The morning sun slipped through the curtains in golden strands, warming the edge of the bed where Velas lay awake.
Seraphina was still beside him, her body partially curled beneath the crimson sheets. Her pale skin was streaked with faint traces of last night's passion, her chest slowly rising and falling in the hush of sleep.
But Velas wasn't watching her like a lover. Not today.
He was thinking.
About the relic.
About the voice that had crept into his mind.
And about the power humming just beneath his skin like wildfire waiting for air.
A gentle hand brushed his chest.
"You're up early," Seraphina murmured, eyes still half-closed.
"So are you."
"Habit." Her fingers lingered over the faint glow beneath his skin. "Did you dream?"
Velas turned his head, eyes unreadable. "No. But something dreamed of me."
That answer pulled her awake. Fully. She propped herself up on one elbow, watching him carefully.
"There's a trace in your eyes," she said after a moment. "Something new. Like you've seen further than I have."
"I'm beginning to understand what this legacy really is," he replied. "And it's not just power. It's memory. Desire. Hunger."
A pause.
Seraphina's voice softened. "And does that scare you?"
Velas looked at her. "No. But it should scare everyone else."
---
[Affinity: Seraphina → 63%]
[Desire Response Detected: She's drawn to your ambition… and fears it.]
---
Later that morning, the mood shifted.
Velas dressed in one of the fine outfits Seraphina had prepared—black coat, crimson accents, silver embroidery. Everything tailored to sharpen his presence.
As he adjusted the cuffs, Seraphina leaned against the doorway behind him.
"You're seeing her today, aren't you?"
Velas paused. "Who?"
"Lady Mira Valen. Ceylan's little sister. The silver fox with a blade for a tongue."
His brows lifted slightly. "You sound jealous."
"I sound concerned." She stepped into the room, heels clicking on polished marble. "Mira's clever. And cruel. She toys with people the way other nobles sip tea."
Velas fastened the last button, then turned to face her. "So do you."
She smiled tightly. "And that's why I recognize the game. Don't underestimate her."
Velas stepped closer, closing the distance between them. "Are you warning me… or marking territory?"
Her eyes flashed. "Maybe both."
He leaned in, breath brushing her ear. "Don't worry, Seraphina. I'll only let her play with me… if it benefits us."
That answer earned him a hard, lingering kiss.
Not passion. Possession.
---
The Valen estate stood like a jewel at the edge of the city, all shining marble, silver fountains, and layered gardens that whispered money and old blood.
Velas was escorted through with due respect, if not full trust. Noble guards watched him closely, clearly briefed on his face.
Mira Valen waited in a high-ceilinged sitting room, seated on a couch of violet silk, legs crossed beneath a long split gown of storm-gray.
She looked nothing like Ceylan. Where he was sharp and brutal, she was graceful—ice turned into a woman.
"You're even prettier than the rumors," Mira said as Velas entered.
He gave a slight bow. "I didn't come to flirt."
"Pity. That's my favorite currency."
She gestured for him to sit. He did, not too close.
"Let's skip the pretense," Mira said, swirling her wine. "You humiliated my brother. You're sleeping with Seraphina. You have something that's making the old guard nervous. And you walk like a man with no leash."
Velas tilted his head. "You say all that like it's a problem."
"I say it like it's an opportunity," she corrected. "I want in."
Velas studied her carefully. "In on what?"
"Whatever it is you're building. I know men like you—ambitious, cursed, beautiful. And I know you won't stop until someone buries a dagger in your back or you sit on a throne."
Mira leaned forward, eyes sharp as glass.
"I can help you dodge the first. And reach the second."
---
[New Character Bond Initiated: Lady Mira Valen]
[Initial Affinity: 22% – Distrust / Attraction]
[Trait Detected: Politically Calculating / Emotionally Guarded]
---
Velas smirked. "You move fast."
Mira's lips curved. "You'll learn that I always do."
"But I don't accept allies without proof." He stood slowly, voice calm but layered. "Earn it."
"Challenge accepted," she said, eyes gleaming.
As Velas turned to leave, she added with amusement, "Tell Seraphina hello. And don't worry—I don't mind sharing. As long as I get my turn."
---
That night, back at the estate, Velas relayed the meeting to Seraphina. Her reaction wasn't rage.
It was chilling amusement.
"She wants you?"
"She wants power," Velas corrected. "Same as you."
Seraphina stepped close, fingers trailing his jaw. "Then let her chase. But never forget who had you first."
Her lips brushed his.
"And who can take you apart if you ever betray me."
Velas didn't flinch.
"I'll keep that in mind."
They stood there for a long moment—fire and ice, trust and threat—until the heat returned and words faded.
But even as Seraphina undressed him with impatient hands, Velas couldn't help but think of Mira's gaze.
And how useful two queens would be… if he could keep them from killing
each other.
---
[System Notification]
You have drawn the attention of the Noble Triad Faction.
Next step: Choose your alignment—or forge your own.]