Selene didn't sleep that night.
Not because of the system.
Not even because of Marienne's venomous stares at the etiquette duel.
But because Kaelion's fingers had trembled.
Only slightly. Only for a second.
But she'd felt it — the hesitation, the emotion.
[New Quest: Dormitory Shadows]
Objective: Spend more than 5 minutes alone with Crown Prince Kaelion in a private location.
Reward: +25 Influence, Unlock Passive: Truth Perception
Warning: Success will trigger an unknown memory fragment.
Selene stared at the message and whispered, "Private time… with him?"
Her lips curved.
This system had no mercy.
The Next Day — Academy Courtyard
"Lady Virellia," a messenger called, hurrying across the green with a sealed scroll. "Your partner for the Winter Preparation Project has been assigned."
She already knew.
Still, she unsealed it and feigned shock.
Crown Prince Kaelion Vaelor.
Assigned partner for all upcoming training, duels, and academic presentations.
The gods were cruel — but the system was crueler.
[System Notification: Forced Proximity Event Triggered. Affection variable volatile. Quest timer begins now.]
Later — Library Study Hall
The room was dim and nearly empty — only private study partners were allowed inside.
Kaelion stood beside a long table, his golden eyes unreadable, hands behind his back.
Selene stepped inside, letting the door click shut behind her.
Neither of them spoke.
He didn't look at her.
She didn't move closer.
Five minutes. That's all I need, Selene thought, glancing at the system clock.
But then he spoke.
"I know what you're doing."
Selene raised a brow, tilting her head. "Do you?"
His gaze snapped to hers, sharp as steel. "You think if you smile just enough, touch me just right, I'll forget what kind of woman you are?"
Selene walked closer, hips swaying with slow grace.
"I don't need you to forget," she said softly. "I need you to wonder."
[System Alert: Seduction successful. Kaelion's Affection: -7 → -2]
Suddenly, Kaelion stepped forward — faster than expected — and pressed a hand to the wall, caging her in.
Selene's breath caught.
"Why are you really back?" he whispered. "And don't lie. I'll know."
A pause.
Then, Selene smiled, lips barely an inch from his. "Maybe I missed you."
His jaw clenched.
[Timer complete. Quest fulfilled. Unknown Memory Fragment Triggered…]
Kaelion's pupils dilated. Breath hitched. Heartbeat spike detected.
…Visual Echo Replaying: 'Why didn't you save me?' — Selene's dying words (Past Timeline)
Kaelion staggered back a step, eyes flashing with something unfamiliar — confusion… and pain.
Selene froze. He heard that? He remembered?
[System Alert: Bond Path Opening. Affection threshold breached. Next event: "The Moonlit Garden"]
Kaelion turned away without another word.
But Selene stood motionless, a storm brewing inside her.
He remembers…
And if that was true — then her revenge just became a game of fire and ash.