Mayor's Library

👑 RUTHLESS BOND 👑🔞
{. . . Bloody vow . . . }

By 🌺Mayor🌺

Chapter 79💕80

By 🌺Mayor🌺
_______

NOTE: THIS STORY IS SIGNED, SO STAY THE F^CK AWAY IF YOU'RE HERE TO COPY 🧐

Complete the requirements if you want the next chapter on time. IT'S NOT A HARD TASK.

Ghost readers. Don't blame me if you don't find this page tomorrow.

See you all, when I see you all...✍️

ﾟ⁠.⁠*⁠･⁠｡ﾟ☆ﾟ⁠.⁠*⁠･⁠｡ﾟ
✷THE SUCCESSION✷
____________

Theron’s expression darkened the moment the words slipped out her lips. His aura shifted as he took a step closer. His eyes a storm of fire.

“You will do no such thing”

She stared right back at him without flinching. Then took a step closer.

“You and I know he is not fit to be king” she said.

A warning growl rumbled his chest.

“Tarianne”

"Don't tell me you haven't seen it yourself, Theron” she cut him off. “The sickening obsession with the throne he has. Your friend is becoming a monster, and you know it deep down. Weather he was bought up with iron fist, and cruelty, doesn't mean he is exactly sane for the throne"

Her voice dropped lower. “He is just a broken son, punishing others for a wound he'd never heal”

His hand went for her throat.

“Stop talking” his growl was lethal. “You know nothing about Kallias and what I know about him. You’ve always wanted to survive and there you have it. Do not provoke me with your words”

She staggered as his hand loosen then gasped for air. Then something flashed in his eyes, his hand mid froze as if realization hit him. Guilty and something she couldn't recognize.

For a moment his mouth opened and Eryndra could swear she heard him apologized.

Perharps she heard wrong.

“Why do I even think you'll get me?” She straightened, tone cold and low. “You're the same as him. Perharps you shouldn't have saved me after all”

Then a cold smirk formed her lips.

“You and the prince will be the reason why this realm will burn”

