Chapter Six
POV: Lucien Draegor
"Let the finest dancers step forward."
Lucien's voice echoed through the grand hall, commanding attention.
The music swelled.
Silk gowns twirled. Laughter filled the air. The ballroom came alive in a dazzling display of elegance and power.
Yet—
Lucien saw only one person.
Seraphina.
She moved like a dream.
Every step… precise. Every motion… effortless. Her gown flowed around her like moonlight, her presence capturing the attention of everyone in the room.
Including him.
Without thinking, Lucien stepped forward.
He reached for her hand—
—and pulled her into a dance.
The world faded.
The music softened.
Everything blurred into nothing.
It was just them.
"Who are you, mister?" Seraphina asked softly.
Lucien froze for a second.
Her voice…
Her eyes.
Something inside him shifted.
A burning sensation spread through his chest.
Unfamiliar.
Dangerous.
What is this…?
His breath grew uneven.
Is she… my mate?
"Why are you so quiet?" she asked again.
Lucien forced himself to speak.
"My name is Lucien."
She smiled faintly.
"Seraphina."
The name echoed in his mind.
Before he could say another word—
Clapping broke the moment.
"Magnificent!" a voice boomed.
Lucien turned slightly.
Lorcan.
When he looked back—
She was gone.
Vanished.
Lucien's jaw tightened.
"Kieran," he said sharply. "Did you see the girl I was dancing with?"
"No, my king," Kieran replied. "I was occupied."
Lucien said nothing.
But something had already begun.
POV: Seraphina Vale
"That man…" Sera whispered.
Her heart was still racing.
There was something about him.
Something she couldn't explain.
To distract herself, she returned to the dance floor.
Another man approached her.
They danced.
But this time—
it felt different.
His presence was overwhelming.
Intimidating.
Yet… strangely comforting.
Why do I feel like I know him?
The thought unsettled her.
Later…
Walking through the hallway, she bumped into someone.
"Not again—I'm so sorry—"
"It's fine," a calm voice replied.
Sera looked up.
The girl before her was… unusual.
Beautiful.
But unsettling.
One eye blue.
The other—
white.
"My name is Ophelia Lark," the girl said softly.
"I'm a dancer."
Sera hesitated. "Your eyes…"
"She's been like that for years."
A voice interrupted.
Sera turned—
Her breath caught.
Him.
Lucien.
"She is possessed," he continued calmly. "An ancient spirit resides within her."
"Go," he told Ophelia.
The girl bowed slightly and disappeared.
Sera crossed her arms.
"I was speaking to her, not you… Mister Lucien."
Lucien raised a brow, amused.
"You're bold," he said. "Do you even know who I am?"
"I don't care who you are," she replied coldly. "Don't interrupt me again."
A slow smirk spread across his lips.
"…Freckles."
Sera frowned. "That's not my name."
"It is now."
"My name is Seraphina."
"I prefer freckles," he said casually.
She groaned. "You're insufferable."
Lucien chuckled.
"And yet… you're still talking to me."
"So full of yourself."
"Only a little."
POV: Lilith Crowe
"Where is Lucien?" Lilith snapped, her voice sharp with anger.
Her eyes scanned the ballroom.
"I saw him dancing with that girl."
Thorne sighed beside her.
"Relax. He danced with someone—it's not a crime."
Lilith clenched her fists.
"He has never ignored me before."
Thorne shrugged. "You're still his best option for queen."
Lilith narrowed her eyes. "Then why does it feel like I'm losing him?"
"Because," Thorne said bluntly, "you're not the only woman in this kingdom."
Lilith turned away, anger burning in her chest.
POV: Aldric Fenmore
"I heard there was a ball at the palace," Aldric said.
"There was," Lyra replied softly.
"Why didn't you go?"
Lyra smiled faintly. "Because you needed me."
Aldric sighed. "I've been here for months. I can take care of myself."
"And if something happened?" she asked gently.
He looked at her.
Then suddenly—
He pulled her closer.
She fell onto him.
Their eyes met.
For a moment—
time stopped.
Then he kissed her.
Soft.
Deep.
Unexpected.
Lyra froze before pulling away, her cheeks flushed.
"That was my first kiss," she whispered.
Aldric smiled faintly. "Then I guess I made it memorable."
Before she could respond—
Trumpets echoed outside.
They rushed to the window.
A white carriage approached.
Aldric's head spun violently.
"I… know them…"
Everything blurred.
Lyra caught him.
"Your memories," she said softly. "They're trying to return."
POV: Queen Valeria
"My king… you saw it," Valeria said, her voice trembling.
Gideon nodded grimly.
"She danced with him."
Silence.
"The prophecy…" Valeria whispered.
As if summoned—
Serene stepped into the chamber.
"It has begun," she said calmly.
"No!" Valeria cried. "My daughter will not be tied to that monster!"
"Destiny cannot be undone," Serene replied.
Valeria turned desperately.
"We must act now."
"With whom?" Gideon asked.
"Kade Winter."
"The priest?" he said in shock.
"Yes."
Serene shook her head slowly.
"No matter what you do… fate will find its way."
"Leave!" Valeria shouted.
Serene obeyed.
Valeria collapsed, tears falling freely.
"My daughter…" she whispered. "My poor daughter…"