A deep, dark vortex spiraled open in the middle of nowhere, releasing a trail of choking smoke that coiled like a living serpent. It smelled of burnt sulfur and death, the kind of smoke that left no room for air, only suffocation and dread. From its ominous depths emerged three figures: Catherine, Hadrain, and Lamia.
As the last tendrils of the vortex faded, Lamia found himself momentarily stunned. They stood in Scotland—more precisely, in Edinburgh, the capital. The air was brisk, carrying the scent of rain-soaked earth and the faint aroma of brewing coffee from a distant café. Around them stretched a breathtaking view: the rugged hills of Holyrood Park in the distance, the spires of old churches piercing the overcast sky, and cobblestone streets weaving stories of history underfoot. It was beautiful, yet haunting—a fitting backdrop for Lamia's turbulent emotions.
His eyes welled with tears as the memories of Damian's betrayal resurfaced. He tried to hold back, but the heartbreak surged like an uncontrollable wave. Lamia sobbed quietly, his shoulders trembling as he clutched his chest.
Catherine noticed him first. Nudging Hadrain with her elbow, she whispered, "He's crying again. Do something."
Hadrain sighed heavily, his golden-brown eyes narrowing with irritation. He was tired—tired of seeing Lamia shed tears for someone as unworthy as Damian. To Hadrain, Damian was nothing but a coward, incapable of fighting for love, incapable of seeing Lamia's worth. And to make matters worse, Damian had dared to lay his hands on Lamia, a crime Hadrain would never forgive.
"Crying again, beauty?" Hadrain teased, stepping closer with a mischievous grin. "Stop it. You're too lovely to waste your tears like this."
Lamia froze, his sobs halting as he blinked at Hadrain in disbelief. Did Hadrain just call him lovely? The same Hadrain who once scorned him for being different? Lamia's brows furrowed, suspicion rising in his chest.
"Are you mocking me?" he snapped, his voice sharp with anger. "Because if you are, congratulations—you've succeeded."
Hadrain raised his hands in mock surrender. "No mockery, Lamia. I mean it. I know I was a psychotic moron in the past, but I've changed. Let me prove it to you."
For a moment, Lamia's anger faltered. There was something sincere in the way Hadrain's eyes shone, golden and warm like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. But trust didn't come easily to Lamia, not after everything he'd been through.
"Prove it?" Lamia echoed, his voice trembling with a mix of skepticism and hope. "Okay, then. Let's make a deal."
Hadrain tilted his head, intrigued. "I'm listening."
Lamia took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "I want to achieve my father's dream. I want to ascend the throne of Edinburgh. I know it's ambitious, maybe even foolish, but it's what I want. And I need your help to do it."
Catherine gasped audibly, her wide eyes fixed on Lamia. "You?" she stammered. "You want to be king? Are you sure about this? Is this something you really want, or are you just doing it to honor your father?"
Lamia's expression softened as he turned to her. "I want this, Catherine. Not just for my father, but for myself. I've spent my whole life doubting if I could ever be good at anything. Maybe this is my chance. My father gave up the throne for love—love for my mother. But I believe I can honor his legacy and create a new one of my own."
His voice broke slightly, but he quickly steadied himself. Turning back to Hadrain, he squared his shoulders.
"So here's the deal," Lamia continued. "You will protect me until I ascend the throne. And in return, I'll reward you with things beyond human comprehension. I want you by my side, Hadrain. Will you do it?"
Hadrain's heart sank. Protecting Lamia wasn't the issue—it was the terms of the deal. After Lamia's coronation, their agreement would end. The thought of losing Lamia, even if only as a companion, was unbearable. But Hadrain masked his disappointment with a smirk.
"You don't think about falling in love again?" Hadrain asked carefully. "Don't you want to feel what it's like to have someone who truly rocks your world? Don't you want that kind of connection?"
Lamia's face hardened, his eyes narrowing. "Never," he said firmly. "My heart will never beat for anyone in this lifetime or beyond. I won't fall in love again."
Hadrain felt a pang of rejection, but he swallowed his emotions. Now wasn't the time to reveal his feelings—or their fate.
Their conversation was interrupted by the sight of Edinburgh Castle looming ahead. Its imposing stone walls and towering spires were a testament to centuries of history, its presence majestic and almost otherworldly. Lamia's jaw dropped as he gazed at the castle, awe and determination mingling in his expression.
"That's it," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "That's my destiny."
The three of them continued down the Royal Mile, the ancient cobblestone street that wound through Edinburgh's Old Town. Street performers played bagpipes in the distance, their mournful melodies weaving through the chilly air. Tourists milled about, oblivious to the trio who carried the weight of a kingdom's future on their shoulders.
As they approached the castle gates, Catherine reached out and took Lamia's hand. "Whatever happens, we're with you," she said softly.
Hadrain stepped to Lamia's other side, his expression unreadable. "You'll get your throne," he said. "And I'll make sure nothing stands in your way."
But as they crossed into the castle grounds, an ominous feeling settled over them. Lamia's resolve was strong, but the path ahead was fraught with danger. Betrayals, secrets, and power struggles awaited them—challenges that would test not only Lamia's courage but also the bonds he shared with Catherine and new fondness for Hadrain.
Unbeknownst to them, dark forces were already gathering in the shadows, preparing to strike. For every step they took toward the throne, the dangers lurking in Edinburgh's hidden corners grew closer, threatening to consume them all.
Lamia tightened his grip on Catherine and Hadrain's hands, his eyes fixed on the castle ahead. He would face whatever came his way, no matter the cost. This was his destiny, and he wouldn't let anyone take it from him.