Seraphim stared at Aridalle blankly… or should he say the key.
It was glowing brighter than usual.
"You're giving it willingly?"
Aridalle nodded, forcing a brave face even though she was trembling inside. Who knew? That key might be her life source… and once it was removed, she might be gone.
"I'd rather die than watch you kill innocent people because of a key that's in my possession."
Seraphim chuckled. The sound was cold and humourless, his gold eyes glinting like fire.
"I'll gladly take it."
In an instant, he was right in front of her.
Aridalle squeezed her eyes shut as his hand entered inside her body—like dipping a hand into water.
Seraphim's eyes glowed brighter as he reached for the key…
And the moment his fingers brushed it—
Electric sparks exploded from it and hit him.
He withdrew his hand immediately, shock flashing across his face.
Did the key just… repel him?
Seraphim stepped back, rage rising within him like a storm.
Outside, the weather shifted violently. The wind howled. Thunder roared, as if the skies themselves were defending something.
Aridalle stumbled back in fear, her eyes darting around.
An ominous aura filled the room. The air turned thick and heavy, giving her goosebumps.
"W-What's happening?" she squeaked.
Her body had returned to normal.
Seraphim smirked as he gazed at her.
She had offered the key willingly… and still, he couldn't touch it.
"You keep surprising me, human."
One look at him made her shrink back even further.
There was a terrifying deadpanned look on his face. Dark shadows behind him grew bigger, swallowing the light.
"I-I don't understand," she stuttered, growing pale.
His eyes grew colder with every second that passed as they scanned her—like she was something he wanted to tear apart.
He gave her one last look, then strode out, leaving the air freezing and the room eerily quiet.
Aridalle's knees gave out.
She collapsed to the floor, sweat dripping down her face. She leaned back against the bed, hugging her knees tightly, trying to stop the trembling.
"Y-you can do this…" she whispered to herself.
"He is your husband… no need to be scared."
But even as she said it, her heart didn't believe her.
✯
✧ STARR VILLA
Maelynn sat in her room, combing her long silky hair while on a video call with Courtney.
Maelynn: "So bae, any updates from Jace? Are you still fighting?"
Courtney: "Nah. We settled it."
Maelynn: "What caused it?"
Courtney: "I'm sure I told you." sighs "He didn't like my dressing at the party last week."
Maelynn smirked.
Maelynn: "I told you that dress was too exposed, but you ignored me."
Courtney pouted.
Courtney: "Yeah… that was my fault."
pauses, hearing her mum calling her
"I have to go now, bae."
Maelynn: "Alright. See you tomorrow."
She cut the call.
Maelynn resumed combing her hair and packed it into a ponytail.
The door opened and Miguel stepped in, looking calm as always.
"Hey, big bro," she muttered, still focused on the mirror.
Miguel leaned on the door frame. "I'm here to ask about Aridalle… You don't make friends that easily. Is that the case, or is there more to it?"
Maelynn smiled and faced him.
"I don't see her as a friend. Tsk tsk. She's naive… so it'll be easy to get what I want from her."
Miguel's eyes narrowed. "Which is?"
"More fame, of course. Just her first day of resuming and she's trending on our school website."
Miguel scoffed. His sister could do anything for fame.
"Yeah… I can see that."
Maelynn sighed dreamily.
"And the juicy part is… there have been rumours of her being connected to the anonymous sponsor of the school."
Miguel's expression shifted slightly.
"Remember that person has the largest shares in Everland."
"Really?" he asked.
"Yes. I'm guessing she's related to a big shot… or married. Remember she said she has a husband."
Miguel rolled his eyes.
This wasn't the first time she'd used someone as a stepping stone.
"Another pawn."
Maelynn chuckled. "You know me well, brother."
pauses, smirking
"Why are you asking? Are you interested in her?"
Miguel stood straight, boredom returning to his face.
"I don't do children. And besides, she's married."
Maelynn chuckled and turned back to the mirror.
"Then we have no problem."
Miguel scoffed and walked out.
✯
✧ ENCHANTED CASTLE — SERAPHIM'S SUITE
Seraphim leaned on the reading desk, still chuckling.
What just happened had amused him… and irritated him at the same time.
It was like the key had a mind of its own.
And it rejected him.
He slammed his fist on the table, trying to control his anger.
He had never lost control of his temper…
But here he was—losing it.
Each time he came close to the key, it slipped away from his fingers like fate was mocking him.
"Damn that old man," he swore under his breath, irritation rising.
"Nyxeria."
With the twinkle of an eye, she appeared immediately—like she'd been waiting her whole life for that moment.
"You called for me, my Lord," she said sweetly.
She took slow steps toward him, biting her lips as she drank in his handsome appearance—broad shoulders, sharp jaw, and a face that could ruin kingdoms.
"My Lord, I—"
In a blink, he was in front of her.
He slammed her against the wall, trapping her there with a cold dominance that made her breath hitch.
"Shut your mouth."
Nyxeria's eyes widened, heat flooding her entire body.
Seraphim stepped back, his gaze scanning her like she was nothing but a distraction he needed.
"Strip."
She gulped, excitement flashing through her veins.
"Yes, my Lord."
Her hands went to the zip slowly, the gown sliding down until it pooled at her feet.
Seraphim's gaze darkened.
"On the table."
Nyxeria obeyed instantly, trembling as she bent over.
Seraphim's hand landed on her hip, pulling her closer.
