MasukChandria’s POVIt felt like everything I knew about my life was built on lies.I looked at him, my heart hammering so hard I could feel it in my throat.“Please,” he whispered, gripping my arm, “tell me the truth, Chandria. I can’t afford not to know.”He looked at me, desperation and something else I couldn’t quite name in his eyes.I opened my mouth to speak, to say something, anything—but before I could, a loud commotion outside ripped through the tense air between us.“Lord Serpent is here!” shouted one of the guards.My eyes went wide.He needed to leave! “Daniel, you have to go. He’s here. Now!”But Daniel grabbed my shoulders, holding me tight, his eyes locked on mine. “Chandria, there’s no time. Just tell me the truth. I need to know.”I shook my head stubbornly.“I’m not leaving until you tell me the truth,” he said.He pressed closer, his hands firm on my shoulders. “Chandria, I’m right here.Then I heard Aiden’s voice from outside.“Chandria? Where are you?”I looked back a
Chandria’s POV“G-Get away from me!” I tried to sound confident, but my voice shook a little.I pushed him hard, putting all my strength into it, but he immediately grabbed my wrist before I could step back. His hand clamped around mine.Then he leaned his face toward me.I felt his breath hit my cheek, warm and too close. It made me freeze. Goosebumps rushed all over my arms, and my whole body tensed.“Don’t you dare make a sound,” he whispered. “If you do, you won’t like what I’ll do to you.”My heartbeat sped up instantly, pounding so hard I felt it in my throat. I hated this feeling—this helpless, cornered feeling—like I had no control over anything.He checked the door. Then he crossed the room, shut the window, and pulled the curtains together until the room felt dim and closed off.When he finally faced me again, we just stared at each other. I tried to keep my breathing steady even though my mind was full of questions I couldn’t answer fast enough.Why is he here?How did he g
Chandria’s POV“I…”“Nevermind, Lady Chandria,” he said, “Lord Serpent really does care for you. He sees you as someone special. You’re not just anyone to him. I hope you realize that.”I bit my bottom lip, trying to hide the way my emotions pushed up in my chest. I lowered my head and looked at the floor, taking a long, quiet breath to steady myself. I didn’t want him to notice how his words caught me off guard.“I care for him too,” I admitted, “And I’m always happy whenever he’s around.”I lifted my head and forced a small smile at him. “Thank you for your time. I need to go,” I said, keeping my voice steady even though I felt a little shaken inside.I turned around and walked away. Each step felt heavier than the last. My mind was swirling with thoughts I didn’t know how to sort out. My stomach twisted like it was reacting to every single thing he had said. I couldn’t even deny it.He was right. But the truth scared me a little, maybe because I didn’t know what to expect from all
Chandria’s POVI stood there, trying my best to hold myself together, but my voice still came out weak when I finally spoke.I just wanted him to stay. He stopped what he was doing, took a deep breath, and then turned to face me. His eyes looked tired, like he had already made up his mind a long time ago.“Not now, Chandria,” he said.And just like that, he walked away from me, going back to packing his things. He moved around the room quickly, almost too calmly, like leaving was just another normal part of his routine.I watched him as he folded clothes, checked his weapons, and prepared everything he needed. And while I stood there doing nothing, something inside my chest tightened so painfully it almost felt physical.I wanted to believe he would think about this, even for just a second. I wanted to believe that maybe he would choose us instead of whatever mission he was running off to. But he didn’t. He chose something else—something that seemed more important than the family he w
Chandria’s POVMy morning sickness was getting worse.The second I woke up, I bolted for the bathroom, barely making it in time before my stomach rebelled. Everything inside me emptied in a rush, and I leaned over the cold porcelain, feeling weak and dizzy. The room spun a little, but then I heard his voice.“I’m here, I’m here. Just let it all out. I’m not going anywhere,” he said, rubbing my back in slow, reassuring circles.I felt a surge of gratitude, my chest tightening. Aiden was here, taking care of me, making sure I wasn’t alone in this moment. It mattered more than words could express.“Do you need anything? Hot water? Food? Are you hungry? I can cook for you—anything you want. Just tell me,” he added, a small laugh escaping me even as panic lingered in his eyes. He was trying to stay calm, but I could see the concern bubbling just below the surface.“It’s okay. I’m fine,” I said, trying to soothe him as much as I needed soothing myself. “Morning sickness is part of pregnancy
Chandria’s POV“Hmm…”I woke up to the feeling of someone pressing soft, warm kisses to the side of my face. His breath was hot, almost suffocating, and his hands rested lightly on top of my stomach. Instinctively, I ran my hands over mine, feeling the heat of him through the touch.“Baby…”His voice broke through the quiet, low and husky. It made something stir inside me that I wasn’t prepared to face.When I slowly opened my eyes, I froze for a moment. Aiden. He was right there. Naked, his chest rising and falling with each breath, his hair a mess, sticking out in every direction like he had just rolled out of bed.“I’m sorry… did I wake you?” His voice was soft, almost apologetic, but there was that familiar rawness under it that made my heart skip.“I… no, I just…” My words faltered. I didn’t know what to say.“I just couldn’t get enough of you,” he said, leaning closer. “I just… love your scent.”I tried to move, my body stiff, my mind suddenly alert. “What time is it?” I asked,