His face went back to the usual stoic one, then without a word, he spun and left.

~~~~

It was the first time since the full moon Eryndra was seeing Kayara again. The exhaustion was clear in her eyes, but she was still that elegant female who's barely fazed by anyone.

Kayara has no idea what happened to Eryndra on that full moon. She was absent.

And due to prince struct instructions, words didn't travel to reach her ears.

“You're oddly quiet” Kayara noticed. “Was expecting you'd tell me how your days went without me. Did you get closer to the prince like you wanted”

Eryndra paused reading and looked at her.

“Yes, we became very close” her voice was flat. “Due to what happened to the North and your mother, words failed me”

“Do not let it. My mother's death is tragic, but the North suffering is what baffles me these days”

Eryndra shut the book. “Why is that? People may misunderstand you want her gone. Don't you have a pang of grief?”

A shadow fell over Kayara's face.

“Maybe I do” she whispered. “But a memory keeps eating that grief up”

Kayara rose and sat beside Eryndra.

“My mother became the ruler of the North after the death of my father. She was faced challenges but never gave up. I and mother was close once, she showers me with extra care as I was her first daughter. This attracted attention of our small council, but…

I wanted to be unseen, invisible in the eyes of people but my features never allows it” Kayara started. “At the age of ten, males began to notice me. I mistook it as kindness at first until I caught one jerking off at the mention of my name. I avoided them afterward.

However, when I turned fourteen, my mother offered to marry me off as a mistress to the Grand King. I was reluctant, because the king's violent act to the queen was not a mystery, but our home needed power and protection. So I agreed.

I was transported to the palace the next day. The king took liking. I'm to be his official mistress after I turned eighteen, but a month before that, someone lost control.

Aeris.

I barely escaped him that night. As a chosen mistress, I was never to leave the Citedal until the king bed me, but I broke the rule and got dethroned.

Mother was upset.

She said so many hateful words, regretting to send me instead of one of my twin sisters. I felt sad and relief at the same time, because if Aeris have had me, I would have been killed or be his toy for life.

On my eighteen birthday, I was summoned in court to witness the impossible. My mother was officially courting Aeris.”

“What?” Eryndra’s eyes widened. “You didn't tell her what he tried to do?”

“Of course I did. But my mother only looked at me blankly and ignored me. I begged over and over but ended up seeing them marry each other. I left as soon as they did, in hopes my mother will change her mind.

While I waited for them to spilt, I build myself outside my home. Own a brothel and became the most sorted modiste in the realm. Thrifty five years passed, I heard they had a son”

“Jerik” Eryndra whispered.

“It took me eight years to finally go see what he looks like. I never thought my mother would bear another child. But my return was a big mistake.

Aeris seems to have been waiting for my arrival. He acted pure and changed, apologized for his mistake, making me believe he truly loved my mother. But I was wrong.

I fell deep into his lies, obvilious of the trap he set. He veiled me, after a heavy drugging. He did it until his son caught him. I escaped during his distraction and reported him to court, using Jerik as witness.

But my step brother denied seeing anything”

“No he didn't” Eryndra shook her head.

“He was a eleven years boy, threatened by his own father. I may have hate him back then but I hated my mother even more for ignoring the truth she knew. She chose her legacy over me and ever since then, I never saw her again”

“That is horrible” Eryndra fists clenched. “A parent shouldn't be that cruel to her own child”

“It's politics marriage. It's the greatest dangerous power combination in the realm. Mate bond doesn't even beat it. Love barely happens within the nobles, all that matters is the benefits that comes with it. Yes, mother was cruel to marry such a devoius male that hurt her daughter, and I never want to understand it. But I know it greatly harm her from inside, and that enough punishment for her”

Eryndra lowered her gaze. The marriage part landed heavy somewhere in her gut.

“Thanks to Ash,” Kayara continued. “I was able to gather back my pieces. I know I fell for the right male. I would still be broken if not for him”

Eryndra ignored the tightness in her chest.

“But how is the succession going? IS Aeris still the possible successor?”

“The court will decide this evening” Kayara replied. “He is last person I'd let take the North from us”

A knock echoed, a soldier announced the prince summoned her for dinner.

Eryndra almost refused, but the last thing she wanted was to let Kayara know what happened.

On her way, she spot Zarin around a corner, he quickly shifted his attention somewhere else.

Did Theron ask him to stalk her?

Once she was out of sight, Zarin sighed in relief.

“Stalking someone?”

Zarin almost jumped at the voice. He turned to see a familiar male.

“Lord Cassiel?”

“Hi. It's been a while, friend”

“Friend? I don't think you and I are…”

Cassiel suddenly threw his arm around his neck

“Hey come on. Do you forget things easily?”

Zarin yanked his arm away.

“Stay away from me” he hissed and left.

Cassiel smirked and left, but a hand grabbed him on the next corner, slamming his back to the wall.

“Hello baby” Cassiel smirk at Jerik’s glare.

Jerik slammed his back again.

“Stay the hell away from Riri, or I'll gauge your eyes out”

“Riri? I didn't know the Grand Marshal’s squire has such a cute nickname”

“I'm fu***ng warning you” Jerik growled. “I don't know what the f**k you are still doing here but if you do as much as touching a strand of his hair, I will fu***ng ruin you”

Jerik released him harshly and walked away.

Cassiel chuckled as he straightened. He licked his lips, staring at where he'd just left.

~~~~

The dinning room was cold, tension shrouded the air like second skin as Eryndra didn't touch her food, but the prince lips was busy chewing.

She could feel the prince’s eyes boring into her from across the whole time.

They haven't said a word for the past few moments, and Eryndra wanted nothing but for this uncomfortabiity to be over.

Not only Kallias was present in the room, but Da’Gaint also.

His presence bought unwanted memories that made her stomach twist with disgust.

“You're losing weight little queen. Do you miss me that much, you could barely touch food recently?”

Eryndra’s eyes met with his, for a moment, she imagine snatching the knife off the table and sinking it deep into his throat.

“Perharps his highness eats enough for both of us.”

Silence settled.

And then, he smiled.

“There she is. I beginning to think the full moon broke you. That would have been boring, would it not?”

Eryndra forced a herself not to react.

The mention alone made memories crawled her skin.

A sharp thud echoed as he dove a knife to the table.

“I wonder how you manage to softened the heart of my friend” he rose from the chair and began to approach in a very slow predatory manner. “This is the first time in many years he was upset with me. You…”

His voice dropped dangerous.

“I underestimated you to the extend I almost fell for your act. You heard about Lyria and decided to try to be her, however” he paused behind her. “You can never be her”

His hands settled on her shoulder.

