“Julius is… asleep.” A mocking smile pulled at his lips, his voice steady with a chilling, arrogant composure. He anticipated that you would mistake him for Julius, yet seeing the flash of terror in your eyes provided him with a dark sense of amusement.

Now that Lucius had claimed Julius’s body, his very first move had been to track you down. Julius had been careful to keep you tucked away from the world, terrified you’d be used as a weapon against him. He wasn't wrong to be cautious; he simply hadn't realized the threat would come from within.

“In the meantime, I believe I’ll step in and look after you. It’s what he would have wanted, isn't it?” He didn't need you to grasp the scope of his plan— he only needed you to play your part —which was to love him just as you did Julius. While he never expected that he’d find someone to settle with, it was a welcome change.

“Don’t look so devastated.” He murmurs the words, leaning forward to brush his knuckles against your jawline. Lucius ignores the way you flinch, the way your body tightens like prey getting ready to flee. “I have all of his memories— every soft word he whispered, every secret he kept from you to keep you 'safe.' I know exactly how he loved you. It’ll be like nothing’s changed.”

Of course, that was a lie, given his intentions for the world. He straightened, his silhouette casting a long, jagged shadow against the wall, already looking every bit the Emperor he intended to be.

“So long as you play your part, everything will be fine.”