The moon cast a silver glow over the high palace walls, but inside the obsidian halls, there was only heat.
Ariana stood at the arched window of her chamber, arms wrapped around herself as if her own skin couldn't protect her. The sting of Princess Selene's slap had faded — but the memory hadn't. Her pride, her silence, her strength — they were the only shields she had left in this godforsaken place.
But they trembled the moment she heard the door open behind her.
She didn't turn. She didn't need to.
She felt him.
"You let her touch you?"
His voice was low, almost dangerous — a quiet fire that threatened to consume.
Ariana slowly faced him. Damian stood at the threshold in a dark embroidered coat, shadows dancing behind him like they, too, obeyed his will.
She didn't answer.
Instead, she met his cold, furious eyes with calm defiance. "Why do you care?" she whispered. "Am I your prisoner or your possession?"
In a flash, he crossed the room.
She gasped as her back hit the stone wall, his hand planted beside her head. Not touching her — not yet — but his presence was overwhelming. Her breath hitched, heart thundering as his body towered over hers.
"Neither," he said darkly. "You're my weakness."
That confused her. "Then let me go."
"No," he growled. "Because I'm tired of weakness. I want to own it. Break it. Taste it until I can no longer remember what it felt like to be in control."
His hand finally touched her — grazing her jaw, then trailing down to her collarbone, slow… testing.
Ariana's eyes burned. "You can't break me."
"Then I'll enjoy trying."
And then it happened.
He kissed her.
Not soft. Not gentle.
It was a war. A battle between fire and frost. She pushed against him, but her body betrayed her — heat pooling low, lips parting under his dominance. His hand wrapped into her hair, tugging her head back, exposing her neck like a claim waiting to be sealed.
When he pulled away, they were both breathing hard.
"Sleep, Ariana," he whispered in a voice thick with warning and desire. "Because tomorrow, I begin the game properly. And I don't play fair."
Then he was gone.
And Ariana… wasn't sure if she was afraid or aroused.