Lila led me quietly to my room. The soft rustle of my gown echoed in the silence as she began to undress me.
"Did you have a nice time, madam?" she asked gently.
"Yes," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Did you enjoy spending time with His Highness?" she asked again, glancing at me through the mirror.
"Yes…" I answered hesitantly, avoiding her eyes.
She paused for a moment, then gave a warm smile as she helped untie the last ribbon. "I know it's hard for you right now, Your Highness. Because you don't remember."
Her words made something twist inside me—guilt? Confusion?
"But I'm here for you," she said, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "always"
"Okay," I said softly as she finished undressing me.
She bathed me with care, the warm water relaxing my tense muscles. Then she gently rubbed scented oils into my skin and helped me into another elegant gown. By the time we were done, the sun had already dipped below the horizon—it was time for dinner.
Lila led me downstairs once again. As we walked through the grand corridors, I kept my eyes sharp, studying every hallway, every door, every turn—searching for any possible way to escape.
When we reached the dining hall, Ciel was already there, seated and waiting. He looked up the moment I entered, his eyes lighting up as he stood and walked toward me.
Without a word, he offered his hand.
This time, I took it.
And I willingly sat beside him.
He looked surprised but happy.
"You're willing this time?" he asked with a teasing grin. "You didn't like my flying trick, huh?"
I glared at him and turned my attention to my food, refusing to entertain his smugness. I began to eat in silence.
Then I felt something soft brush against the corner of my mouth.
"You have something on your face," Ciel said gently as he wiped it away with a handkerchief.
"Oh," I murmured, the heat rising in my cheeks as I quickly turned away.
"I can do it myself," I added, snatching the handkerchief from his hand, trying to ignore the warmth spreading across my face.
"Okay," he said, finally backing off.
As we ate, I couldn't help but stare at him—his silver hair shimmering under the chandelier, his sharp jawline, those soft, pale lips as he bit into his food. He looked almost unreal... hauntingly beautiful. He looked up, and I quickly turned my face away, heat rushing into my cheeks.
What was I doing?
He kidnapped me. He was a demon. And here I was, admiring him? I cursed myself in my head.
"Why were you staring at me, love?" he asked with a teasing smile.
"I wasn't," I muttered, trying to compose myself.
"I'm pretty sure you were."
"Shut up," I snapped, burying my face in my food.
"Don't eat like that, love, or you'll choke," he said, chuckling as he took the plate from me.
"Hey!" I protested, but before I could say more, I felt the air beneath me shift—magic—and suddenly I was floating, then gently placed onto his lap.
"Let me feed you," he said softly.
"I can—" I started, but the words caught in my throat as he gently lifted a spoon to my lips. Embarrassed, I let him feed me. My face burned, but... it wasn't just from shame. There was something else.
Then I shifted, and a bit of soup slipped down my chin.
"Stay still," he whispered, his voice lower now. "Look, you spilled some. Let me get that."
I expected a handkerchief.
Instead, I froze as I felt the warm slide of his tongue trail from the edge of my lip down to the top of my shoulder. My breath caught, my thoughts a blur.
He looked up at me, his eyes full of something deeper—dangerous—and kissed me softly, then deeper. My body reacted before I could stop it, my hands wrapping around his neck.
Then—
Bang!
The doors flew open.
"Your Highness!" Jason's voice rang out, panic and awkwardness lacing his tone. He froze in place, clearly horrified.
Ciel exhaled sharply, annoyed. "What is it?"
"I—I apologize, I didn't know... it's about the information you requested," Jason stammered.
Ciel gently helped me off the table, brushing my hair behind my ear and kissing my forehead. "Goodnight, my love," he said quietly before leaving with Jason.
"Lila!" he called, and she appeared almost instantly.
"Take her to her room," he ordered, and Lila led me upstairs in silence, my heart still racing, my mind even more confused than before.
