The bedchamber flickered in the golden haze of candlelight, casting wavering shadows over two entwined bodies on the grand bed.
Her porcelain body curled up on the red velvet mattress, trembling with each movement of the bronze, muscular form above. She was like a rabbit caught in the jaws of a wild wolf, powerless and unable to resist, surrendering to each storming wave of pleasure.
The scent of jasmine and cedarwood tangled in the air, thickening the atmosphere with pure carnality. Growls melted into moans, the symphony of flesh and hunger echoing without pause.
He gazed down at her in satisfaction, her teary eyes, flushed cheeks, and ragged breaths left no trace of resistance. She had yielded, fully and completely, to his domination.
"Mine…"
The growl escaped his throat as his movements grew more intense. She clutched his broad shoulders, her nails sinking into his skin, not to hurt, but to feed his madness.
Veins bulged across his muscular arms as he gripped her surrendered form. His lips brushed against her neck, where her pulse throbbed wildly with every thrust.
"My Sera…"
She was in his arms. She was his. Until—
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Lucian jolted awake, torn from a dream soaked in carnal heat. His breaths came fast and shallow, his throat dry like a man long denied water. Sweat clung to his skin, the heat of his body still burning from the dream's aftermath.
For five nights in a row, he had dreamed the same dream. And for five days, Seraphina had been gone, returned to the South, her mother's homeland.
After their tense encounter at Victoria's boutique, she had vanished without warning, leaving behind not a single trace. All Lucian had left was the faint memory of jasmine lingering in the air.
According to Carl's investigation, Seraphina made the trip to Balton twice each year—once in spring and once in autumn—to visit her mother. But why so regularly, and why at the same times? That question had haunted Lucian ever since he learned of it.
Sitting up slowly, Lucian rubbed his temple and snapped toward the door, voice rough.
"Who?"
"It's me, Carl, Your Highness."
"What is it?"
Lucian inhaled deeply, trying to compose himself. His mood had already frayed from Seraphina's absence. This distance between fated mates was enough to drive him mad.
Lucian knew where she was but couldn't go after her. His shoulders bore the weight of duty, after all, he was still the crown prince of Lunaris; he couldn't simply abandon everything and leave. And yet… he was nearing his limit.
The door creaked open, and Carl entered, bowing respectfully.
"The colonel is waiting for you in the strategy chamber, Your Highness."
Another draining meeting. Another endless list of duties only he could fulfill. But his heart desired just one thing, Seraphina.
"I understand."
Carl glanced at the prince and saw the exhaustion, the hollow weariness carved into his features. He held back a sigh. Arrogant and wild as he was, Lucian had never once neglected his duties. This was the first time Carl had seen his master look so… depleted. He silently wondered, how much longer could Lucian endure before losing all control?
But he dared not voice the thought. Wearing the mask of protocol, Carl signaled for the attendants to come and prepare Lucian for the day.
Another long day had begun.
Another day without Seraphina.
Lucian didn't know how he'd made it this far. He only knew he missed her to the point of madness. Every breath felt heavy. His pheromones surged without warning. Worst of all were the persistent heats, waves of desire that refused to subside.
But all of it only affirmed one thing, Seraphina was his mate.
Only a true mate could leave such a void in his soul.
Today's meeting with the colonel was important, it concerned the movements of the Tharven kingdom near Lunaris's western borders. After years of Lunaris dominating the seas, the vultures were beginning to stir.
The meeting dragged on late into the night, filled with tense debates, until a defense strategy was finally agreed upon.
When Lucian emerged from the chamber, a crescent moon hung high above, pale and distant.
He walked the dim corridor, each step heavier than the last. His shadow trailed behind him like a ghost clinging to his heels. His pheromones thickened the air, pressing on the guards posted nearby. None dared to breathe too loudly, keeping their heads bowed to avoid provoking the prince's volatile mood.
Carl followed a few steps behind, silent but watchful.
Suddenly, Lucian stopped. His stormy gray-blue eyes turned south, darker than the night sky. Hunger and longing swirled in them like a brewing tempest.
What is she doing? Is she suffering the same way I am?
Gods, he hoped she was. It was the only thing that brought him the smallest measure of relief.
But he knew her too well, stubborn, unyielding. Even if she missed him, she'd shove it aside and pretend she didn't.
Lucian had never once thought about giving up. But this constant chase, where could it possibly lead?
A hollow chuckle escaped him, bitter and self-mocking. For the first time, he doubted his own judgment. Was this mate a gift… or a punishment for his arrogance?
Tearing his eyes from the moon, Lucian turned to head back to his room. He was already exhausted from his princely duties. Perhaps meeting her in dreams would ease his longing somewhat.
But a sharp pain lanced through his chest, making him stumble. Carl rushed forward, but Lucian held up a hand, the other bracing against the wall to steady himself.
This pain… wasn't ordinary. It was a call.
A cry from his mate.
Seraphina was hurting. Why?
Lucian didn't need an answer. He felt it, she was calling for him. She needed him.
"Carl."
His voice was hollow, stripped of its usual authority. For a moment, Carl didn't recognize it.
"Yes, Your Highness?"
"Cancel all of my appointments for the coming days."
"I—pardon, what?"
Lucian's gaze remained fixed to the South, as if the wind might carry him to her.
"I'm going to Balton."
"But, Your Highness, you have a scheduled audience with the Eastern lords tomorr—"
"Cancel everything."
His voice thundered with its usual command, reverberating off the stone walls. Carl flinched. He had served Lucian since childhood, but as a Beta, he had no means of resisting the pressure of such an Alpha.
"Understood, Your Highness."
Lucian lingered, watching the drifting clouds heading south, before turning on his heel with firm resolve.
"Prepare the carriage. I'm leaving now."
There was no room for refusal. Carl didn't dare argue, not after being hit with that powerful wave of Alpha pheromones. All he could do was obey.
And silently, he prayed:
The tone left no room for defiance. Carl dared not argue, especially after being hit by a wave of raw Alpha dominance. All he could do was obey, and pray.
Lady Ashbourne, please don't run from His Highness again. Your humble servant here can't take much more of this!
***