"Good girl."
The room filled with heavy breaths and the creaking of furniture.
Nyxeria's moans rose, muffled by the walls as Seraphim drowned his rage in flesh and control—moving like a storm that needed somewhere to break.
✯
✧ ARIDALLE'S SUITE
Aridalle lay face-up on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.
"Why didn't he take the key…?" she muttered, palming her face.
"Ugh. He's so confusing."
The door creaked open and Zenovia slipped inside, bowing.
"My lady."
Aridalle sat up, ignoring the small happiness she felt at seeing her. She forced a straight face.
"What is it?"
Zenovia bit her lips and took a deep breath.
"It is time for your bath."
✯
✧ BATHROOM
Aridalle stepped out of her dress, her beautiful figure coming into view.
She wasn't curvy like Nyxeria. She didn't have big breasts.
But her body was perfect—like a porcelain doll.
She slipped into the bathtub filled with scented water and lavender flowers.
"Uhh… so refreshing."
Zenovia bent down and began scrubbing her gently with a sponge.
The air between them was thick. Heavy.
The tension was noticeable.
"My lady, I—"
Aridalle cut her short. "You're not allowed to talk to me."
Zenovia sighed. "I know… but please hear me out."
Her voice lowered, sincere.
"I'm deeply sorry for deceiving you. Believe me, it wasn't my intention. I was just carrying out orders…"
"You know how ruthless Lord Seraphim can be when his order is disobeyed."
Aridalle stared into the bath water.
"Yeah… I know that."
Zenovia paused.
"Forgive me," she whispered, tearing up. "I never wanted to do it. But my hands were tied."
Aridalle sighed.
She wasn't the type to keep malice.
"It's okay, Via," she muttered. "I understand."
Zenovia froze.
"Really?!"
"Yes," Aridalle said softly. "I forgive you."
Zenovia hugged her tightly, forgetting she was wet and nude.
"Thank you so much, my lady… I'll never break your trust again."
Aridalle smiled and hugged her back.
"I'm glad to hear that."
✯
✧ SERAPHIM'S SUITE — FEW HOURS LATER
Nyxeria lay on the bed wrapped in a sheet, naked underneath.
A satisfied smile played on her lips.
"Things are finally turning up," she murmured. "I thought this would never happen."
She sighed dreamily, hugging a pillow as she replayed what happened.
Seraphim hadn't let her go until after many rounds…
And she'd been begging for mercy.
The door creaked open.
Aridalle stepped inside.
She froze the moment she saw Nyxeria lying comfortably on the bed.
"What is this mistress doing here…?" she thought, confused.
Nyxeria sat up, her eyes gleaming.
Could this day get any better?
"Oh look who it is…" she purred. "The forgotten human wife."
Aridalle blinked. "Forgotten?"
Nyxeria smiled.
"Yes. Is there any other word to describe it?"
"Lord Seraphim is mine alone. Even though he's married to you…"
"I still warm his bed."
Aridalle stared at her blankly, then tilted her head.
"Warm his bed… how? Set it on fire or…?"
Nyxeria scoffed. "Are you dumb too or what?"
A colder voice interrupted them.
"What are you doing here?"
Seraphim stepped in, wearing nothing but a towel around his lower body. Water rolled from his hair down to his chest.
Nyxeria's eyes shone.
Aridalle stepped back instinctively.
Seraphim's voice was colder than usual.
"What gave you the mind to walk into my suite, human?"
"I-I'm sorry, my Lord, but I—"
He cut her off.
"Leave."
Aridalle's breath hitched.
Seraphim stepped closer, eyes glowing faintly.
His face showed ultimate disgust.
"Don't let me see your face until I send for you."
"Am I understood, human?"
Aridalle bowed, trying to ignore the smug triumph on Nyxeria's face.
"Of course, my—"
Before she could finish, he turned his back and walked away.
Aridalle hurried out.
Nyxeria bit her lips, holding back laughter.
The joy in her heart had no bounds.
✯
✧ VIP HOTEL — OUTSKIRTS OF THE CITY
In an expensive hotel located at the outskirts of the city—VIP suite, to be precise—Drizella walked into the sitting room with a glass of wine, smiling broadly.
But she stopped dead.
Her smile dropped instantly.
Seraphim was seated in her sitting room, legs crossed, calm expression on his face.
"My Lord…" she muttered, hurrying forward to bow. "It has been centuries since we've seen each other."
Seraphim tapped his fingers on the chair arm, clearly impatient.
"Let's cut the chase and go straight to the point."
Drizella nodded nervously.
"Look into the key bearer's future. Tell me what you see."
Drizella frowned, remembering what happened the last time she tried.
"I can't, my Lord. A strong force stops me from doing that…"
mumbling "Seriously, you're like a god… coming to me is shameful—"
Before she could process what was happening, she was slammed against the wall roughly.
"Have you forgotten it's me you're talking to, witch?"
"Or you mistook me for Vaelric?"
Drizella groaned in pain, fear flooding her.
Seraphim chuckled dryly.
"I guess this amulet is making you forget who rules, right?"
"No, no, my Lord!"
Ignoring her pleading, he dipped his hand into her chest area, fingers brushing the amulet.
"You hid it here… close to your heart."
Drizella began sweating furiously.
"Forgive me… please."
Seraphim chuckled, eyes glinting.
"Let's make you humble and miserable at once… shall we?"
✿