Chapter 35: The Sense to Sin
I ran through the hallway, my heart pounding against my chest like a wild drum. My breath came out in sharp gasps, and I had no idea what I was running from — or maybe I did. Did I just run away from him?
My cheeks burned, not just from the sprint but from something far deeper — something I couldn't quite name. Every time I was around him, I felt like my chest would collapse. My breath would hitch, my thoughts scatter. What was wrong with me? Why do I always feel so… spellbound?
It had to be part of his charm. One of his many tasks. A twisted skill he had perfected over time — drawing people in, pulling them under his spell. But I wasn't going to be one of those people. No, I wouldn't fall. I slowed my pace and walked briskly down the marble hallway, trying to pull myself together.
I didn't notice her until I was just a few feet away.
"Princess Ravena," a soft voice called, snapping me from my thoughts.
I looked up and found Seraphina walking toward me, a warm smile gracing her delicate face. Her long silver hair shimmered beneath the sunlight filtering in from the arched windows.
"Hello, Princess Seraphina. How are you?" I asked, trying to mask the turmoil behind my voice.
"I'm good," she replied cheerfully. "I checked on you earlier, but you were still asleep. You must've been exhausted."
She came closer. To my surprise, she pulled me into a soft embrace. I froze. It wasn't something I was expecting — not from her. But I didn't resist.
She pulled back slightly and looked into my eyes with concern. "Why did you go to war with them, Ravena? Do you have any idea what could've happened to you? Anything could've gone wrong."
"I'm fine," I said quickly, brushing it off. "Really, Seraphina. I'm okay."
She studied my face for a moment, then offered a knowing smile. "I didn't know you were a swordswoman. You fight with such grace."
I laughed lightly. "Thank you."
"My brother said you're the one who picked the most beautiful gifts for me," she added, clasping her hands with joy. "Especially the hats. They're all so perfect."
I blinked, confused. "Gifts?"
"Yes. The ones from my brother. I gave him a list of things I liked and he said you helped choose them. He said your taste was… unmatched."
"He said that?" I asked, stunned.
"Of course," she replied with a small nod. "I truly love all of them. Thank you."
"Well… I'm glad I could help," I said, offering her a genuine smile.
Then her expression shifted slightly — from innocent to curious. "You know, he seems to fancy you, Princess Ravena."
My smile faded.
"Prince Damier has never been one to show affection — to anyone. You seem… different to him. Special."
I looked away, awkward and unsure how to respond. "I think you're mistaken, Seraphina."
Her smile remained, but it lost its warmth. "Am I? The man you speak of — the one who holds the command to destroy your kingdom and end your father's reign — isn't quite who you think he is."
I blinked. "What do you mean?"
She leaned closer, her voice lowering. "He didn't make the order to kill your father. In fact, he was the one who insisted that the royal family be spared. I shouldn't be telling you this… but I trust you."
I stared at her in disbelief.
"My brother is known as the Soul War of Noctarion. Ruthless. Feared. A god of war, undefeated in every battle against our enemies. He never bends. Never shows mercy. But for some reason… with you, he did. I've never seen him let a woman into the knight's circle before. Never."
I clenched my jaw. "I am more than just a woman, Seraphina."
She smiled again, nodding slowly. "Exactly. That's what I mean. He sees something in you. And it's rare. You're rare, Princess Ravena."
There was something in her eyes now — cold, almost soulless. A look I had seen too often in this kingdom. It always unsettled me. But Seraphina was different — or at least I thought she was. Her smile was warm, but her energy carried something ancient, unreadable. Dangerous.
"I should be going," she said softly.
"Okay… see you," I murmured.
She turned and walked away down the long hallway. I watched her go, something tugging at my chest. I couldn't shake the feeling. Something wasn't right around here.
Everything about this place — the people, their smiles, their eyes — it all felt… hollow.
I sighed and turned away, walking toward the Rose Garden. The scent of roses usually calmed me. I needed clarity, a moment to think.
But I couldn't stop replaying Seraphina's words in my head.
Prince Damier spared my life.
He saw something in me.
He fancied me.
A war god, showing mercy?
What was I becoming?
And why, despite every warning, did something about that man make me want to lose all control — to sin?