Chapter 3

I told my brother everything.

The truth ?

I wanted to marry the Blood Prince.

Not just to escape Lucian,but to save my family.

Since our parents died, House Valerius had been rotting from the inside.

If I became his bride—even in name, the Empire would protect my brother's rank. Our name wouldn’t vanish into dust.

My brother had always shielded me like his last breath—

If he knew I planned to trade my life for his rise—for the Valerius name under the Empire,

he’d lock me in the ancestral vault before letting me go.

But when I braced for a fight, he laughed.

“Drank the blood of six wives? Ugly? Twisted? That madman…”

Then his eyes softened.

“Elise, you did well. But don't think I care about some fancy title.

Lucian? That mongrel doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as you.

My sister could have any lord in the Empire—dukes, generals, even princes.

But him? I’d rather see you widowed than bonded to him.”

I blinked. “You… know something about the Blood Prince?”

I didn’t understand my brother’s meaning.

Was there more to the Blood Prince than the rumors claimed?

Before I could ask more, he stood abruptly.

“I’ve got matters to handle. In a few days, I’ll escort you to the capital for your bonding rite.”

He left，too fast. Too sharp.

I told myself he just needed time to accept it.

But in my previous life, when he learned Lucian let his wolves tear me apart, he stormed the castle screaming for blood.

Lucian beheaded him with one swing. Fed his body to the pack.

This time, I didn’t care if I died.

My brother had to live.

Amy came running, breathless. “My lady, the courtyard! They’re moving your things!”

I rushed back to find servants hauling my trunks from my room.

Seraphina leaned against Lucian’s chest, pointing at boxes like she already owned them.

When she saw me, she smiled sweetly.

“Lucian says this north-facing chamber gets the best light. Perfect for our me.

Since you’re leaving anyway, you won’t mind if I borrow it, will you, sister?”

I bowed my head. “Of course not. Once you’re bonded, you’ll be mistress of this keep. I’m merely a guest.”

“How thoughtful!” Her eyes dropped to an open chest.

Moon-white silk shimmered inside—my mother’s gown.

Stitched with bone needles under the Blood Moon. Hemmed with silent runes only a blood-witch could read.

The last heirloom of House Valerius. The only thing I planned to take to the Blood Prince’s court.

“Oh! This dress is stunning.” She lifted it, fingers dragging over the sacred fabric like it belonged to her.

“Lucian took me to every tailor in the city, but nothing felt right. This fits me perfectly… Would you gift it to me? As your blessing for our bond?”

I opened my mouth. “It’s mine. I need it for—”

She shrieked.

A black widow spider crawled from the folds, sinking fangs into her hand.

Her skin blackened instantly.

Lucian's face turned to stone. He crushed the spider under his boot, then pulled Seraphina close. “Seraphina! Speak to me!”

Tears spilled down her cheeks as she stared at me.

“Elise! I know you love Lucian. But poisoning me with a black widow?

If I scar, how can I stand beside him as his mate?

Was your jealousy really this cruel?”

“I didn't—! I swear, I don't know how that spider got in!”

“Silence!” Lucian roared.

He tore the dress to shreds right in front of me.

“You think tricks like this will make me stay? Pathetic.”

He dropped to his knees and sucked the venom from her wound—no hesitation, no care for himself.

“Even if you’re scarred, you’re still my only mate. If you suffer, I suffer with you.”

Then he turned to me, voice colder than winter steel.

“You’re not even fit to be my scullery maid, you’re too vile to scrub my floors.”

He called the healer and carried Seraphina away without a glance back.

The doctor said the venom was weak. She’d live.

But Lucian never left her side.

Amy and I moved to an inn in town to escape them.

When I came back for the rest of my things, Lucian stood in my path, eyes fixed on my trunk.

“You’re running from me?”