All Chapters of Bound To The Shadowed Heir: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

“You will not ruin this day with your tears, Elara.”Father’s fingers dug into my arm as he pulled me toward the mirror. The white gown felt like chains around my body.I jerked away from him. “Then why are you selling me to that monster? Everyone knows what he is. They call him the Devil’s son for a reason.”“Because our kingdom is days away from falling to Eldoria’s armies,” he snapped. “This marriage is the only way to save us. You should be grateful. Your cursed blood makes you the perfect sacrifice anyway.”I stared at my reflection. The maids had painted my face pale and put flowers in my hair like I was some gift. “Grateful? You locked me away my whole life because of those rumors you started yourself. Now you throw me to the wolves.”Old Martha stepped forward, her hands shaking as she adjusted my veil. “Please, princess. The guests are waiting. Prince Darius is already at the altar.”I laughed. “Of course he is. Ready to claim his prize.”Father stepped closer, his breath hot

The Emperor’s private wing stretched before us like a throat ready to swallow us whole. Torches flickered low along the stone walls, throwing long, twisted shadows that danced like fingers reaching for my throat. Darius kept his hand firm on my lower back, guiding me forward, but his touch felt more like a warning than comfort.Ronan walked a step behind us now, his boots echoing softly. That charming smile of his never left his face, but in the dim light it looked sharper, almost hungry.We stopped at massive double doors carved with snarling beasts. Two guards pushed them open without a word.Inside, the air hung heavy with smoke from a dying fire. The Emperor sat on a raised throne-like chair, his face half-hidden in shadow. He was older than I expected, with silver threading through his dark hair and eyes that looked like they had seen every sin in the world.Darius bowed his head slightly. I copied him, my knees stiff.“Father,” Darius said, his voice flat. “You summoned us on ou

The guards stepped into the chamber, their boots crunching over broken glass and dried blood. Torchlight from the corridor spilled in behind them, making the room feel colder.Darius stayed positioned over me, his body a solid wall between me and the intruders. His bleeding arm left fresh drops on the silk sheets, dark red against white.“Get out,” he growled, voice low and dangerous. “This is our wedding chamber. You have no right.”The taller guard didn’t lower his sword. “Emperor’s orders, Prince Darius. Lady Seraphina reported strange noises. We must confirm the marriage is properly sealed. For the alliance.”Seraphina lingered in the doorway, her emerald gown glowing in the low light. She tilted her head, that sweet smile still fixed on her face. “Don’t be shy, brother. We’ve all heard the stories about your… temper. Father just wants to make sure the Voss girl isn’t already broken.”I felt my face burn with humiliation. My hands clutched the sheets. Darius’s weight pressed me do

The Emperor’s words landed like stones in still water. Every eye in the council chamber turned to me.I sat frozen beside Darius, my hands clenched so tight under the table that my nails dug into my palms. The deep blue gown suddenly felt too tight, too exposing. Darius’s fingers brushed mine again, a quick, hidden touch that steadied me just enough.“Answer the question, girl,” the Emperor said, his voice sharp as a whip. “Did a stranger enter your wedding chamber last night? And why would anyone risk death to warn you about your mother?”I swallowed hard. The room smelled of polished wood, old incense, and power. Ronan leaned back in his chair across the table, smiling like he was watching a play. Seraphina watched me with bright, hungry eyes, her fingers tapping lightly on the arm of her seat.Darius spoke before I could. “Father, this is hardly the place for such accusations on the morning after my wedding.”The Emperor’s gaze snapped to him. “I will decide what is appropriate in

The guard led me through twisting corridors I hadn’t seen before, deeper into the Emperor’s private wing. Torches burned low, casting flickering shadows that made every corner look like it hid a blade.My green gown whispered against the stone floor. I kept my hands clasped in front of me to hide how they trembled. Darius’s warning echoed in my head, say as little as possible. But the Emperor didn’t summon people alone unless he wanted blood or answers.We stopped at a heavy iron-bound door. The guard knocked once and pushed it open without waiting for a reply.“Enter, girl,” the Emperor’s voice called from inside.I stepped in. The room was smaller than the council chamber, lit by a single large hearth and candles on a carved desk. The Emperor sat behind it, a goblet of wine in his hand. No guards inside. Just him and the heavy smell of smoke and aged leather.He didn’t offer me a seat. “Closer.”I moved forward until I stood directly in front of the desk. My heart hammered so loud I