“As we know, our wedding is happening in a month” he leaned to her year. “This is a careful moment, so I'll go easy on you, little queen”

Eryndra’s eyes met Da’Gaint’s briefly. Her wolf whimpered at the memories again.

Come on Eryn, you promised not to break.

“We are supposed to have a royal hunt together on the coming full moon, but due to the rogue attack, we'll have to cancel that and do our Oath of rite instead. It’ll happen a week before our wedding”

Eryndra stiffened. “Shouldn't that be a week after our wedding”

Kallias drew in a breath through his teeth.

“I want the realm to know you'll be mine no matter what rumor spread. At this point, my enemies do anything to destroy your reputation. I want them to see unity, and strengthen the houses, that way, all will be in place before our marriage”

Eryndra’s mind raced at the thought of it, but her mouth reluctantly opened and spoke.

“As you wish, your highness”

Kallias silently studied her briefly.

“Get up”

Eryndra rose to her feet and slowly turned to face him.

His cold finger trailed to her neck, ear then to her hair, digging there before titling to the side and pressed his nose there, scent marking her.

Tears stung her eyes and her wolf whimpered.

‘For a little while.’ Gia, her wolf whispered. ‘We’ll find a way to be free’

~~~~~~

By evening, a few gathered in court for the succession of the North.

A heavy silence swallowed the grand court as the nobles settled into their seats.

Aeris stood near the front in dark silver robes, his expression composed like a grieving husband, the ambition subtly simmering beneath it.

Kayara sat opposite him, posture elegant and unshaken despite the tension hanging over the hall.

Jerik remained beside her, jaw tight.

Eryndra remained seated beside the prince silently ignoring another stare making her skin tingle.

She haven't looked at him since.

“Let the matter of succession begin,” one of the elders announced.

Murmurs echoed softly.

Aeris stepped forward first.

“As husband to the Lady of the North, protector of her heirs, and blood tied to House Vantaris through lawful union, I formally request temporary succession over the North until my wife either recovers…” he paused carefully. “Or the Moon Goddess calls her home.”

Several lords nodded immediately.

Of course they would. Aeris had allies.

Powerful ones.

Kayara slowly rose to her feet.

“And I formally oppose it.”

Aeris sighed.

“Kayara—”

“You lost the right to speak my name years ago.”

“It's pointless doing this, knowing right well this matter won't go your way. I am the rightful owner of this succession. Let by gone be by gone, the North need power to keep standing. Not some emotional females clinging to old hatred. The North needs strength, not sentiments”

Silence settled first then the nobles whispered, they looked at her with pure hidden contempt.

The murmur grew wild.

‘That bastard’ Eryndra thought.

“Silence” the elder called out at the rise of the prince’s finger.

Now that that Eryndra thought of it. Why is Kallias calm with what was happening.

One thing she knew was, he won't let Aeris take the North.

Even Aeris noticed and was visibly quite unsettled.

Kayara rose slowly, her voice cutting through the murmurs like a blade.

“You speak of strength and protection, Aeris Dreagan, yet you offer nothing but the same poison that has already weakened our house. You speak of grieving as a husband, but I see only a man who has waited years for my mother to fall so he could finally claim what was never his.”

She stepped forward, eyes blazing with quiet fury.

“The North does not need another ambitious lord who preys on its daughters and discards its honor. It needs loyalty. It needs someone who has bled for it, not someone waiting to drink its blood. I am my mother’s daughter. I have carried her legacy all my life, securing its name in the shadow. If the North must stand, it will stand with me. Not with the man who once tried to break it.”

Aeris chuckled. “What are you talking about. If it isn't for the marriage between I and your mother, the North would have fallen a long time ago?”

“Oh would it?” Kayara raised a brow, the drew out a ledger. “This proof says wrong"

Aeris gaze landed on the ledger, his jaw slacked.

“You paid a fortune to those bandits tormenting our land, just so you could force her into marriage. You twisted our soldiers and Knights, planned for years and have my mother trapped in your hands”

“This is nonsense!” Aeris snapped. “She is lying”

“She is not” Theron rose to his feet. “I confirmed it myself”

Aeris laughed. “You. This is fake! This is absurd. I helped the North, and this is how you pay?!”

Old lady Vantaris glanced up at Kayara, those eyes told the words.

Ruining Aeris won't help their land.

Kayara noticed it to, not much Noble reacted to it.

After all, this was Aeris…

