Lucien's POV
As I slipped past the outer wall of the demon king's castle, I realized something was different. Security was tighter — patrols doubled, shadows less forgiving. I'd almost been caught twice already.
But I had to see her. She said she had important information — something urgent.
I slipped into a forgotten hallway and made my way to our usual meeting spot — a dark, unused chamber in the far west wing.
She was already there. Standing tense. Pale.
"Lila," I whispered.
She spun around fast, eyes wide until they settled on me.
"Lucien," she breathed, stepping closer.
"What's wrong?" I asked, noticing her shaking hands.
"We shouldn't keep meeting like this. It's getting too dangerous. The castle is on high alert now."
"Yeah, I noticed," I muttered. "What happened? And the information you mentioned — what is it?"
Her lips quivered. "That's why everything's changed. The king and her highness were attacked."
"What?" I said sharply, stepping forward. "Attacked? By who?"
"I overheard His Majesty speaking with Jason in the study. They were ambushed — by other demons. But His Majesty said they weren't ordinary. He believes they were after Serena."
My heart dropped.
"What… the hell?" I hissed. Rage boiled in my veins. "Why would they target her? Who are these bastards interfering with my plan?"
If something happened to Clara—
If she died—
Then everything I've done would be for nothing.
I'd lose my only chance of getting back into Heaven.
"There's more," Lila whispered, glancing over her shoulder. "Because of the attack… Serena's been moved into the king's chambers."
"WHAT?!" I shouted, slamming my hand against the wall. "No, no, no!"
Everything was unraveling.
"If she's with him all the time, I can't talk to her. Can't pass messages. Can't influence her."
Who were those demons? Were they from Hell? A rival kingdom? Or something… worse?
No. I wouldn't let them ruin this.
"Lila," I said coldly. "Get me a pen and envelope. Now."
"What for?"
"I need to send Serena a message.
Clara's pov
I kept my eyes shut, trying to forget the painting.
That haunting image of myself.
I wanted to drown it in darkness.
But then—
Something brushed against my hand.
I opened my eyes and saw an envelope, just near my wrist. My heart skipped. I glanced around the room, but it was empty.
Slowly, I sat up and tore it open.
"Clara, it's me — Lucien."
My chest tightened. Lucien...
I sat up straighter on the bed, fingers trembling as I read on.
"I'm writing to tell you I can't meet you for now, due to certain circumstances. The castle is too dangerous, and we are being watched closely. But you must continue what I told you — gain his trust. Gather information. Survive."
"We'll speak again at the banquet a few days from now. Please stay safe."
"Love, Lucien."
I stared at the letter, heart pounding.
Why couldn't he come? What happened?
The mention of the banquet made me nervous. Everything felt like it was spinning faster than I could keep up with.
But if Lucien said to wait… I would wait.
For now.
My fingers trembled as I stared at Lucien's signature.
"Love, Lucien."
Why does that feel… wrong?
I shook the thought away and stood up quickly.
I tore the letter into pieces, my breath shallow, panic twisting in my chest. I threw the shredded pieces out the window, watching them scatter into the wind like fragile secrets.
No one can ever find out about this.
Lucien was right — I had to get closer to Ciel. I had to gain his trust, win his heart, and use that bond to escape.
I laid back down on the bed, mind racing. I already had a few bits of information from Lila, but it wasn't enough. I needed more. Something deeper.
I reached over and rang the bell.
Lila appeared in a flash, elegant and composed as ever.
"Yes, Your Highness?" she asked as she opened the door.
"Is there anything you need?"
I looked at her carefully. Then lowered my voice.
"What I'm about to ask you… no one can ever know about it."
She nodded quickly. "I promise, Your Highness."
I didn't want to trust her. I couldn't afford to.
But I had no choice.
"I need to find a way into Ciel's heart," I said firmly.
Lila paused — just for a second — and her eyes seemed to light up.
Too bright.
Her smile flickered, almost too eager, before she caught herself and returned to her usual calm expression.
I frowned slightly but brushed it off.
"Like I told you before—" she began.
"No," I interrupted. "I need something more. Something deeper. Something concrete. I need to make him fall in love with me."
"Your Majesty," Lila said softly, almost too sweetly. "If you truly want to win His Majesty's heart… I think you should try seducing him."
I blinked.
"Excuse me?" I said, almost choking.
"His Majesty already loves you," she went on, her voice serious. "But if you want something deeper… something more concrete… you need to create intimacy. Physical intimacy."
I stared at her, stunned.
Seduce Ciel?
Was she insane? I was desperate, yes — but not that desperate.
"No, Lila," I said, quickly shaking my head. "I didn't mean that. I want to get closer to him emotionally, not—"
"But that's the best way!" she insisted cheerfully. "Oh, and ma'am—I know just what to guide you."
Before I could say a word, she darted out of the room.
"Lila!" I called after her, stunned.
She returned in a flash, practically glowing with excitement.
"Here!" she said, holding out a thick leather-bound book. "This will help you achieve ultimate intimacy. I guarantee if you follow its advice, Master Ciel will be hooked… and obsessed with you."
"Uhm… okay," I said, confused and suspicious. I took the book hesitantly. "Thanks… you can go now."
"As you wish, Your Majesty," she said with a little bow and left, finally.
I looked at the cover and nearly dropped it.
"The Art of Seduction."
My eyes widened.
What the hell is this?!
I cracked it open, skimming the pages.
"Nope!" I yelped, slamming it shut. Heat rose to my face, my entire body going red.
"What was Lila thinking?!" I muttered. "This wasn't what I meant!"
I tossed the book across the bed in frustration… only to hear a knock on the door.
Shit.
I scrambled, snatching the book and shoving it under a pillow just as the door creaked open.
"Your Majesty?" came Jason's voice.
"Yes?" I said, trying to sound calm as I straightened myself.
He stepped in, his sharp gaze meeting mine.
I just hoped he hadn't seen the book-sized lump hiding behind me.
"His Highness sent me to escort you to the garden," Jason said with a small bow.
"Okay," I replied, following him silently.
The moment we stepped outside, the warm sunlight kissed my skin. It was only my second time entering the royal garden — the last time had been under the moonlight.
But now, it glowed under daylight.
Ciel stood near a path of blooming lilies. When he saw me, he smiled and took a step closer.
He gently took my hand. "Walk with me, my love."
He glanced at Jason, who gave a slight bow and walked away.
I followed him down a winding stone path lined with silver roses and gentle vines.
"Why did you call me here?" I asked quietly.
"I wanted to spend time with you," he said. "And… I thought maybe being here might help you remember a little."
I said nothing.
We kept walking until we reached a large oak tree… and beside it — a swing.
My heart skipped.
It was the same swing from that mysterious painting.
"You used to love this place," Ciel said softly. "You'd sit here for hours, admiring the flowers. Sometimes… we'd sit together."
I stared at the swing.
Something about it felt… safe. Warm. Familiar.
A strange calmness crept into my chest, like a faint whisper of a memory long buried.
But I quickly shoved it away.
No. These were false feelings. More lies. More manipulation.
"Do you want to go on a ride?" he asked, smiling at me with a softness that made something ache inside me.
I wanted to refuse. I really did.
But something about the way he looked at me… the way the garden wrapped around us like a dream…
"Yes," I whispered.
He smiled and gently led me to the swing.
"Hold on to the ropes," he said as he stood behind me.
The swing moved slowly at first.
The breeze brushed past my skin.
The scent of roses and wild lavender filled the air.
The sun warmed my face as the swing glided gently back and forth.
I closed my eyes.
And for the first time in a long while…
I felt at peace.
Calm. Safe.
Like the world had paused — just for us.