Ariana had kissed Kairo like she was still that hidden girl in the hills.
But she wasn't.
She was the heir of Veyl now.
And for the first time, she had the attention of two kings — one from her past, one from her pain.
"You still love him."
Kairo's voice was calm, but his eyes betrayed the fire beneath.
Ariana stepped back, heart tangled.
"I don't know what I feel anymore."
"Then let me remind you."
He reached into his cloak and pulled out a thin, ancient scroll — sealed with the royal crest of Veyl.
"What is this?" she asked.
"Your birthright," Kairo said. "And my alliance."
"Alliance?"
"Marry me."
The air left her lungs.
"What—"
"A political union," Kairo said, voice steady but low. "You become Queen of Veyl. I reclaim my title by your side.
And we bring down this kingdom together."
She stared at him — stunned, shaken, tempted.
"You'd marry me just for war?"
"I'd marry you just to keep him from touching you again."
"Damian?"
Kairo's jaw clenched. "He ruined you. He fed you lies. And I'd die before I watch you crawl back."
Meanwhile…
Damian stood on the castle balcony, gripping the rail so tightly his knuckles bled.
"She kissed him."
"She's not yours anymore," Selene whispered from behind.
"She was never yours."
Back in the tower room, Ariana turned the scroll over in her hands.
"You came back after all these years," she whispered. "And the first thing you offer me is a crown."
Kairo stepped closer, his voice almost a growl.
"No. The first thing I offer you is power. The second..."
His hand slid over her waist, pulling her flush against him.
"Is a night you'll never forget."
Her breath hitched.
"And the third?"
"Revenge."
That night, she didn't sleep.
Not with Damian pounding at her door like a storm.
Not with Kairo standing guard at her window like a shadow she'd invited in.
Two men.
One future.
One flame.
And a war waiting for her yes.