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Waking up and coming face-to-face with someone from your dreams is terrifying. But it's even worse when that person turns out to be the king—and your best friend's brother. I knew it was wrong to walk into his room uninvited. And now, standing in front of him, I can tell from the look on his face—he's not happy to see me.
"Who are you?" he asked, his voice firm and expression unreadable.
I was already in trouble—and it was just the first day of his return. I didn't want him to know who I really was. I knew that would be impossible, especially since I was living under his roof. Still… not yet.
"What would you do to me if I don't answer your question?"
He gave a cold, uncomfortable smirk.
"Do you really want to find out?" His tone carried a threat. I felt it in my spine, but I tried not to show my fear.
Why this? I thought. He looks like the same dashing, handsome man from my dreams… but he doesn't act like it. Why can't the people from my dreams ever be nice?
Suddenly, his grip on my arm tightened. Pain shot through me.
"Let me go—you're hurting me!"
"You know what to do if you want to be free," he said darkly.
I hated every second of it. How could someone so attractive be so… cruel? I didn't want to hurt him, but he was hurting me. So, while he was off guard, I did the only thing I could think of. I kneed him hard between the legs.
Just as expected, he let go and doubled over in pain. Without hesitation, I ran.
---
ZOAR – Erica's Kingdom
The room was dimly lit, a single candle flickering on a wooden table. The door creaked open, and the sound of footsteps echoed into the silence.
A figure stepped into the light, his face now visible to the man seated behind the table.
"You sent for me?"
"Yes," the man said. "It seems our plan has fallen through. Our target is nowhere to be found—and her foolish guardians have no idea where she is. The alliance is off... at least until she's found alive. Here. A little gift for your troubles."
He pushed a box across the table.
"What's this?"
"Open it."
The visitor lifted the lid to reveal a magnificent weapon. A wide-bladed sword, enchanted and engraved with golden carvings. Embedded in its handle were gleaming, blood-red rubies.
"The Great Blades of Banishment."
"Will this do?"
"It will."
"Pleasure doing business, Jarel."
"The pleasure is mine," Jarel replied, carrying the box as he exited the room.
As soon as he left, a large man stepped from the shadows.
"Make sure he doesn't leave this realm alive with that weapon."
"Yes, my lord."
---
HEDRON – Azreal's Kingdom
I was heading to my room to grab my things and leave. I knew I wasn't going to be on good terms with the king after what happened. But where would I go? I didn't know anyone or anywhere on Earth.
Suddenly, I bumped into a tall man, completely covered in armor.
"I'm really sorry," I said, about to keep walking.
"Wait. I've never seen your face before," he said.
"That's because I'm not from here. I came to stay with a friend."
"So… you'll be here for a while?"
"Maybe."
"Well, may I—"
He was interrupted by Eve.
"Erica, there you are! I didn't see you earlier. It's time for breakfast."
"Good morning, Master," the armored man said, bowing.
"Good morning, Thomas. It's nice to see you again. You've done well protecting my brother. I see you were having a little chat with my friend?"
"Yes, but nothing important."
"Care to join us for breakfast?"
"I don't mind, Master."
"You may remove your helmet," Eve said.
As he took it off, long, silky orange hair tumbled down his shoulders. His face was stunning—second only to the king himself. I was drawn in by his wine-colored eyes, sharp features, and strong frame. But I could feel it—his aura was dark.
"You may go," Eve said.
With a silent bow, Thomas left.
"Shall we?" Eve asked, offering her hand.
"We shall," I replied, taking it.
---
We entered the dining hall. Rachel was already seated, awaiting the king. I sat across from her while Eve took her place nearby. Miss Grump arrived with the kitchen staff, each carrying trays of covered dishes. They quickly set the table—but no one could start eating until the king arrived.
A castle attendant entered.
"We welcome King Azreal!"
Everyone stood and bowed—everyone but Eve. Two guards in armor stepped in first, then Azreal himself entered, with Thomas following. As he walked toward his seat, I kept my eyes on him. I wanted to see everything, even if I wasn't supposed to look up.
He sat down, gaze sweeping across the table.
"It's good to see you all honoring my invitation," he said, then his eyes landed on me. Cold and intense.
"Well, enjoy it while it lasts," he muttered. Then louder: "Your face is new. Who are you, and why are you here?"
Eve opened her mouth, but he raised a hand.
"I wasn't speaking to you. I asked her."
All eyes turned to me. My throat tightened.
"My king," I said with a bow.
"My name is—"
"That's no way to address your king," he snapped. "Didn't they teach you manners where you come from?"
He was still angry from before—I could tell. But I wasn't going to make things worse.
"I'm sorry, my king. Please accept my apology."
"You are pardoned—for now. Continue."
"My name is Erica. I'm a friend of Miss Eve—"
"That's enough. I don't care for more."
Seriously? I thought. I glanced at Rachel—she looked all too pleased. I lost my appetite. I stayed seated, pushing food around my plate.
Thomas approached and sat beside me.
"Hey. It's me again."
"It's nice to see you, Sir Thomas."
"The pleasure is mine, Miss Erica," he said with a warm smile.
---
ZOAR – Erica's Kingdom
Jarel was preparing for tomorrow's journey, his eyes still fixed on the box. A sudden knock startled him. He quickly hid the weapon in his luggage.
"Master, you called for me?" came Edward's voice.
"Yes. Come in."
Edward entered, hands behind his back.
"Inform the men—we leave tomorrow. Make sure they're ready."
"Yes, Master," Edward replied, turning to leave.
"Edward."
"Yes, Master?"
"Any news about the girl from her relatives?"
"None, Master. Her aunt is missing. Her uncle is still searching for her."
"Disappointing. I was looking forward to our future together," Jarel muttered.
"Does Master… have feelings for her?" Edward asked with a teasing smile.
Jarel turned, irritation all over his face. Edward bowed his head immediately.
"I'm sorry, Master."
"I don't need your apology. How could you be so naive? The girl is powerful—far more than I expected. If I can control her, I can use her to destroy all kingdoms. I will be the most powerful demon lord to ever walk the Earth. This sword is nothing compared to the power I've seen in her."
He smiled darkly.
"We will find her. And I know exactly where to start."
---
HEDRON – Azreal's Kingdom
After the meal, I made up my mind. I needed to leave. Now that the king knew I was living under his roof, things could only get worse.
"My lady, how was your meal?" Miss Grump asked as I exited the hall.
"It was fine. Thank you."
"Where are you off to?"
"Just going for a walk."
"Good. Let me know if you need anything."
"I will."
I was just about to leave when Eve called out, "Erica, may I have a word?"
"Of course. What is it?"
"First—I'm sorry about how my brother spoke to you at the table. That wasn't right."
"It's okay, Eve. But I can't stay here anymore. He's making me—"
A familiar voice cut in.
"I'm making you feel what, exactly, Miss Erica?"
Azreal had appeared out of nowhere.
"Nothing, my king. Please excuse me," I said, turning to go.
"I didn't permit you to leave."
I froze.
"Watch yourself. Being my sister's guest doesn't give you the right to misbehave."
"I'm sorry, my king. May I leave now?"
"Not yet. My sister told me about you, and what you did for her. For that, I thank you—and offer a bit of help. But if you're staying here, you'll follow the rules. My sister will inform you of them. Enjoy your stay."
And with that, Azreal vanished into thin air.
I turned to Eve. Her face held an unreadable expression. I had a terrible feeling things were only going to get worse from here.
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