The next morning arrived like a hammer to the skull.
Velas woke with the scent of roses still clinging to his skin, a headache pounding behind his eyes—not from drink, but from the beast. Whatever he'd summoned during the masquerade had left an echo inside him, something that hadn't left even after the orb shattered.
He dressed slowly, each movement deliberate. A dozen thoughts pulled at him—power, legacy, consequences—but the house was quiet.
Too quiet.
He stepped out of his chamber and followed the warmth in the air—not magic, not sunlight.
Emotion.
Seraphina was in the courtyard, her silver hair tied back, blades flashing in the morning light. Her training robe clung to her back, soaked in sweat, her strikes sharp and angry.
She didn't acknowledge him when he approached.
Velas waited.
Another strike. Another step. Finally she stopped, exhaled, and turned to face him.
Her eyes were cool, unreadable.
"You're up early," he said.
"I never slept."
"Because of last night?"
"Because of her."
Velas sighed and stepped closer. "You're angry."
"No," she snapped. "I'm watching. And I see you making the same mistakes your father did."
He froze.
"That's a heavy accusation."
Seraphina sheathed her sword with a click. "Your father seduced women like collecting charms. Used them. Lied to them. Promised them kingdoms in exchange for a kiss."
Velas narrowed his eyes. "I'm not him."
"Aren't you?" she whispered. "You let Mira pull you into her world. You let her parade you like a new toy."
"She didn't parade me," Velas said coldly. "I chose to stand there."
Seraphina stepped forward, eyes blazing now. "And what about me? What am I to you, Velas? A blade at your side? A warm body when you're bored? Am I just another asset in your little legacy game?"
"No," he said instantly. "You're—"
"—Then say it!" she shouted, chest heaving. "Say what I am to you!"
Silence stretched between them, sharp as a drawn blade.
Velas swallowed, his voice low.
"You're the only person who saw me before I had anything. Before the Legacy. Before the whispers. You saw the shadow I was and chose to stand beside me."
Her lip trembled, just for a second.
"You're not just at my side, Seraphina," he said. "You are my side."
She blinked.
Then turned away.
"I don't need sweet words," she whispered. "I need truth. I need to know that I matter, even when I'm not bleeding for you."
"You do."
She hesitated.
Then nodded—just once.
---
Later that afternoon, a servant delivered a sealed note.
Velas cracked it open and read:
> "I don't regret inviting you.
But power is rarely free.
The Nobles are already circling.
Watch the East Court—where roses rot beneath gold."
– M.V.
Velas folded the note and tucked it into his coat.
He wasn't surprised.
He had made a statement. And statements always came with consequences.
That night, Mira didn't show up.
But trouble did.
---
They came not with swords—but with invitations.
Three houses.
Three offers.
All from noble families of great standing, dripping with polite venom.
One wanted Velas to appear at their daughter's "coming of age" ceremony.
Another wanted a "private audience" to discuss investment into his "future."
The third was simpler: a marriage proposal wrapped in silken lace, unsigned but unmistakable in intent.
Seraphina read each letter in silence, then looked at him.
"Well?"
Velas tossed them into the fire.
"I don't need a leash wrapped in velvet."
Seraphina stared at the burning parchment, her shoulders relaxing.
But there was something else in her eyes.
Relief.
Possession.
Maybe… fear.
"You're climbing too fast," she murmured. "You're making enemies we can't even see yet."
"Then let them come."
Her gaze pierced him. "Velas—this isn't a game anymore."
"I know."
He moved closer, brushing her hair back, voice softer now.
"That's why I need you beside me. Not just for your sword. But because when the knives come, you'll be the only one who doesn't flinch."
Her breath hitched.
"You know I'll stay," she whispered.
"Even if Mira comes again?"
Seraphina's fingers curled at her sides.
"I don't fear her. I hate that she makes you curious."
Velas smiled faintly. "She doesn't make me feel like you do."
She didn't respond—but she didn't pull away either.
He kissed her forehead.
And for the first time in a long while, Seraphina didn't hide the tremble in her breath.
[System Notification]
Relationship Bond Deepened: Seraphina
Trait Unlocked: "Fierce Loyalty" – Seraphina will fight at your side even when logic fails.
Passive Bonus: +5% defense when Seraphina is present in comb
at.