Ariana barely heard the rest of Damian's words.
"You're the heir to the Veyl throne."
They rang louder than the bells of the capital — slicing through everything she thought she knew.
Her knees nearly gave out. She staggered back, the silk of her gown brushing against the cold marble floor.
Damian reached for her — but she jerked away.
"How could you?" she whispered. "You knew who I was this whole time?"
"It was for your protection."
"So you lied."
Damian's jaw tensed, that same familiar storm behind his eyes.
"If they knew who you were, Ariana… you would've been assassinated before you crossed the castle gates."
She backed up again. Her body was trembling now — not from fear, but rage.
"You let me believe I was just some girl. You let me walk around like I didn't matter, like I was disposable."
"You were safer that way," he said tightly. "If anyone else had found out—"
"Selene knew."
That stopped him.
"She's always known, hasn't she?" Ariana continued. "She's not just trying to get rid of me because she's jealous. She's trying to finish what someone else started."
"Ariana, don't—"
"Finish the war your kingdom started by killing my family."
Silence. Heavy. Final.
"So it's true," she said. "You're sleeping with the last Veyl. The girl your father's army didn't get to finish."
His face paled.
"It was never supposed to be like this."
"Then what was it supposed to be?" she snapped. "A secret affair? A royal shame you could throw away after a few nights?"
Damian stepped forward — slowly — like she was a wild creature on the verge of bolting.
"I didn't fall for you because of your blood," he said. "I fell for you despite it. And that… that scares me more than anything."
She looked at him. This prince. This liar. This man who kissed her like he owned her and kept secrets like a king.
And still… still… her body remembered the feel of his skin, the way his voice softened only for her, the way he whispered "mine" like it was sacred.
"I don't know who I am anymore," she said brokenly.
He moved closer. Took her hands. Pressed his forehead to hers.
"You're the girl I would burn kingdoms for," he whispered.
And gods help her… she believed him.
That night, she stood in the garden under the moonlight, trying to find air.
But she wasn't alone.
"Quite the story you've uncovered."
A voice slithered from behind the marble pillar — soft, venomous, unmistakable.
Selene.
Wrapped in black velvet. Smiling like sin.
"You didn't think I'd let you have him that easily, did you?"
Ariana's spine stiffened.
"Whatever you're planning—"
"It's already begun," Selene purred. "You've awakened a bloodline the kingdom buried, little flame. Now they'll come for you. And when they do… Damian won't save you."
She turned, walking away like a shadow vanishing into the dark.
Ariana stood frozen.
They'll come for you.
And this time… she would not run.