MasukAIDENAiden moved faster but normal while trying to avoid someone. One strong hand closed around Aiden’s wrist and yanked him sideways into the shadowed corner between two stone pillars. Aiden knew who it was—The roughness, jagged man. Shawn. The impact of Aiden’s back against the cold wall stole a sharp breath from his lungs.“You’ve been avoiding me,” Shawn said. His voice low like a whisper. Golden-red eyes burned into Aiden’s green ones. “For days. Every time I turn a corner you’re gone. Why?”Aiden dick hardened—it was such a shame of how much he wanted this man no matter what happened. But they will never be. Aiden didn’t answer—The last time they met, Aiden lost control. Shawn’s grip tightened for a second, then loosened—not releasing, just easing. “I just want your forgiveness.”This must be a dream. The words hung between them, heavy and unexpected. Aiden finally looked at him. The usual mockery was absent from Shawn’s face. Only raw, tired honesty remained.“Please”
SERAPHINASeraphina’s eyes opened slowly.The ceiling above her was familiar—her room. How did she get here, she sprang up immediately. She could still remember what happened—how she was almost gang raped until the voice then blackness. She couldn't remember more than that but one thing she knows was that whosoever owns that voice saved her. Seraphina sighed. A tray of food sat on the low table beside the mat. Steam still rose from the bowl. She sat up carefully, pressed her fingers to the tender spot near her hairline, and forced herself to eat. The food was nice filled with different delicacy but she didn't have the appetite but she has to eat of Derek might come here to feed her like last time. Speak of the devil—she hasn't seen him since then. The door opened. A maid stepped inside, head bowed.“Miss Seraphina. There will be a trip today. His Highness planned it for you.”Derek? Seraphina frowned. “A trip?”“Yes. Clothes have been prepared. You are to come at once.”Confu
SERAPHINA It had been a week. Seven full days since she collapsed in Derek’s chamber. Seven days since the truth about her parents and the fact that she was lied to all her life. Seraphina spent most of those days in the library. The old books smelled of dust and age. She searched every shelf that mentioned moon marks, half-moons, stars, and forgotten bloodlines. Most of the pages gave her nothing useful. A few spoke of ancient clans that disappeared long before the citadel was built. One faded drawing showed a mark almost identical to hers, but the text beside it was torn away. Another book mentioned a moonstone that could “awaken what was sealed,” but the rest of the page had been ripped out. She never told Derek about the dream—she can't trust him after all he only needs her satisfaction nothing more. The library became her quiet place. She hasn't had any dream since that day and now she thinks maybe she was just overreacting. On the seventh evening, the door to the
SHAWN Shawn found Derek outside Seraphina’s room. The prince stood with his arms crossed, eyes fixed on the closed door like he could see through it. His jaw was tight. The usual cold control was still there, but something restless sat underneath it. Shawn stopped beside him. “You should give her time.” Shawn said. Derek didn’t look at him—He sighed. “She collapsed.” “Because of the truth,” Shawn said. “Not because of anything you did in that room. She just found out the people who raised her weren’t her real parents. That hits hard.” Derek stayed quiet for a few seconds. “But she's my only hope and since when did you care about other's emotions” Derek snapped. Shawn continued. “Pushing her right now won’t help. Let her breathe. She’ll talk when she’s ready.” Derek finally turned his head. Golden eyes met Shawn’s. “Fine.” The single word was short, but it was agreement. He understood that Derek was under pressure and won't let anything hurt Seraphina but she needed re
SERAPHINAHeat.Where was she? Flames climbed the wooden walls of a house she somehow knew. Smoke filled every corner. Someone was screaming for help.Her real mother.The woman held her tight against her chest and ran. Seraphina was small—she was a child. Too small to fight. Too small to understand why everything was burning.Behind them, another child stayed near the doorway.Freya.Her sister’s face was clear. Wide eyes. Mouth open. Reaching out with both hands.Her mother pulled Freya and took them. Her mother never looked back.She just kept running with Seraphina in her arms while the house burned behind them.They didn’t get far before the real danger showed itself.Something moved in the smoke. Fast. Heavy footsteps followed them through the trees. Branches snapped. The air grew thicker, harder to breathe. Her mother kept glancing over her shoulder, fear sharp on her face.“Stay quiet,” she whispered against Seraphina and Freya's hair. “Please stay quiet, both of you will be
DEREKDerek sent for her just after sunset.The maid brought Seraphina to his chamber. She stepped inside and the door closed behind her with a soft click.He was standing near the window when she entered, one hand resting against the stone frame. He turned fully once they were alone.No wine waiting. No order to strip. No demand for her body. Just the questions that had been sitting in his head since the arrow took Greg’s life.Someone knew her identity but was hiding it, why? “Sit.”She sat on the edge of the chair across from him. Her body stayed tense, shoulders tight, waiting for the usual pull that never came.Derek watched her for a long moment. The way her fingers curled against the fabric of her dress. The way her eyes stayed careful.We are not doing the regular,I just need you to answer some few questions” he said.Her scent shifted slightly.She raised a brow. “About what?”“You.”She stayed quiet.“Why would you want to know about me? That's not part of our bargain” H







