LOGINQUAN I found her alone in the east wing, standing by the tall windows where the light hit her face just right . For a moment, I almost turned away. But I’d been avoiding her for too long. “I heard what you asked of Dimitri and Salve,” I said finally, my voice breaking the silence between us. Lia turned, her expression unreadable. “You did?” I nodded, walking a few steps closer but keeping some space between us. “You told them you’d carry their child on one condition.” Her lips pressed together. “You know about that.” “I do,” I admitted. “Sia told me.” For a second, neither of us said anything. I could hear the faint ticking of the old clock on the wall. Outside, the world kept moving, but in that room, time felt painfully still. “I didn’t do it for you to hear about it,” she said quietly. “I know,” I said, trying to keep my tone calm. “But I did hear. And I need to understand why.” She met my eyes, “Because I’m tired, Quan. Tired of feeling powerless. Tired of pre
DIMITRI I’ve always liked to think of myself as a conductor of people. The right word, the right gesture, and the whole room bends the way I want. Tonight was no different. “Tell me, my love,” I began, breaking the silence, “how long do you plan to keep our little bird and my idiot cousin circling each other without landing?” Salve didn’t look up. “You’ve been watching them-again. ” “I mean that's what I'm best at ” I said with a grin. “And right now, they’re walking on glass. She looks at him like he’s the last safe thing in the room, and he—” I let out a soft laugh. “He looks like he’s swallowed the sun and doesn’t know what to do with the light.” Finally, Salve turned from the window. His expression was calm, but I could see the question forming behind his eyes. “And what exactly do you want to do about it?” “Oh, I don’t know,” I drawled, twirling the pen I’d stolen from his desk. “Maybe… a little encouragement? They’re both too cautious. Lia because she’s scared of h
LIA The door clicked softly behind me. I leaned against the door, my heart still beating too fast. I couldn’t stop replaying it — my words to Salve and Dimitri. Every sentence. Every breath. “I’ll do it,” I’d said. “I’ll be your hired womb.” Even now, the sound of my own voice made me flinch. The memory of Dimitri’s expression — surprise flashing for just a second before his usual smirk returned — kept echoing in my mind. Salve had just looked at me with amusement. But the part that wouldn’t stop ringing inside me was what came next. “My only condition,” I had said, trying not to tremble, “is that I can still see Quan.” It had felt like forever before Dimitri laughed while Salve’s gaze softened just slightly, like he was looking at a child who had finally learned how to walk. They hadn’t said no. They hadn’t said yes either. But I had seen enough in their eyes to know they’d accept it, one way or another. Now, standing in my room, I let out a shaky breath. “What did I just
QUAN The afternoon light poured through the tall windows, scattering over the marble floor like liquid gold. I had just returned from the training wing, sweat still clinging to my neck, when I saw Sia waiting near the corridor. Her expression gave her away before she spoke — a strange mix of calm. “Sia,” I greeted, rolling my sleeves up. “You’ve been waiting?” She nodded once. “For you.” I frowned, stepping closer. “Is something wrong?” “Not wrong,” she said slowly. “Just… surprising.” I crossed my arms. “Say it.” Her gaze flicked up to mine, steady and unreadable. “Lia spoke with Salve and Dimitri today.” That caught my attention. “About what?” Sia hesitated, then smiled faintly . “She told them she would agree to be their hired womb.” I froze. “She what?” Sia nodded, her tone calm, matter-of-fact. “You heard me. She told them directly. But—” she paused, watching my face carefully “—she had a condition.” I swallowed hard. “A condition?” “She said she’ll on
The room was dim, bathed in the amber glow of the fireplace. Dimitri lounged across the velvet couch, one leg thrown over the armrest, a glass of wine dangling loosely in his hand. Salve, already half undressed, sat on the edge of the bed, his usual calm face softened by amusement. For a long moment, they said nothing. The quiet stretched between them, only the soft crackle of fire breaking it.Finally, Salve tilted his head, eyes glinting with mischief. “So tell me, my little feral cat,” he began, voice smooth as smoke, “why did you have to be so dramatic tonight? You practically cornered the poor girl with your words.” Dimitri smirked, swirling the wine lazily. “Oh, you mean when I asked her if she wanted to pet a wolf?” “Yes.” Salve leaned back on his palms. “That.” Dimitri’s grin widened. “What can I say? It was entertaining.” “Entertaining,” Salve repeated. “You call making her blush until she forgot her own name entertaining?” Dimitri chuckled. “You’re only mad becau
LIA The dining room was quiet. Only the ticking of the old clock filled the space between us. The long table stretched like a wall between three people pretending not to think too much — Salve at the head, silent and unreadable; Dimitri beside him, tapping his fork against his plate, pretending not to be bored. And me — sitting straight, palms pressed to my knees, trying to stop my heartbeat from echoing loud enough for them to hear. I had rehearsed the words all morning. I had told myself over and over that I wouldn’t stutter, wouldn’t tremble, wouldn’t look away. Now the moment was here, and every part of me wanted to run. But I didn’t. Not this time. I lifted my chin. “I’ve made a decision.” That got their attention. Dimitri looked up first, his dark eyes glinting with curiosity. Salve didn’t move, but I saw his jaw tighten slightly — the smallest sign that he was listening. “I’ll do it,” I said. My voice sounded steadier than I felt. “I’ll be what you brought me here for







