I looked up at Aldric, feeling his breath warm against my skin. His hand was still on my chin, and his gaze was... hard to read. Was it curiosity, or something darker?
'Why are you so curious about me?' I asked quietly, trying to keep my tone calm despite my wildly racing heart.
Aldric sighed. 'Because you're different. And behind your lies, there's a truth I want to find.'
I tried to pull my face away from his touch, but he held my chin tighter. 'What do you want from me?' I whispered.
His eyes darkened. 'Answers. And maybe... something else.' He lowered his hand, but his fingers still touched my skin, almost as if they were deliberately burning. 'You realise this, don't you? There's something intertwined between us.'
I rubbed my throat, trying to ease the unnatural thumping. 'Or is it just this curse, Aldric? Maybe you're just trapped in the same illusion I am.'
He leaned closer, and I could smell the sandalwood on his neck. 'Perhaps,' he said softly. 'But if it's an illusion... why does it feel real?'
I stare into his confident eyes-and for a split second, I almost want to believe. But I can't. I must remember: I'm here to break the curse, not to fall for someone who could destroy me.
---
That night, a ball was held to celebrate the autumn harvest. The palace ballroom sparkled with thousands of candles, the white marble floor gleaming under the silk dresses of the nobles.
I stepped inside, my dark blue dress swaying softly. Everyone's eyes were on me-Lady Seraphine Valeria back from the dead, they whispered. I pretended not to care, though my heart trembled.
Aldric is there, wearing a black suit with gold embroidery. His eyes looked at me, as if I were the centre of his world that night. And somehow, that made me even more nervous.
'Seraphine,' he greeted me, his tone calm. 'You look stunning tonight.'
I furrowed my brows. 'And you look dangerous.'
He smiled faintly. 'You know I'm dangerous, but you keep coming closer.'
I straightened my back, looking boldly into his eyes. 'I'm not a girl who fears shadows, Aldric.'
He chuckled, then held out his hand. 'Then, will you dance with me?'
---
I touched his hand, and he pulled me onto the dance floor. Soft music flowed-viola, cello, and the tinkling harp-creating a magical atmosphere that enveloped us.
Aldric led me in the dance, his body warm and close. His every step made me feel as if I were trapped in a dark vortex-intimidating, but also inescapable.
'You dance well,' he complimented.
I lifted my chin. 'I was trained since childhood. You know that.'
His eyes looked deeper into mine. 'But it's not just a dance, is it? I can feel the trembling in your body.'
I swallowed, trying not to get carried away. 'And what do you feel, Aldric?'
He leaned down, his lips almost touching my ear. 'That you... are the secret I want to hold. That I want to have you-even if your curse could kill me.'
His words pierce me deeper than I've ever allowed anyone to.
---
Meeting with the Guards
The dance finished, and I walked away, trying to ease the trembling in my knees. I needed air-and answers. I went out onto the balcony, letting the night breeze cool my hot skin.
There, Oren was waiting for me. He stood tall in the shadow of the pillar, his eyes sharp.
'Lady Seraphine,' he whispered, softer than usual. 'You were playing with fire tonight.'
I turned my head quickly. 'I had no choice. Aldric is watching my every move.'
Oren leaned closer. 'I know. And that's what worries me. Have you figured out how to break this curse?'
I bit my lip. 'Not yet. But the mirror... showed me something. An upside-down rose symbol. Do you know what it means?'
Oren was silent for a moment, then said, 'That symbol... is an ancient emblem.
Legend has it that only love born of sincere sacrifice can reverse the curse.'
I was stunned. 'Love? But... how can I be sure of this feeling, Oren? I'm not even sure who I love-or who I should love.'
Oren took my hand. 'You must be careful, Lady Seraphine. This curse... may be more cruel than you think.'
---
Before I could ask further, the balcony door creaked. I turned my head-and saw Aldric standing in the doorway, looking at me and Oren with dark eyes.
'Seraphine,' he said quietly, his tone almost unreadable. 'I seem to have come at an interesting time.'
I pulled my hand away from Oren, trying to look calm. 'Aldric. We were just talking.'
He stepped towards me, his gaze piercing. 'Talking? Or planning something else?'
Oren immediately bowed respectfully. 'I was just doing my duty, sir.'
Aldric gave Oren a long look, then turned back to me. 'I've given you a lot of freedom, Seraphine. But you must remember-I don't like betrayal.'
I looked back into his eyes. 'And I don't like threats, Aldric. I do not belong to you.'
---
Aldric moved closer until our faces were almost touching. The music in the hall behind us still echoed, but our world was silent.
'You're wrong,' he whispered softly, but his tone was hard and determined. 'You are mine-and I will prove it, even if it means dragging you with me into the darkness.'