The Moon Hung High Over The City, Bathing The Blackwood Estate In A Cold, Silvery Glow. Inside, The Mansion Was Quiet—Too Quiet.
Aria Could Feel The Change In The Air. It Wasn't Just About Lucien Anymore. Something Darker Was Brewing—Secrets She Couldn't Yet Name, Shadows That Whispered When No One Was Listening.
She Walked Down The Corridor, Her Bare Feet Soundless Against The Polished Floor. Every Painting On The Wall Seemed To Watch Her.
The House Had Always Felt Like A Prison, But Tonight, It Felt Like A Graveyard.
She Reached The Study Door—Lucien's Sacred Space. She Knew She Shouldn't Enter. He Had Warned Her More Than Once.
But Curiosity Had Grown Roots Inside Her.
She Pressed Her Ear Against The Door. Voices. Not Just Lucien's—A Woman's.
"She Doesn't Know Anything, Lucien. Why Not Just Tell Her?"
It Was A Cold, Controlled Voice. Sharp, Like Broken Glass.
"Because The Less She Knows, The Safer She Is," Lucien Replied. His Tone Was Low, Guarded.
Aria's Fingers Trembled As She Reached For The Doorknob. She Knew This Would Change Everything.
She Pushed The Door Open.
Lucien Was Standing Behind His Desk, A Phone Pressed To His Ear. His Eyes Snapped To Her Instantly—And They Weren't Just Cold. They Were Dangerous.
"Aria."
"I Heard You Talking," She Said Softly.
He Ended The Call Without A Word.
"You're Not Supposed To Be In Here."
"I'm Your Wife."
"On Paper."
The Words Stung.
"Tell Me What's Going On, Lucien. Who Was That? What's Happening?"
He Moved Toward Her Slowly. Like A Panther.
"You Want The Truth, Aria?"
She Nodded.
"You Might Not Survive It."
"I Deserve To Know."
He Studied Her Face. As If Measuring Her Strength.
Finally, He Spoke.
"My Family Isn't Just Wealthy. We're... Bound To Something Older Than This City. Something Dark. Something That Demands Blood And Loyalty."
She Swallowed. "You Mean—Like A Cult?"
He Laughed, But There Was No Humor In It.
"Call It What You Want. My Father Made A Deal Before I Was Born. And That Deal… Came With A Price."
"A Price?"
He Nodded. "Me."
Aria's Blood Ran Cold.
"I'm Supposed To Continue That Legacy. Marry A Woman Chosen By Them. Produce An Heir. Obey Their Rules. But I Chose You."
She Blinked. "Why?"
"Because You're Not One Of Them. You're The First Real Thing In My Life That Isn't Tainted."
Tears Filled Her Eyes.
"But That Means You're In Danger Now," He Said Darkly. "So Am I. And They're Watching."
She Reached For His Hand. "Then Let Them Watch."
He Gripped Her Fingers Tight.
"Aria… If You Stay, There's No Escape. They Will Come For Us. We'll Have To Fight."
"Then We Fight Together."
Lucien Pulled Her Into His Arms. For The First Time, There Was No Mask Between Them.
No Cold CEO. No Contract. Just A Man—And The Woman He Was Slowly Beginning To Love.
Outside, A Black Car Pulled Up To The Gates.
Inside, A Man With Silver Eyes Watched The Mansion.
He Dialed A Number.
"They've Crossed The Line," He Said. "Activate Protocol Blackwood."
The Shadows Had Officially Declared War.