The Illusion of Freedom
Lucien’s penthouse — midnight turning to 1 A.M.
Lights low, city skyline like scattered diamonds outside the glass walls.
[12:47 A.M. — Adrian’s bedroom]
Adrian Vale(MC)
(whispering to himself, slipping on sneakers) You can lock the door, Lucien… doesn’t mean I’m staying.
(He touches the air — a shimmer of magic — the door “seems” locked when it’s not, an illusion for the security cameras.)
[Stairwell — silent leather steps]
Adrian Vale(MC)
(grinning) You’ll wake up and think I’m asleep.
(He creates an illusionary “sleeping Adrian” lying in bed, breathing softly. Then slips into the freight elevator.)
[Street level — cold air, the scent of rain]
Adrian’s Phone: 1 missed call — Lucien.
Adrian Vale(MC)
Already? Obsessive much.
Voice from the shadows: Going somewhere without an escort?
Adrian Vale(MC)
(startled — recognizes the drawl) Damien.
Damien Vortega(ML's Younger Brother)
(stepping from literal shadow portal) You know he’s going to rip the city apart when he figures this out.
Adrian Vale(MC)
Maybe I want to see him try.
Damien Vortega(ML's Younger Brother)
Spicy. I like it. Mind if I watch the chaos?
Adrian Vale(MC)
You’re creepy.
Damien Vortega(ML's Younger Brother)
It runs in the family.
(They walk fast through a neon-lit street, luxury cars purring past. Adrian heads toward a tiny, bohemian café — one of the few “normal” places he likes.)
[Inside café — warm light, smell of cinnamon]
Barista:
Adrian Vale? You’re—
Adrian Vale(MC)
Shhh. Secret mission.
(He sits by the window. Pulls sketchbook. Draws Lucien — but this version has devil horns and a smug grin.)
Damien Vortega(ML's Younger Brother)
You realise this is bait, right?
Damien Vortega(ML's Younger Brother)
Sitting by glass, lit up for everyone to see. It’s an invitation.
(Answer comes in the form of a black Rolls-Royce gliding to the curb.)
Damien Vortega(ML's Younger Brother)
Oh… here we go. Big Brother’s here.
Adrian Vale(MC)
That fast?!
(Door slams. Lucien steps out, no coat, suit immaculate, power crackling in the air as if the world holds its breath.)
Lucien Vortega(ML)
(walking in, calm voice but eyes burning) You think illusions could hide you from me?
Adrian Vale(MC)
Guess not.
Lucien Vortega(ML)
You think walking out of my sight wouldn’t feel like a knife in my spine?
Adrian Vale(MC)
That’s dramatic.
Lucien Vortega(ML)
That’s truth.
Damien Vortega(ML's Younger Brother)
I’m just here for the show.
Damien Vortega(ML's Younger Brother)
Make me.
(Lucien’s mind-domination power flickers — Damien smirks but melts back into the shadows.)
Lucien Vortega(ML)
(to Adrian, stepping close, low enough only he can hear) You run again, I won’t just lock the door… I’ll lock you.
Adrian Vale(MC)
In a room?
Lucien Vortega(ML)
In my hand.
Adrian Vale(MC)
(He takes the sketchbook, flips to the devil-horn drawing, raises an eyebrow.)
Lucien Vortega(ML)
Cute. But you missed the crown.
(Chilling smile. He takes Adrian’s arm and leads him out like the café belongs to him.)
Comments
Eviiiii(≧▽≦)
godddd i like them
2025-08-15
0