The moon hung low over the palace courtyard, silver light spilling over cobblestones that had witnessed centuries of secrets. Seraphina's heart pounded, a furious drum in her chest, as she adjusted the edge of her gown and tried to steady her breathing. Tonight, her life would change forever.
She had heard the rumors—the whispered fears that Kael, the Devil's son, was ruthless, cruel, and untouchable. Men avoided him. Women trembled at the mere mention of his name. And now, by decree, she was to be his bride.
Her steps faltered as a shadow detached itself from the marble archway. One stride, two, and he was there—tall, impossibly commanding, eyes glinting like obsidian under the pale light.
"You must be Seraphina," he said, voice low and measured. Smooth. Cold. But in that coldness was a power that made her spine stiffen.
"I… I am," she whispered.
He tilted his head, studying her like a predator circling its prey. "They say you're clever," he murmured, a ghost of a smile brushing his lips. "Let's hope you survive me."
Her pulse surged, a mixture of fear, anticipation, and something she couldn't name. He was frightening—but undeniably magnetic. Every inch of him screamed danger. Every glance promised both punishment and pleasure.
He stepped closer, close enough for her to feel the heat radiating from his body. She wanted to step back, to run, to scream—but the strength in his gaze pinned her in place.
"I've heard you think you can outwit me," he whispered, voice barely audible over the rustle of her gown. "I'll enjoy watching you try."
Seraphina's breath hitched. There was no malice in the tone—not yet—but there was something else… something thrilling, electric, impossible to ignore.
He leaned down slightly, close enough for her to smell the faint scent of smoke and cedar on him, and she felt it: a pull she could neither fight nor rationalize.
A single flick of his gaze warned her: defiance would be dangerous. Yet, a small, reckless part of her wanted to defy him anyway.
Before she could respond, the sharp clack of heels echoed behind them. The court awaited, the ceremony would begin, and there would be no turning back.
Kael straightened, his hand brushing just inches from hers—a deliberate, tantalizing tease—and whispered, almost to himself, "Let's see how long your cleverness lasts…"
And with that, he turned, leaving her heart racing, mind screaming, and body betraying her in ways she had never known possible.