Calvus's eyes gleamed the moment Aurelia stepped into the room, his breath hitching as if her presence had struck him directly in the chest. He blinked hard, shaking off the initial shock, then wiped a hand across his eyes, determined to take in the reality before him.
She was stunning, the red dress hugging her frame perfectly, the gold accents enhancing her pale skin. Her white hair was elegantly pinned, every glint of metal catching the light as she moved, giving her an air of danger and allure.
Despite the desire to admire her, a fierce jealousy roared within him, sharp and intoxicating. His jaw tightened as he assessed her, every inch igniting that familiar, unwelcome fire beneath his ribs.alousy burning sharp and poisonous beneath his ribs.
She was strikingly beautiful, and the sight of her in that dress ignited a fierce intensity within him. He couldn't help but feel a bitter twist of frustration at how the fabric hugged her figure perfectly, at how her hair shimmered like moonlight, and at the unsettling thought that someone like Tenebrarum would be captivated by her allure. That idea coursed through him like venom, tightening his jaw in irritation.
"You look different," he said, the words coming out in a taut whisper, his voice laced with an unsettling intensity. His gaze roamed over her, as if he wanted to imprint her image in his mind while simultaneously wishing to erase her from sight. "Too different, too bright for the ball."
His fingers twitched at his side, a restless urge to reach out, to pull her closer or shield her from the onlookers, from any whisper or gaze that might question what belonged to him. Though she was not his to claim, the truth gnawed at him, fueling the fire of jealousy that burned even brighter.
"It's nice, but—" Calvus began, his voice low and intense, keeping his gaze locked on her, as if he couldn't bear to look away. "You'll attract attention again, and the dark humans thrive on this kind of desire."
His fingers twitched at his side, restless and possessive, hovering as if battling the urge to pull her closer, to shield her from any gaze that wasn't his.
"I wear whatever I want," Aurelia interrupted firmly, lifting her chin defiantly, the red-and-gold dress gleaming in the morning light as she turned away from him.
With a confident stride, she stepped past him, the skirts of her dress sweeping gracefully through the air. "Are we going," she called back over her shoulder, "or are you going to keep staring?"
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Outside, the carriages stood ready—dark, polished wood gleaming in the sunlight, silver reins glinting as horses stomped impatiently on the ground while servants swiftly loaded the last of the trunks. The coachmen looked poised to depart. The air was filled with a blend of cold metal and rose oil, remnants of her meticulous preparation still lingering on her skin.
Aurelia approached with unwavering confidence, her heart steady and resolute against any trace of fear, suspicion, or hesitation.
Calvus trailed a few steps behind, his jaw set, his gaze locked on her with an intensity that was impossible to ignore.
"You'll stay with me," he said, voice low and firm as they reached the carriage steps, his tone wrapping around her like a protective grip.
Aurelia froze for a moment. His stare was too intense, too hungry, and filled with something she couldn't trust—something she wasn't ready to name.
Even though she wanted answers from him, and even if he had helped her with Marcus, she didn't feel safe. Not trapped in a moving carriage. Not alone.
She took a step back.
"No," she said, quickly moving toward the second carriage where Sorana sat stiffly inside. "I'll stay with Sorana."
The space was cramped and crowded, filled with bags, fabrics, and neatly stacked boxes. But at least she wouldn't be alone with Calvus. Here, she could breathe.
Aurelia climbed in and pulled the door shut before Calvus could speak again. His expression tightened—hurt, anger, and jealousy flickering all at once—but he said nothing, simply standing there as if the breath had been knocked out of him.
She selected the crowded carriage.
She picked the uncomfortable seat.
She embraced the distance.
Because distance provided a sense of safety.
For now.
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Aurelia's POV.
The carriage was cramped, every bump jostling me against the hard walls, but I welcomed the discomfort—at least I wasn't alone with that traitorous human. Calvus… I could still feel his gaze crawling under my skin, igniting a fierce resolve within me. Human, liar, betrayer; I whispered these truths to myself as my fingers tightened around the folds of my dress. I will never trust you. You think you can win me over by handing me Marcus, the very one I know you sent to kill my father?
Sorana sat across from me, her demeanor stiff and calculated, and though I couldn't shake my anger toward her for her part in Felicia's death, I had to admit: right now, she was the lesser evil. The realization left a bitter taste in my mouth, but it was true—I'd rather be trapped with her than with that obsessed, filthy man.
The carriage rattled along the uneven road, but I held my ground, fixing my gaze firmly on the window and the blur of the outside world. I didn't need to look at Sorana or engage in conversation. I didn't want to be anywhere near anyone who had the power to touch my life—or end it.
"I will survive this," I declared softly through clenched teeth. I have to. The palace awaited me, and so did Tenebrarum. I would face him on my terms, not theirs.
I would outlast Calvus, I would outmaneuver Sorana, and I would prevail against everything this cursed world threw at me.
Even if it cost me everything, even if it ripped apart the very fabric of my life...
I will destroy the realms of the dark creatures.
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To be continued...