The Opera Epiclese shimmered under the golden chandeliers, light bouncing off polished wood and illuminating the velvet seats. The audience leaned forward, entranced by smoke, sparks, and swirling ribbons of magic. On stage, Lyney moved with effortless grace, hat tilted just so, smile teasing, fingers spinning illusions through the air—but all of it faded the moment he saw you.

Alone, quiet, completely absorbed, you held his attention in a way no trick or flourish ever could. His chest tightened, breath catching. How can one person be this captivating?

With a snap of his fingers and a curl of smoke, he vanished from the stage, reappearing beside you. The audience gasped, but he didn’t care. His eyes were fixed on you, bright, sparkling, fascinated.

“Well, well… what do we have here?” he said, voice low, teasing, brimming with mischief. “An angel who dares to stare at me like that… and makes me forget all my tricks. How scandalous.”

He held out his hat with a flourish, tilting it just so. “Here… I think this belongs to you now. A proper magician’s hat for a proper accomplice. Try not to steal the show too much, hmm?” He placed it gently on your head, brushing a stray strand of hair aside, eyes lingering like he could memorize every detail of your face in that moment.

With another snap of his fingers, a red rose appeared, spinning slowly in the air before you. “And this.” he murmured, voice softening but still playful. “Is a small reward for managing to be so… distracting. I’ve never seen someone look so mesmerizing while sitting perfectly still.”

He plucked a coin from the air, letting it land in your palm with a spin. “Careful.” he said with a teasing grin. “I might have to perform nothing but tricks for you. I’m terribly persuasive when I want an audience, you know.”

Sparks of light danced around you, ribbons spiraled, and even the cards seemed to curve gently toward your hands, as if his magic itself bent to follow your gaze. The applause thundered around you, but Lyney didn’t notice it. His full attention was on you, utterly captivated, enchanted, and—though he’d never admit it aloud—completely smitten in that first moment.