“You think this will save your people?” Aeris scoffed in a low voice. “I am still tied to the North, whether you like it or not. I am still your mother's husband. The more you ruin me, the more you endanger your people. However…”

He drew closer, lowering his voice for her to just hear..

“If you're worried to lose your home then, I should take you as my wife”

Kayara's hand flew straight to his face.

Aeris hissed but a cold warning echoed.

“Touch her and you die Aeris”

Aeris gaze shifted to Theron. He adjusted his clothing.

“She has no power to claim this succession. She barely appears to her people, how can someone as incompetent as her rule”

“Then I shall marry” Kayara’s muttered. Her voice was low, but clearly many heard.

Old Lady Vantaris sat up.

Kayara gave her a smile before stepping out and facing the crown.

“Recently,” her voice echoed calmly, “many have questioned my capability because I chose to remain unseen.”

Her gaze swept across the nobles.

“And perhaps that was my mistake.” She continued. “I spent years believing strength meant survival.” Her eyes sharpened slightly. “I built businesses beneath shadows, gathered wealth without inheriting titles, and protected my house from afar while many of you laughed at the thought of a woman working beyond silk and marriage.”

A few lords visibly stiffened.

Kayara continued anyway.

“But while you called me invisible…” a cold smile touched her lips. “The North continued eating from my coin.”

Murmurs erupted instantly.

Eryndra’s eyes widened slightly.

Even Kallias looked mildly intrigued now.

“The ports of Nashira?” Kayara spoke smoothly. “Half restored through my merchants. The famine three winters ago? My trade routes fed thousands before court funds ever arrived. The western brothels many of you secretly crawl into at night?” her gaze swept across several nobles. “Mine.”

Some noble flexed their jaw. Apparently most of them satisfy their beast because of her achievements.

Kayara straightened, head held high.

“If the North requires a ruler bound through strength, then I shall provide one.”

Old Lady Vantaris’s smile tugged.

Eryndra was deeply curious because it seems Kayara wasn't going to back down.

It was inspiring to see a lady like this fight so head high in court.

This could be her someday.

A smile tugged her lips, but they immediately disappeared when she began to walk towards someone.

Her eyes was unmistakably locked to his.

The moment, Kayara stopped in front of Theron, Eryndra’s beast whimoered painfully.

It felt like the world had just titled.

Kayara hooked her arm around his and faced the court with a smile.

Jerik’s brows pulled together slightly.

Even Kallias stopped lazily spinning the ring around his finger.

Then Kayara finally said it.

“I, Kayara Vantaris, formally announce my courtship to Lord Theron Ashrendel.”

༆𝑻𝑩𝑪༆
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👑 RUTHLESS BOND 👑🔞
{. . . Bloody vow . . . }

By 🌺Mayor🌺

Chapter 77💕78

By 🌺Mayor🌺
_______

NOTE: THIS STORY IS SIGNED, SO STAY THE F^CK AWAY IF YOU'RE HERE TO COPY 🧐

Complete the requirements if you want the next chapter on time. IT'S NOT A HARD TASK.

Ghost readers. Don't blame me if you don't find this page tomorrow.

See you all, when I see you all...✍️

ﾟ⁠.⁠*⁠･⁠｡ﾟ☆ﾟ⁠.⁠*⁠･⁠｡ﾟ
✷HIS WORD✷
____________

ZARIN

Secrets are never easy to keep, especially one heavy enough to cost a life.

Zarin had always been bullied as a child, mostly because of his hair color. He grew up in a monastery with other foundling children who called him names.

The house they live was poor so most time, the old man who took them in only fed them once a day.

So the kids mostly find a way to survive on their own.

Zarin spent his days alone, studying magic books. Something he had oddly taken an interest in, though he never practiced it.

The first time he saw a real sorcerer, he was five years old. The man had white hair just like his.

Zarin excitedly ran to meet him.

“I have white hair like yours. Does that mean I’m a sorcerer?”

The man looked down at him, his own white hair gleaming.

“Of course,” he said, touching Zarin’s hair gently.

“They are real. The kids bullied me all the time for it. I thought I was a freak until I met you.”

The man nodded. “There are barely a few of us left.”

“Why?”

“Because people no longer believe in magic. Sorcerers like us are meant to serve noble houses and are treated like precious gems. We fight, heal, and conduct research. You are not in the right place, kid. How about you come with me?”

Zarin glanced at the old man who had been taking care of him and the other children, worried he would be sad to see him leave.

“Twelve silver coins,” the old man said.

“Eight is all I have,” the sorcerer replied.

Zarin watched as the white-haired man paid.

“Am I a slave now, sire?” he asked worriedly.

“No. You are my squire, for now. You may call me Lenid.”

Lenid served one of the greatest houses of the West, so he was quite wealthy.

