Rowan's Awakening —A grand chamber in the royal castle. Rowan lay on silken sheets, pale, bandaged, his chest rising faintly. Light from a stained-glass window spilled onto his face. Soldiers knelt beside him.The captain whispered, "My lord… we found you near death. But the gods were with you."Rowan stirred, groggy, eyes fluttering open. "Ariana… where is she?"A soldier lowered his head. "Gone. Taken by the Shadow Prince again. We couldn't reach her."A pause. Then Rowan sat up, ignoring the pain, blood soaking through his bandages.His voice was low, shaking: "Lucian won't stop… not until she's broken. Then I will end him."
The Cursed Dungeon —Ariana's wrists were raw from the chains, Her waist, tied tightly by black rope. Her once-glowing skin now pale and bruised. The air was thick with magic and smoke. And then—Lucian entered."Still so proud," he said, "even with iron biting into your skin. But pride doesn't warm your nights, Ariana."He stepped closer. She turned her face away. "Don't touch me."Lucian's whisper dripped like honey, mocking: "I already have." He leaned in. "I could give you everything. Silks, fire, stars… if you just stop resisting me."He brushed her hair back. His fingers trailed down her arm. She flinched violently."I hate you," she gasped, desperate. "You disgust me. Let me go—please—I'm begging you." Lucian's expression didn't change. He smirked. I won't. I don't want your hatred. But I'll take it… until your love grows from it."
The Prince Turns to War —In the war council chamber, Rowan stood before a map, jaw clenched, armor half-buckled. His wound still bled, but his heart bled more."He's hidden her in the cursed dungeon—the old witch's prison beneath the black cliffs," he said.A general warned, "That land is surrounded by blood wards and death magic—""I don't care," Rowan snapped. "She's suffering. He's touching her. I should have killed him when I had the chance."He slammed his fist into the table, eyes burning."Prepare the army. We ride at dawn. This ends now."
Days of Silence and Glances —The dungeon remained cold—but not cruel. Lucian brought warmth. Not chains this time, but books. A single rose. And food with her name carved into the tray.Ariana looked away. "You can't buy me with kindness, Lucian." His voice was quiet. "Kindness isn't a currency, dove. It's what you deserve. I just… didn't know how to give it." She turned. The moonlight caught his jawline, his brown eyes—eyes that seemed less sharp… more lost. Her stomach knotted."You're not supposed to be handsome," she whispered. Lucian's voice cracked, soft as broken glass. He smirked."And yet… you see me."