"Trapped in the heart of the imperial palace, Alexander is forced to play a desperate game of survival. Every step she takes, every move she makes, is watched and waited upon by the ruthless Shadow Concord."
Chapter 1 The Invitation
Madame Celeste's velvet armchair creaked softly as she leaned back, her cigarette smoke curling lazily towards the ornate ceiling. The air was thick with the scent of incense and something else... something metallic.
"Do you remember what I taught you, my dear?" Madame Celeste asked, her voice very low.
Alexa's fingers twitched in her lap, her eyes locked on Madame Celeste's. "I never forget," she replied, her voice smooth as silk, but with a hint of underlying tension.
Madame Celeste's smile was a thin, cruel line. "Good. Because tonight, you won't be dealing with fools or pawns. The emperor's court is full of predators, and they'll eat you alive if you let them."
Alexa's gaze never wavered, but her heart was racing. She could feel the weight of Madame Celeste's words settling upon her like a shroud.
"Let them try," Alexa said, her voice steady, but her fingers crossed in her lap.
Madame Celeste rose from her chair, her silk gown rustling softly against the floor. She placed a hand on Alexa's shoulder, the weight of it surprisingly comforting.
"This isn't just about survival, Alexa," Madame Celeste whispered, her breath cold against Alexa's ear. "It's about seizing power, taking what they think belongs to them. And when you do... make them beg for mercy."
Alexa nodded, the words burning themselves into her mind like a brand.
As she left Madame Celeste's chambers, Alexa felt a thrill of anticipation mixed with fear. The grand staircase of the Stable District stretched out before her, the polished wood gleaming in the flickering candlelight.
The streets were alive with the nocturnal pulse of the city, the whispers and laughter of the crowd weaving together like a tapestry. Alexa pulled her cloak tighter around her, the invitation to the emperor's gala clutched safely in her gloved hand.
As she approached the waiting carriages, a figure darted out from the alley - a boy with sharp features and dirt-smudged skin. He grabbed her wrist, his grip surprisingly strong for someone so small.
"Hey, watch it!" Alexa exclaimed, trying to shake him off.
The boy's eyes were wide with fear, his voice barely audible over the noise of the street. "You're heading to the emperor's gala, aren't you?"
Alexa raised an eyebrow, trying to hide her surprise. "What's it to you? And who are you?"
The boy's grip tightened. "Don't trust them," he whispered urgently. "They'll turn on you the moment you show weakness. Remember that."
Before Alexa could respond, the boy vanished into the crowd, leaving her staring at the empty space where he had stood.
She shook her head, her mind racing with possibilities. What had just happened? And who was that mysterious boy?
As she climbed into the waiting carriage, Alexa felt a shiver run down her spine. Tonight was going to be a lot more complicated than she had anticipated.
Chapter 1 The Invitation
07/03/2025
Chapter 2 The Carriage
11/03/2025
Chapter 3 The arrival
11/03/2025
Chapter 4 The palace
11/03/2025
Chapter 5 The Gala
11/03/2025
Chapter 6 Emperor's Game
11/03/2025
Chapter 7 Flower that only bloom
11/03/2025
Chapter 8 Unexpected plan
11/03/2025
Chapter 9 The spy
11/03/2025
Chapter 10 The emperor's Gift
11/03/2025
Chapter 11 The message
11/03/2025
Chapter 12 The Assassin's
11/03/2025
Chapter 13 The pawn
12/03/2025