Zarin served Lenid for three years while simultaneously learning sorcery alongside the few other students Lenid taught.

Yet he remained the weakest among them, despite possessing pure white hair—unlike the others, whose hair carried touches of brown, gold, or black.

For that, he was hated. Whether it was out of jealousy or because of his weakness, he didn’t know.

Zarin hated himself for being weak. He nearly gave up and resigned himself to being only a squire, but Lenid wouldn’t allow it.

Whatever Lenid saw in him, Zarin hoped he would one day see it too.

And one day, he did.

One of the older boys crossed the line by attacking a female maid because she refused to spread her legs. Then he tried to cut out Zarin’s tongue so he wouldn’t tell anyone.

Everything after that was a blur.

One moment Zarin was struggling, and the next, the fifteen-year-old boy had melted down to the bone.

The scream of the maid shook the walls.

Zarin thought Lenid would send him back to the poorhouse or sell him to some lord, but instead…

He was led into a secret chamber, where he discovered the truth.

It turned out that he and Lenid had full white hair because they carried the blood of the Xetherin—the strongest sorcerers who had once followed the tyrant rogue king, Sorin. Most believed that bloodline had been wiped out, but a few secretly still survived.

What was even more shocking was that Lenid was a rogue, and Zarin was his son.

“I couldn’t kill you. That was why I left you where I did,” Lenid cried. “I was not supposed to continue our bloodline. It was meant to end with me, but I was careless.”

Zarin couldn’t believe his ears.

The shocking revelation made him run away from home.

At first, he wanted to kill himself. A monster like him shouldn’t live. He knew that if his secret ever broke open, he would either be enslaved or tortured to death.

He walked for miles, drank dirty water, let himself collapse, then woke and kept walking.

For almost a month, he let himself suffer.

Then one day, after collapsing down a small hill and bleeding, he was found. He was treated and fed.

At first, he didn’t know who had saved him, but he could tell the male was a regal Lycan. It was the first time he had encountered one.

From the way the thick tunic clung to his broad frame, Zarin could tell he was no ordinary man.

“What is your name, boy?” the Lycan asked.

“Zarin,” he muttered weakly.

“Zarin what?”

“Uhm… just Zarin.”

“And where are you coming from? It looks like you were trying to get yourself killed.”

Zarin swallowed but explained everything—except the part about being a rogue. He simply said he had run from his master’s house after killing a boy.

The male didn’t look at him like he was a monster.

“I would have done the same thing.”

Those words eased something in Zarin’s chest.

“I would have sent you back, but… Lord Lenid died in battle with rogues three days ago.”

Zarin stiffened in shock.

“Sorry, kid. He was a great male. I saw him fight well until the end,” the Lycan said, crouching down. “Either you become my squire and I treat you well, or I send you back to his household safely. Choose.”

Zarin paused, turning everything over in his young mind.

Going back was the last thing he wanted. The remaining students would likely kill him now that Lenid was no longer there to protect him.

“And who might you be, sire?”

The Lycan stared at him for a long second.

“Lord Theron Ashrendel.”

“You… you are… the Grand Marshal. From the Citadel.”

“Yes, and I am in need of a squire. A sorcerer is my top preference.”

If only he knew what the full white-haired bloodline truly meant.

Zarin swallowed in fear. He was staring at one of the most powerful Lycans in the realm, known for his beastly skills.

But still… it felt like a chance.

Becoming Theron’s squire and helping him with missions wasn’t terrible. Though Zarin wished he had never learned what he truly was, he hoped he could at least do something great. That way, when his secret eventually came out, he wouldn’t simply be branded a rogue.

Afraid he might lose control and kill someone again, Zarin locked most of his magic away with a sacred spell, swearing never to release it.

Or it would lead to his exposure.

Until recently.

He broke that sacred promise to himself—all because of one male. And not only that…

He discovered there was another rogue in the Citadel.

That was the only explanation for why Lord Theron hated and rejected his own mate, and held back from confessing to the prince.

Why Eryndra had healed without an antidote.

Why he could hear her scream that night.

Why the Nightling had gone to her.

The prince was already suspicious, and if he found out by any chance, Eryndra would be tortured—and Zarin would be affected too…

Because somehow, Eryndra’s bloodline commanded his own.

And that… he was going to find out.

What connection they both shared.

