For the first time, Kael looked at her with something other than indifference or disdain. He looked at her like she was sunlight breaking through an endless storm. But love was never meant to be simple. Whispers of rebellion grew louder, and Velina's family saw her budding affection for Kael as a betrayal. "Remember your duty," her father's letters warned. "He is the enemy." Yet, the enemy wasn't Kael. It was the war tearing their worlds apart. It was the lies, the manipulation, the thirst for power that had made him the man he was.
Chapter 1 The bargain
Velina's knees ached against the cold stone floor, but she refused to falter. Her father knelt beside her, his face stoic, though the faint tremor in his voice betrayed his fear. The throne room of Prince Kael was not a place for mortals. The air was heavy, suffocating, as though the very walls were alive and hungry.
The prince sat upon a blackened throne carved with runes that seemed to shift and shimmer in the dim light. His presence was a storm made flesh. His crimson eyes burned like embers, his unrelenting gaze fixed on her with a mix of curiosity and disdain.
"So," Kael drawled, his voice smooth but sharp, like a blade dragged across silk. "This is the sacrifice you offer?"
Velina flinched at the word, but her father remained steady. "This is my daughter, Velina. A union with her will seal the treaty between our lands. She is prepared to serve you as your wife."
Kael's lips twisted into a cruel smile. "A wife? Chuckles "No, she is a hostage. Let us not dress this up as something it is not."
The prince rose, and Velina's breath caught. He moved with an elegance that was unnatural, every step a silent promise of power. His beauty was undeniable, but it was the kind that left a bitter aftertaste- sharp angles, perfect symmetry, and a darkness in his eyes that spoke of death.
He approached slowly, his gaze raking over her as though he could see every thought, every fear she tried to hide. "Tell me, Velina," he murmured, his voice low and dangerous. "Do you come willingly?"
She met his gaze, though her heart thundered in her chest. "Does it matter?"
Kael laughed, a sound that echoed like a growl through the vast chamber. "No. I suppose it doesn't."
Velina's father spoke quickly, his words rushed as though to fill the heavy silence. "Your Highness, our kingdom is loyal to you. This alliance ensures-"
Kael held up a hand, silencing him. "Enough. I care little for your kingdom's loyalty. What I want is submission."
He turned back to Velina, leaning down until his face was inches from hers. His breath was cool against her skin, carrying the faint scent of something dark and floral. "And you, little lamb? Are you prepared to submit?"
Her throat tightened, but she forced herself to speak. "I will do what is necessary to protect my family."
Kael's smile widened, but there was no kindness in it. "Brave words. Let us hope your resolve matches them."
He straightened, turning back toward his throne. "The treaty is accepted. She will stay here as my wife. But remember this, Lord Tarian"-his voice dropped, cold and sharp-"if I sense even the slightest betrayal from your kingdom, her blood will be the first to spill."
Velina's father bowed deeply, his face pale. "Of course, Your Highness."
Kael waved his hand, dismissing him, and Velina's father hesitated before rising. He glanced at her one last time, his eyes filled with regret and silent apologies, before leaving her behind in the predator's den.
The doors closed with a resounding thud, leaving Velina alone with the prince.
Kael did not speak immediately. He returned to his throne, lounging with an air of indifference, though his crimson eyes never left her.
"Do you fear me, Velina?" he asked finally, his tone almost casual.
"Yes," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Good." He tilted his head, studying her as though she were some strange new creature. "Fear will keep you alive. But do not mistake it for safety. You will not find that here."
He rose again, his movements so swift and silent she barely registered them until he stood before her. His pale hand extended, and for a moment, she thought he meant to touch her. Instead, he gripped her chin lightly, forcing her to look up at him.
"Remember this," he said softly, his voice a dark caress. "You belong to me now. You are mine to protect... and mine to destroy. Do not forget your place."
Velina swallowed hard, her pulse racing beneath his cool fingers. "I understand."
Kael released her, stepping back. "Good. Now, go. Your chambers are prepared. My steward will escort you."
She hesitated, but he had already turned away, his attention seemingly elsewhere. The dismissal was clear.
As Velina followed the steward out of the throne room, her heart weighed heavy with the reality of her new life. She had been handed over to a man-or monster-she barely knew, with no allies and no way out.
But beneath her fear, a flicker of resolve burned. If she was to survive, she would need to learn the truth about Prince Kael, about the curse that made him the creature he was, and about the dangerous world she had been thrust into.
One thing was certain: she would not remain a helpless lamb in the wolf's den for long.
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