Chapter Three – Masks of Loyalty
Night draped itself over Chicago, the skyline glowing with a thousand fractured lights. From her penthouse balcony, Lucinda stared at the city she ruled, her empire stretching like threads of gold through every corner of fashion, wealth, and power.
Yet she couldnt silence the echo of Hades Slayers words.
Every empire burns eventually.
Who lights the match?
Her pulse quickened at the memory of his voice, the shadows clinging to him like armor. He unsettled her in ways she despisedyet some part of her, the reckless part, wanted him to return just to feel that pull again.
But she wasnt foolish. She knew danger when it stalked her door.
And tonight, it was closer than she realized.
---
The Watcher
Cassian moved through the penthouse corridors like a phantom, his steps silent, his presence sharper than the air itself. Most of Lucindas staff feared him more than they feared her. He had been her fathers trusted right hand before she inherited Éternelle, and when death swallowed the old man, Cassian had pledged his loyalty to Lucinda.
But loyalty was a mask.
And masks cracked.
Lucinda found him waiting in her study, standing in the shadows near the window, his tall frame rigid, his sharp features lit faintly by moonlight. He was a beautiful man in a dangerous way, carved of ice and flame.
Youve been quiet, she said, folding her arms. Her commanding aura sharpened her words, but her eyes searched him for cracks. Speak whats on your mind.
Cassians gaze flicked to her, unreadable. That manHades Slayerhe cannot be trusted. Hes not like the others who circle you like vultures. Hes something else.
You think I dont know that? she bit back. You think I cant handle him?
I think, Cassian said slowly, stepping closer, that your fathers enemies will never stop hunting you. And Hades Slayer might be one of them.
The way he said itlike a blade twistingmade her throat tighten.
---
The First Crack
Lucindas eyes narrowed. Why do you hate him so much? You dont even know him.
Something flickered across Cassians face. For the first time, his composure faltered.
I know enough.
He turned away, but she caught his wrist. Cassian.
He froze, the tension in his arm betraying him. For years, he had been her shadow, her silent protector, the man who stepped between her and every storm. She had trusted him with her life.
But now, in the silence, the truth pressed between them like a vice.
What are you hiding from me? she whispered.
He met her gaze finally, and in his eyes, she saw ithatred, raw and festering. Not for her. Not exactly. But for the blood in her veins.
My family, he said, voice low, guttural, had an empire too. Before your father destroyed it.
The words struck like a blow.
Her breath caught, her hand slipping from his wrist. What are you saying?
Im saying, Cassian whispered, his jaw tightening, that I swore Id make the Morretis bleed for what they took from me. Every smile, every bow, every oath of loyalty Ive given youit was built on vengeance.
---
The Dangerous Truth
Lucinda staggered back a step, her pulse hammering. Then why stay? Why protect me?
His eyes softened, almost painfully, and it made the confession even sharper.
Because youre not your father. Because youre stronger. Because every time I thought about ending this I couldnt. I couldnt hurt you.
The admission felt like fire licking at her skindangerous, intoxicating.
But it didnt erase the truth.
Cassian wasnt just her protector.
He was her enemy.
And if his words were true, then the war she faced wasnt just with Hades Slayer. It was with the people closest to herpeople she trusted to guard her back.
---
A phone buzzed on her desk, shattering the moment. Lucindas eyes darted to the screen. The message was short, unsigned.
The Devil isnt the only one in your bed. Look closer.
Her blood ran cold. She lifted her gaze, but Cassian was already gonevanished into the night like a shadow melting into shadows.
She pressed a trembling hand to her lips, her body caught between rage, fear, and betrayal.
And for the first time, Lucinda wondered if she had already lost control of her empire.
🔥 End of Chapter Three 🔥