~~~~~~

“What are you doing here?”

Zarin’s head whipped toward the entrance, his heart leaping into his throat.

“Lord Jerik. How… how long have you been standing there?”

Jerik stepped further into the room, his gaze narrowing first at Zarin’s cloak, then at the way he shifted on his feet, and finally at his face.

“Why are you here?” He sniffed the air and glanced at the fire. “Are you burning something?”

Zarin bit his lower lip.

S**t.

Jerik stepped closer, his tall frame towering over him.

“You never visited after I woke up. Are you avoiding me now?”

“I was… busy.”

“Hm.”

The firelight cast a warm glow across his handsome face. His eyes looked tired, likely from the long travels and endless affairs of state.

“I heard your voice,” Jerik muttered. “While it felt like I was dying, I heard you call my name. My name.”

“You must have heard wrong—”

“You were there,” Jerik cut in, his voice firmer. “The healer said the antidote was already in my system before they arrived. It was you, wasn’t it?”

“No.” Zarin’s response was too quick. It made Jerik frown.

“What’s the point of lying, Zarin? I know you’re the only one who could have found me before the healers did. I simply want to know how you managed it. That rogue gave us only two vials—one for Brielle and the other for Eryndra. How was there a spare for me?”

“What’s the point of asking? You’re fine. That’s what matters.”

“Another person could get hurt. I just want to know how you did it.”

“I must leave. Lord Theron is waiting for me.”

He didn’t even take a second step before Jerik dragged him back and pinned him against the wall.

“You’re dressed like that, sneaking into this abandoned chamber because you know something. Something that involves my poisoning. You know who did it. I’d bet my entire fortune it was Hank.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I need answers. I’m confused, and I need you to spill the fu***ng truth. Hank disappeared, okay? And I mysteriously healed. Tell me something, Zarin, before I go crazy.”

Zarin swallowed, unable to speak.

“You want me to force it out of you?” Jerik raised a brow, his finger slowly snaked his neck, his lips dangerously close to the corner of his own.

He could feel his breath on his face, triggering that buried emotion.

"I have several ways to make you talk. Should I start, Riri?"

F**k, it's been long he heard that name.

“No!” Zarin breath stuttered. “I mean… I am investigating.”

Jerik's second hand slipped beneath the cloak. Zarin's breath stuttered.

“More like you’re hiding something…”

“Fine!” Zarin groaned, snatching himself away. Jerik smirked but it disappeared quickly when he confessed.

“I… I killed Hank.”

For a moment, the room went silent.

“What?”

Zarin bit his tongue.

"You beat that broad male who bullies you? How did you..."

“I’ve been practicing a lot lately, and I got a little stronger," it wasn't a lie nor the truth. "I was mad that he poisoned you… He wanted to kill me as well. It was self-defense.”

Jerik’s shoulder slumped. Jaw slacked.

"That's... Unbelievable. And the antidote?”

“I was able to create it. I never stopped working on it, and I didn’t know it would actually work.”

Jerik’s gaze softened.

“You… saved my life.”

“You’re welcome, my lord.” Zarin mumbled, avoiding his gaze.

