Empire of Revenge

Serafine POV"Ugh," I groaned. My body ached everywhere. I forced my eyes open. A harsh light overhead blinded me. The smell of damp mildew filled the air. Gray concrete walls on every side. I looked down. Handcuffs on my wrists.A narrow metal bed bolted to the wall on my left. I pushed myself upright with a sharp hiss, pain shooting through me."Assassin princess is awake."My head snapped toward the voice. Zavier Ventura stepped into the cell, unhurried, and stood over me with cold eyes. One of his men dragged a chair in behind him. He sat, shoulders squared, the kind of presence that filled a room without trying. His lips curved into a slow, menacing smile, the kind meant to rattle people. I kept my face blank."You killed my father." Not a question. A verdict."Yes," I said.His gaze hardened."I wish I could have killed you too, asshole," I said. One of his men stepped forward, ready to strike."Stand down." Zavier didn't even look at him. The man froze and stepped back. Zavier's

Serafina POVMy bodyguard, Madison, pulls a blindfold over my eyes. Her grip stays firm as she guides me down the steps, steadying me whenever I slip. She doesn’t say much, just enough to keep me moving until I’m inside the car.The location has changed. I can feel it. This isn’t the same mansion from the party. Fresh air. Different silence. I keep wondering which country I’m in. Definitely not France.No one speaks during the drive. Not a word. I try mapping it out in my head anyway: the distance, the turns, the time. About an hour, give or take.The car finally stops. Voices drift through the air in American accents. Music pulses low, like a heartbeat beneath the floor.We’re in LA.So that’s the game. He’s toying with me.The blindfold comes off.A speakeasy.I turn to the left, catching my reflection in the window. My blond hair falls in soft waves over one shoulder, styled to perfection. My face looks flawless beneath the makeup, and my red lips seem even more alluring.The burgu

Serafine—POVAn officiant stood at the altar, waiting for us. Zavier faced me, his gaze dragging over me again, slow and deliberate, as if he hadn't already seen me earlier.I hated it. I wanted to throw daggers at him.Camera drones hovered too close, invading my space, while I stood there pretending to be in love with this asshole. So I smiled.Jero stepped aside, and I walked the rest of the way to the small stage.Zavier extended his hand, that effortless smile already back in place. I took my position opposite him, even as everything inside me burned darker.The lifeless faces of my parents haunted me. Every time I looked at him, the memories crawled back, dragging nightmares with them. Yet he smiled warmly, every expression flawless. A classic actor, playing his role to perfection.Jero moved to Zavier's side as his best man. Madison stood behind me as my bridesmaid, dressed in a soft pink halter gown. The officiant cleared his throat.“Keep it brief, officiant. We don't have mu

Serafine—POVThe wedding reception demanded a dress, and this one didn't disappoint: an off-white satin gown that hugged my frame like a fitted glove. I checked myself in the mirror. Off-the-shoulder, full sleeves, lace crawling over the fabric just enough to conceal the damage on my upper arm.Hair pulled into a tight bun. Minimalist makeup looks perfect on my pale skin. Diamond necklace with diamond earrings giving me extra glam! An expensive, misty perfume rub on my wrist.A soft knock."Come in."Zavier stepped in, and my eyes moved over him before I could stop them. Navy tux, a crisp white shirt, and black lapels were too polished. There was something about his aura that carried an edge of danger even in formal wear. His hair sat just right; he'd planned it that way. Blue eyes locked on mine, sweeping down my frame head to toe and then back up."What are you staring at? Let's go." My voice came out sharper than I intended. I didn't like the way his gaze settled on me.I moved pas