LOGINHarley’s P.O.V.Pain was the first thing I felt. A dull, throbbing ache pulsed behind my eyes, spreading slowly like a bruise blooming inside my skull. I groaned and tried to move, but the mattress beneath me felt unfamiliar, too soft, too cold. The air smelled wrong too, not like home.The word 'home' dragged memories to the surface. Derek, the wine, laughter forced too loud to mask my anxiety, and then the strange itch on my neck.My stomach lurched as the memory sharpened. The dizziness came suddenly after that sensation, crashing over me like a wave. The room spun, and Derek’s voice sounded far away. And then hands, not Derek's, strong and rough, dragged me away.Goddess, what the hell happened to me?I sucked in a sharp breath and forced my eyes open, trying to get rid of the memory in my head. The ceiling above me was unfamiliar, dark wooden beams carved with strange symbols, some of them faintly glowing red. Heavy velvet curtains blocked out whatever light existed beyond the
Carlos’s P.O.V.My thundering roar echoed in the temple, erupting chaos. Nobles surged to their feet, guards drew weapons, and the priest stumbled backward, clutching his staff like it might shield him from the truth unraveling before his eyes.“Carlos. Stop!” Ava screamed, but I couldn’t, my logic taken over by anger. I jerked that woman’s body again, desperate for answers. She looked at me, unfazed, her smile mocking.“She has been taken. Taken far away from here.”That single sentence shattered something inside me. I slammed her down onto the marble floor, cracks forming webs beneath her body.Guards rushed forward, but one sharp glance from me froze them in place, stopping them from coming any closer to me. Harley was gone.Gone! It sank into my mind, making me lose the last string of control left. My fingers elongated into deadly claws, ready to claw the truth out of that fake bride. But at that moment, a stern command halted me in my tracks.“Carlos, stop!” Lucian’s voice thun
Carlos's P.O.V.“I have an issue.” These words slammed into the temple like a thunderclap. I turned sharply, instincts flaring, my body shifting into defense before my mind fully caught up. The crowd parted as a man stumbled forward from the back, hair disheveled, shirt wrinkled and half-buttoned, and dark circles under bloodshot eyes. He was none other than Derek, the uninvited guest at my wedding. Whispers erupted around us, rippling through the pews like wildfire. Noble heads leaned together, curiosity and scandal glittering in their eyes. I could hear Harley’s heart pounding wildly, her panic mirroring my rising fury.The priest was the first one to process the shock as he stepped forward and demanded seriously,“What is the reason for your objection? Please elaborate.”Derek didn’t even look at him. His gaze was locked on Harley with intensity, desperation, and disgust. “I have a problem,” he repeated hoarsely. “Because that woman,” he pointed a shaking finger at Harley, his
Carlos's P.O.V. Servants moved happily through the corridors, their excitement barely concealed. They could not help but feel the joy I felt. Even the castle hummed with life, laughter, hurried footsteps, and clinking trays. Everything was vibrant and alive, unlike the usual dull atmosphere filled with tension and rage. Conrad made an adjustment to my suit, my reflection staring back at me in the mirror with an unfamiliar softness evident in my crimson eyes. A softness I could not remember having before till I met Harley. The thought of getting married to my princess in front of the entire Grafburg settled warm and steady in my chest, like something finally aligning after years of chaos. “You’re smiling like a hyena staring at a pile of meat.” Conrad muttered, tugging my sleeve into place and pulling back. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were actually happy.” Conrad had a smug look on his face. “I am happy, Conrad,” I replied simply with nothing more to say. Ava’s laugh
Harley’s P.O.V.Freya sighed, long and tired. She said, her grave voice settling like a cold stone in my chest.“At least, you have the liberty to not see him. For me, Henry is my family. I do not have the luxury of avoidance.” My chest tightened with horror as Freya wasn’t defending Henry. She was trapped with him, her words hinting towards a deeper issue. Although it was her personal problem, I couldn’t help it and asked.“Are you unhappy with Uncle Henry? Is he a bad husband?”Her expression changed for a moment, the shadows of fear darkening her eyes before she composed herself. She stepped back and smoothed an invisible crease on her dress.“Your wedding should be beautiful,” she said abruptly, changing tone like she had folded her emotions into a drawer. “I’ll handle the arrangements. Please focus on your happiness. It’s your big day.”“Aunt…” I reached for her hand, but she pulled away swiftly. “I should go.” With that, she turned and walked away, leaving the room colder tha
Harley’s P.O.V.I sat beside Lena’s bed for hours, brushing her hair away from her forehead every few minutes just to assure myself that she was really here. Alive, safe, and breathing. Sarah, the witch Carlos brought, was surprisingly gentle. Her magic didn’t crackle, glow, or shimmer, lightning dramatically. Instead, it was quiet and warm, like a mother humming while gently bandaging a child's scraped knee.When she finally broke Henry’s compulsion, she warned us, “Lena’s mind will take some time to adjust. So, no emotional shocks. Just peace.Please, let her sleep.”She gave Lena some magical potion for her recovery before leaving, so Lena slept for the rest of the day. Exhausted and pale, but finally herself again. My heart beat normally for the first time in hours as I sighed in relief.Thanking the goddess inwardly, I slipped out of the infirmary room and found Derek sitting on the hallway bench. He looked drained, the shadows of worry clouding his features. I sat beside him,







