MasukSerene’s POVThe morning sun had barely risen when Kyros and I slipped out of his estate into the quiet streets of the capital. I had insisted on going to Dreary Lane immediately, and though Kyros hated the idea of me setting foot near the lower district, he refused to let me wander into danger alone.Dreary Lane lived up to its name. The alleyways were dark and narrow, smelling of rotting garbage and cheap perfume.Women in tight corsets sat on rickety porch steps, laughing coarsely as they called out to passing men."Well, look at what the morning brought in," one of the prostitutes sneered, leaning off a porch and blowing a cloud of smoke over us.She eyed Kyros hungrily. "Lost, little lord? You brought your fine ass to the wrong side of town."I ignored her, keeping my head down while my hand rested near my hidden dagger.A few steps further down the alley, three burly thugs carrying rusted iron pipes stepped out and blocked the narrow path entirely."Leave your purses and the gi
Lucas POV The courtyard outside the Cathedral was an ocean of people. The air carried the scent of burning frankincense and dry cedar.I stood at the front with Eloisa by my side. She was dressed in a red bridal gown, her face covered by a translucent veil.In front of us burned the Sacred Fire; it was a massive bronze cauldron filled with crackling coals, and the flame was surrounded by the Sacred Ladies of the Sun.The eight high priestesses chanted in harmony as they threw dried herbs into the flames."Step forward, Your Majesty, Lady Eloisa," instructed Avera, the Head Priestess. Her eyes locked onto mine as she gestured toward the altar. "Bound by the fire, sealed by the heavens."Eloisa placed her hand over mine. I forced my posture to remain rigid, even as a dull ache pulsed behind my ribs.We circled the Sacred Fire three times, following the rhythm of the chant. With every step, the heat radiating from the bronze cauldron washed over my face, making my vision swim. I clench
Serene’s POV“Anything, just tell me about them,” I replied. Kyros began talking about his family, and I noticed how his eyes glowed with affection."My home is always loud," he admitted, leaning his head against the seat. "I have three siblings. My two older sisters are already married; one to a merchant lord, and the other to a public officer in the western district.”I snorted, and he frowned. “No, it’s nothing. It’s just,” a small smile stretched across my lips. “I always assumed you were an only child.”“What?” He chuckled, shaking his head. “Do I look that spoiled to you?”I shrugged. “Continue. I’m intrigued.” “Okay… um, my younger brother is currently studying law,” he said, that excited glimmer returning to his eyes. “Then there’s my mother, who runs the household with an iron fist, and my father, who pretends he’s still in command even though he retired ten years ago."As he spoke of their chaotic dinners, their warm childhood memories, and the unconditional love that bou
Serene’s POVThe next morning, Kyros and I had already packed, ready to leave the village. Martha fluttered around me like a worried mother hen. "Now, do you have enough food for the journey? What about the extra blanket? The roads up get terribly cold, child.""Martha, she's travelling with a bloody war hero; you don’t have anything to worry about.” David chuckled and winked at me, his eyes crinkling with humor."Hush, dear," Martha scolded, slapping his arm before turning back to us. She looked at Kyros, her expression turning stern. "You take care of her, General. Please.” Kyros placed a hand over his heart and bowed his head. "I swear on my honor, Martha. No harm will come to her."Martha smiled and reached out, taking my hand in hers."Serene," Martha murmured, looking deeply into my eyes. "Regarding your lost memories... there is a way to unlock what that necklace has hidden.” She sighed and shook her head. “But it involves dark magic. Now I would prefer you leave the past b
Serene’s POV"We have to get her out of the village," David insisted, his weathered face contorted with worry. "If you start packing now, we can get you out before midnight. You can head south toward the border, Serene-""They'll watch the roads," Kyros interrupted, and he sounded very calm. "The moment Killian realizes he can't take her by intimidation, he'll post scouts along every major road of Oakhaven. Running will only make her look guilty of a crime, and they'll hunt her down like a fugitive.""Then what are we supposed to do?" Martha wept softly. "Just let them drag her away to be a servant again?”Kyros rubbed his jaw, his eyes narrowing in deep thought as he paced the length of the living room. "The King is using her former status as a palace servant to demand her return, but there are legal boundaries even a monarch cannot easily break without causing a scandal among the noble houses."He stopped pacing, turning to look at us. "If Serene were married to a man of respectable
Serene’s POVHe was actually getting married.The news hovered in the air like smoke, choking me every time I tried to draw a breath. Lucas Thorne had announced his marriage to Eloisa Brandon, and it was official.While I sat in this dusty room, nursing a bitter hangover, he was preparing to put a crown on the head of the woman I hated the most.Of course he is, I thought bitterly, my fingers digging into the corner of the desk until my nails scraped against it.He was a King, and he would always prioritize his throne over anything… including me.I cursed under my breath and raked my fingers through my hair. A knock at the front door broke me from my miserable thoughts, and I walked over to open it.Kyros was on the opposite side, sporting a bright smile on his face. I frowned, raising my eyebrows.“I wasn’t expecting you…” I said slowly. “Do you need something?”He shook his head. “I just wanted to check on you. Are you fine?”"Just... thinking," I lied, stepping back to open the doo







