*SACRIFICE* is the story of Krystal and Hazel-two souls bound by a love so strong it could change the fate of the world. But their love is tested by an ancient prophecy, one that demands a heart-wrenching choice. As danger looms and the prophecy begins to unfold, Krystal discovers the painful truth: Hazel may be the key to saving everything they hold dear, but at a cost neither of them can bear. With their hearts torn between love and destiny, Krystal and Hazel must navigate a world of magic, sacrifice, and impossible decisions. Every moment together is a gift, but the weight of the future hangs over them like a shadow, threatening to tear them apart. Can love conquer the darkness, or will they be forced to make a sacrifice that will change their lives forever? *Sacrifice* is a story about the price of love, the strength to fight for what matters, and the hope that even in the darkest moments, love can light the way.
Chapter 1 The prophecy's shadow
The city lights sparkled like stars as Krystal stepped out of her car, her heels clicking against the marble floor of the grand entrance. She'd been to countless galas, but tonight felt different-like the air was thick with something she couldn't put her finger on. Maybe it was the way the evening sky seemed to pulse with an energy she couldn't shake, or maybe it was the way Hazel's eyes lingered on her every time they crossed paths. He always did that, though. That's just how Hazel was. Intense. Mysterious. A billionaire with the world at his feet, but nothing seemed to truly satisfy him.
"Krystal, darling, you look stunning as always," came a voice from behind her.
She turned to find her best friend, Ivy, standing there with a glass of champagne in hand, her silver gown shimmering under the chandelier's glow. Ivy was the kind of woman who knew how to command a room-effortlessly beautiful, confident, and with the uncanny ability to get what she wanted. And tonight, Ivy had her sights set on one thing.
"Not as stunning as you, Ivy. You always know how to steal the spotlight," Krystal replied with a teasing smile, her gaze briefly shifting to the center of the room where Hazel stood, talking to another billionaire, Levi.
Levi. The enigmatic CEO of Hawke Enterprises. He was even more dangerous than Hazel in some ways, though it was harder to pinpoint exactly why. Where Hazel wore his power like an impenetrable cloak, Levi used his like a weapon. There was something cold about him, something calculating. The kind of man who never hesitated to make the hard choices, no matter who got hurt in the process.
Ivy followed her gaze, and her lips curved into a sly smile. "Hazel, huh?" she teased. "You know, I think he's been eyeing you all evening. Don't think I haven't noticed."
Krystal laughed, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. She and Hazel had been playing this dance for months, the push and pull of something neither of them was willing to fully acknowledge. There was something about him, a mystery she couldn't solve, a connection that felt both undeniable and dangerous.
"I'll talk to him later," Krystal murmured, but Ivy wasn't letting it go.
"Krystal, listen to me," Ivy's tone turned serious for a moment, her eyes narrowing. "There's something off about tonight. I've heard whispers... murmurs from people who know things. People who shouldn't."
Krystal raised an eyebrow, leaning in slightly. "What do you mean? What kind of whispers?"
Ivy glanced around the room, making sure no one was too close before speaking again, her voice low. "I've been hearing about a prophecy... one that involves you, Krystal. And Hazel, too. I don't know all the details, but something big is about to happen. And I think you're at the center of it."
Krystal's breath caught in her throat. A prophecy? It couldn't be real. They were billionaires-there was no place for ancient curses or mystic rituals in their world. Still, the chill that crept up her spine told her that Ivy wasn't joking.
Before Krystal could respond, Hazel walked over, his presence sending an instant wave of heat through her. His dark suit fit him perfectly, and the way his dark eyes locked onto hers made everything around her blur into nothingness.
"Krystal," he said, his voice smooth like silk, though there was an edge to it, something serious beneath his usual charm. "I've been looking for you."
Ivy's eyes flickered between them, then she gave Krystal a wink and melted into the crowd, leaving them alone in a bubble of uncertainty.
"What's going on, Hazel?" Krystal asked, her heart thudding in her chest. There was something in his gaze tonight that unsettled her.
Hazel's expression was unreadable, his jaw tight. "I need to talk to you about something important. Something you won't want to hear, but it's the truth."
The words hung between them like a weight neither of them could ignore.
Krystal wondering what was going and what the tense moment is all about