wife? Promise to leave you in good hands." Garen spoke while grinning, and nodding towards his sister.

Talon wanted to say no. He wanted to refuse instantly and run away but it would not look nice. So he just chuckled as a response. Looking at Lux, she had a plastic smile printed on her face also.

Supposedly, Talon wasn't the only one not enjoying the current turn of events.

So Garen and Katarina left, but Talon could still notice from the corner of his eye how his sister kept looking back at them with worried eyes.

Heaving a sigh, Talon looked at her. She was mesmerising, and although she wore heels, the top of her head could still barely reach his chin. He failed to notice this earlier, when they were 'introduced'.

"You don't have to dance with me. I know it's awkward enough as it is." He said, lowering his voice and purposely avoiding her gaze.

He heard her snort. "I suppose you can't even spare a dance with me. My brother would be disappointed with you, but sure, let's do this your way." Lux spoke with acid then moved past him. "Not like there has ever been any other way with you."

Talon had no idea what came over him. In the heat of the moment, he grabbed Lux by her forearm and pulled her back, twisting her around and locking her against him, as his arm rested around her waist.

"Let's not disappoint your brother, then. For the sake of appearances." He whispered against her hair and Lux needed a second to regain her composure, and in the end allowed him to lead them through the dancefloor.

They were so close to one another, and yet, they both looked sideways. Perhaps it would be better this way, since Talon figured that she couldn't stand the sight of him anyways.

Despite all of that, he couldn't help but notice how well she fit in his arms, and how much she's changed over the years. Although she always loved long hair, now she had it almost the same length as his, and although she looked skinnier, her body curved in all the good ways with the passing of time.

Lilac made Talon fall into a drunken state, and he could feel it everywhere on her, in her hair, in her clothes, even in the pores of her skin.

"You've gotten manlier over the years," Lux's random statement caught him off guard, freezing only for a second, then Talon continued dancing.

Lux looked up while he looked down and he was this close to falling apart. All he wanted to do was wind back time to when she was his. Forget about the mistakes in the past, he'd never leave her side, he'd never put her – and himself also – through such suffering and misery.

"You look even more beautiful than I remember," he confessed.

Lux laughed it off. "Do you even remember?" She asked with a mocking tone.

Blood froze in his veins. Of course she'd be merciless with him. Talon realised then that maybe Lux's wounds ran deeper than his own. Who knows how she must be feeling, having to see him again under such circumstances. Talon himself was falling apart. And he was the one who hurt her in the first place.

"I do. Everything." His honesty caught even Talon off guard.

Lux looked up at him with shock in her pretty baby blue eyes. The colour in them wasn't as strong as it used to be; now they looked a bit faded. Regardless, they remained very beautiful.

"I remember everything about you; the way you looked when you woke up in the morning, the way you called my name, the way you tugged at my shirts when you wanted to be comforted, the way your brows creased when you were frustrated, the noises you made when you were coming undone, the way you shouted at me whenever we fought, the way you cried my name when I left, how bitter your tears tasted on my cheeks. I remember everything about you. It's so vivid sometimes I feel like you may come alive."

Visibly shocked, Lux tried to pull away from him, but Talon's grip was strong. His hold tightened around the thin of her waist and he lowered his head to whisper her name: "Lux,"

She shivered at the sound of it. Compared to the young adult she had in her memories, this grownup version of Talon, with his deep, husky voice, strong arms and tall body, it was overwhelming for her. She wanted to escape. And fast.

Tears were threatening to fall otherwise.

Yet, Lux kept her cool. She got very good at pretending and hiding her real feelings over the years.

"Well, you can keep the memory as vivid as you want then. You achieved your goal after all." She felt his hold on her loosen. "You sacrificed me for your sister's happiness."

And with that, Talon let her go and Lux took it her cue to leave, while she had the chance.

Coming to the wedding had been a mistake, after all. She wasn't ready to face him yet, and maybe she would never be truly ready for it.

I need a doctor please

No, I can't sleep

She's the monster but she's my queen

Broken halo on a comatose me