As Lila bathed me, I couldn't stop thinking about what had happened in the dining hall—his tongue, that kiss… My face burned red with embarrassment. Why did it feel so good? Why did I let him do that? Why did I kiss him back?
He kidnapped me. He trapped me here.
And yet… I responded to him.
I shook my head, trying to push the thoughts away. Lila dressed me in a soft nightgown and tucked me into bed. "Goodnight, Your Highness," she said with a small smile before leaving the room.
But I couldn't sleep. My thoughts kept replaying that moment—his eyes, his touch, I pulled the covers up to my chin, my heart racing.
Suddenly, I heard a gentle voice.
"Clara."
I sat up quickly, eyes wide.
"Lucien?" I gasped.
He stood there at the foot of my bed, a warm smile on his face. Without thinking, I ran into his arms. He held me tightly.
"Are you alright?" he asked softly.
"Yes," I whispered.
"I hope they haven't done anything to hurt you."
"No," I said, though my face flushed again as the memory of the dining hall came back.
He noticed. "What happened?"
"Nothing," I mumbled, looking away. "You're back..."
"Yes, but I may not be able to meet you every day," he said gently.
My heart sank. "Oh."
"But don't worry. I'll check up on you when I can." He smiled again, trying to comfort me.
"Lucien, I want to leave this place. You said I could still go back. How?"
He hesitated. "I don't know, Clara. There's still a lot I can't explain."
"But why… Why do I have to get close to him?" I asked. "Why does that matter?"
Lucien's voice turned serious. "Because it's the only way to survive. He sees you as his queen. If you keep resisting him, there's no telling what he'll do. But if you make him fall in love with you… if he trusts you… he might reveal things. Things that could help you get out."
"But I'm trapped, Lucien. I can't leave unless he wants me to."
"Exactly," he said. "That's why you have to pretend. Pretend you love him. Act like your memories are returning. Gain his trust."
"I… I don't know if I can."
"That's all I can tell you for now," he said, his voice full of regret.
And with that… he vanished.
I sat on the bed, staring at the empty space where he stood.
Lucien was right.
If I ever wanted a chance at escaping, I had to play along. I had to make him believe I was falling for him. He was happy today when I got closer… Maybe that's the key.
I curled up under the blankets, clutching them to my chest. My mind drifted back to my family. Were they searching for me? Were they crying for me?
"I'm going to come back," I whispered to myself.
No matter what it takes.
MEANWHILE, IN THE HEAVENLY REALM
LUCIEN'S POV
I walked the radiant road, golden beneath my feet, with clouds swirling softly all around me. As I approached the towering golden gates of Heaven, two guards stepped in my path.
"Stop right there, Lucien," one of them said, glaring. "You know you're not welcome here."
I gave him a casual smile and reached into my bag. "Actually, I am."
I held out a golden invitation. The guard snatched it from my hand, his expression darkening as he read. "You've been summoned by the Archangel Ael?" he muttered in disbelief.
He handed it back reluctantly and stepped aside. "Fine. Go in."
As I entered, the familiar radiance of Heaven nearly blinded me. Angels flew gracefully above, but their beauty was marred by the disgusted glances they threw my way. I ignored them. I had missed this place… this feeling. It was once my home.
"Lucien," a voice called behind me.
I turned to see a high-ranking angel. "Archangel Ael is waiting for you. Follow me."
He led me up to the Third Chamber—one of the highest in all of Heaven. When I entered, I saw him. Archangel Ael. With flowing golden hair, piercing blue eyes, and wings that shimmered like sunlight. The rumors were true. He was breathtaking.
"Good day," I said respectfully as I stepped in.
"Sit," he said coldly, cutting me off before I could say more.
I obeyed.
"Let's get to the point," he said. "You claimed to know how to kill the Demon King. I've let you in because you seemed desperate. But how do I know you're telling the truth?"
I smiled again. "Because I know where his heart is."
He froze, eyes widening in shock.