Jerik glanced at the fire. “And you must be burning something that could link you to killing Hank. Don’t worry. I’ll protect your secret.”

~~~~~~

“Here, Milady.” Jasmira pulled out a dark-covered book from her dress and handed it to Eryndra.

“No one saw you?”

“Not at all.”

Eryndra gave her a small smile. Jasmira had been the closest maid she'd noticed since arriving here.

They didn’t talk much, but after what happened, the maid had begun doing everything for her, and Eryndra found herself allowing it.

“Thank you, Mira.”

“Anytime.”

Something brushed against Eryndra’s feet. She glanced down and saw a familiar white cat.

“Oh my. You have a cat now? It’s adorable.”

“It is not mine,” Eryndra muttered flatly before lifting her gaze toward Jasmira. “I think you were followed.”

“By a cat?”

“By...” Eryndra looked past her. “Him.”

The maid’s smile vanished instantly as the presence settled behind her.

Color drained from her face the moment she turned.

“My Lord.” She dropped to her knees quickly. “Forgive me. I didn't mean to steal from the library.”

“Leave,” Theron ordered.

Jasmira immediately scurried away.

Then his gaze shifted toward Eryndra as she picked up the cat.

“Axe is fragile,” she murmured. “You shouldn't let her sneak up on people. She could get hurt.”

She stretched the cat toward him.

“I thought you might need some company.”

She raised a brow.

“The last time I tried holding Axe, you nearly bit my head off. Now you're offering her to me?”

He fell silent for a moment before clearing his throat.

"What book are you reading?"

"About rogues. I want truly know myself. I owe myself that"

His jaw flexed at the word 'rogues' so he quickly changed the topic.

“How are you feeling?”

“Better as the days pass,” she replied softly, scratching beneath the cat’s chin.

One would think she was fine.

But she wasn’t.

The fire in her eyes no longer burned as fiercely as before. They had become distant and unreadable.

“I never got to thank you,” she said quietly. “For saving me that night.”

Again—

Theron found himself unable to answer properly.

“Are you not going to say something?” she asked. “I'm certain you came here for a reason.”

He exhaled slowly.

“I came to see if you were alright.”

“I am.”

“Are you?”

She tilted her head slightly.

“If you doubt my answer, then why ask?”

Theron stepped closer, lifting a hand to stroke the cat in her arms. His gaze locked with hers, those ocean-blue eyes staring back at him blankly. Wind swept strands of silver hair across her face, and for a dangerous second—

He wanted to tuck them away.

But the memory of her tear-stained face killed the urge instantly.

“I've come to break my word.”

She said nothing, silently waiting.

“I've decided to let you become queen.” His voice lowered. “I'll allow the marriage to happen. And I will say nothing about your secret.”

The world between them went silent.

He watched her pupils slowly dilate, as though the ground itself had shifted beneath her feet.

Axe meowed softly as Eryndra’s hold tightened around her. Slowly, she lowered the cat to the ground.

Her fingers trembled faintly.

“Why?” Her voice cracked slightly. “Why would you suddenly go back on your word? You were so determined to stop this. So why now?”

The truth was—

He had been asking himself the same thing over and over again.

Yet he still had no answer.

“Isn't this what you wanted?” he asked quietly. “You wanted to become queen. I no longer wish to stand in your way.”

A bitter smile touched her lips.

“Yes. Once. But that was before you showed me the truth.”

Theron frowned slightly.

“The truth about what I am. About this realm.” Her lips trembled faintly. “I'm nothing but a miserable mistake who should not even be alive right now. You made me understand that, Theron.”

Her words settled like a sword digging somewhere into his chest.

“Tarianne...”

“Don't take back your promise,” she cut in softly. “You should end me like you said you would or perhaps I'll simply do it myself.”

His expression darkened instantly.

His hand wrapped firmly around her arm before she could move away.

“No, you won't.” he said. “You know what the Moon Goddess does to souls who take their own lives.”

“The Pit of Fire?” A hollow laugh escaped her. “This already feels no different. And marrying him would be worse.”

Theron’s jaw clenched.

“Besides…” she continued bitterly, “I don't even need to kill myself. I could simply say the right words to the prince and let him slit my throat himself.”

“You don't mean that.”

“Oh, I do.” Her gaze sharpened. “I know exactly what words would make him do it.”

“The realm is already unstable,” Theron said, voice roughening. “If the throne fractures now, if the noble houses divide, we lose this war.” His eyes held hers intensely. “People will die, Tarianne. Thousands.”

He moved closer, hands settling carefully on her shoulders.

“I'll protect you,” he said quietly. “I'll keep your secret buried and make sure no harm comes to you. Even from the prince.”

A scoff escaped her lips.

“So that's all this is?” she whispered bitterly. “For the sake of the realm? You know what I am and what we've done and you still want to throw me into his arms.”

“It doesn't matter what you are,” he muttered. “I don't want you to die anymore.”

Her expression shifted at those words.

“You agreed to the honing,” she whispered. “And now all I see in your eyes is pity.”

She yanked herself from his hold.

Then slowly—

She nodded.

“Fine. I'll marry the prince.”

Theron’s shoulders subtly loosened in relief. But his beast did not, because he instantly imagine the Kallias arms around Eryndra whispering the vows.

Or perhaps it was the look in her eyes that felt wrong.

“However…” she murmured softly.

Her eyes cold.

“I'm going to kill him once I do.”

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