Page 63 of The Devil's Canvas

And she? She just looks right back.

Chapter Twelve

Ophelia

Igetabouthalfwaythroughthis damn movie and I can't do it anymore. It's really uncomfortable. Not seeing intimate scenes with Dominic. Unfortunately, I've seen some before. It's with Melanie that's horrible. Not because I still love him. I don't. Really it's just gross as hell.

I look at Julian sitting next to me. His face makes it almost impossible not to break into a fit of laughter. I can tell that he's trying to watch it, but he looks like he's in pain.

I lean in close, my voice low so only he can hear. “Hey. Want to get out of here?”

Julian exhales like I’ve just handed him salvation. A slow grin spreads across his face as he turns toward me. “I thought you’d never ask, sweetheart.”

His fingers tighten around my wrist, firm and inescapable, his grip humming with something just shy of a promise. He lifts my hand, pressing a deliberate kiss to my palm before rising to his feet. In one smooth motion, he helps me up.

We barely take three steps before—

"Ophelia!"

The sharp whisper-yell cuts through the theater, frantic and full of disbelief.

I glance over, unbothered. Melanie has fully turned in her seat, her manicured nails gripping the armrest like it’s the only thing keeping her upright. The fact that half the audience is now watching us? Not my problem.

"Where are you going?" she demands.

I shrug, keeping my tone light. “We’re leaving.”

Melanie blinks at me, her mouth parting in pure horror. “You’re leaving?”

"Yup." I pop the p just to drive it home.

Her whole body jerks forward, as if physically wounded by my audacity. “How could you? It’s my big night!” She gestures wildly around her, like I should be taking in the sheer magnitude of this event. “You should at least try to fit in! Be normal! For once!”

I tilt my head, smiling sweetly, letting the moment stretch just long enough to make her squirm. With practiced ease, I throw her own words right back at her.

"Oh, dear sister. Remember?" I mimic her exact tone—that perfect, condescending, media-trained delivery. "She’s never really been interested in what the rest of us do. She’s never tried. Never fit in."

Julian laughs—loudly, unapologetically. A real, deep burst of amusement that turns more heads than Melanie ever could.

Still chuckling, he slides an arm around my waist, guiding me toward the exit like he’s thoroughly enjoying every second of this.

As we push through the doors, I swear I hear a round of applause. And considering how boring this movie is? It’s definitely not for that.

"I'm so proud of you," Julian says while lifting me up and twirling me around.

I look at the marquee above the theater. The Eclipse Theater. That makes me laugh. Melanie always thought she was the sun, but even the brightest star can be eclipsed when something stronger steps into its path.

I hate being complimented. It always makes me feel weird, so I do what I do best—I change the subject.

"Well, what now? I can grab us a cab, and we can head back to my place."

Julian exhales, dragging his gaze over me with slow amusement. "Or…" he starts, a smirk curling at the edge of his lips. "I can give you a taste of my world."

I narrow my eyes. Never trust a demon when he sounds too pleased with himself.

"Your world?" I ask, skepticism laced through my voice.

Julian spreads his arms in an easy shrug. "You don’t think demons use cabs, do you?"

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