It was the night of the Grand Masquerade, an event so exclusive only the elite could dare to enter. The chandeliers hung low, casting golden halos over the grand ballroom, where laughter and music echoed through the marble halls of the castle. Every face was hidden behind an elegant mask, but everyone knew the most important guest of the evening had yet to arrive.
Emilia Hart was not impressed.
Her mother had insisted on attending, of course, with the promise of meeting the who's-who of supernatural society. But Emilia wasn't interested in high-society nonsense. Her thoughts were more preoccupied with her older brother, Marcus, who was giving her the silent treatment ever since they left their mansion. He'd been on edge all evening, as usual, and she suspected it had to do with the rumors about the King of the Lycans attending the ball.
"Marcus, relax. It's just another party," she said, nudging him as they made their way into the crowd. "You're acting like you're about to fight a war."
He shot her a glare that could freeze fire. "This is not 'just another party,' Em," he hissed under his breath, his hand protectively grazing her shoulder. "You have no idea what the King is like. Stay away from him, you understand?"
She rolled her eyes. "I'll do whatever I want, as usual," she said, the sharpness of her words matching her mood. "He can't bite me through a mask, can he?"
Marcus clenched his jaw, his eyes flickering nervously toward the grand staircase.
And then, the room seemed to stop.
A ripple of silence moved through the crowd like a slow wave, and the guests parted. All eyes turned toward the figure descending the staircase.
Emilia's breath hitched, but not because of the fear everyone else was showing.
It was because the man descending toward them looked like he had walked out of her darkest fantasies.
Tall. Impossibly tall. His frame was broad and muscular, his movements smooth, like a predator circling its prey. His olive skin glowed under the dim lights, and his dark green eyes glinted with something primal, something wild. A black mask framed his sharp features, but it only made him more menacing. His presence was overwhelming, and despite his cold, brooding demeanor, he exuded power in every step.
She didn't realize she was staring until Marcus's voice broke through her thoughts.
"That's him. That's the King."
Emilia turned to him, her annoyance rising again. "You're really going to stand here and tremble while I'm in the presence of... that?"
"You have no idea, Em," Marcus warned, his voice laced with fear. "He's not like any other lycan you've met. His rule is absolute. He'll tear you apart with a single glance if he wishes to."
Emilia's lips curled into a smirk. "If he tries, he'll have to go through me first."
Her brother shot her a sharp look but didn't argue further. The King of the Lycans was now standing before them, and even the room seemed to hold its breath.
"You're Emilia Hart," his deep voice rumbled, sending a shiver down her spine.
Her eyes narrowed. "I am, and you are⌠the brooding ruler who can't seem to find a better way to make an entrance."
A chuckle rumbled from his chest, low and dark, as he leaned in closer. "I've heard much about you, Emilia. Your wit precedes you."
She didn't back down, staring up at him, defiance and curiosity swirling in her. "I'm sure you've heard plenty of rumors. Most of them exaggerated."
He studied her for a moment, his gaze intense, as if he were searching for something beneath her sharp tongue. His eyes flickered briefly to Marcus, who was stiff and tense beside her.
"Your brother is worried about you," he said, his tone darkly amused. "But I would suggest he focus on his own business."
Emilia raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smile. "Oh? What makes you think I need protecting?"
His eyes hardened, the green darkening with an almost dangerous glint. "You may not need protection, but I wouldn't want you to make a mistake by underestimating me."
Her heart skipped a beat, but she refused to let it show. "Trust me, I'm under no illusions."
There was a pause, then he took a step closer, his scent of cedarwood and musk invading her senses. "Then you understand exactly who I am."
Emilia's eyes locked onto his, challenging him, yet something in her gut twistedâan undeniable pull, a strange magnetic force that drew her in. She fought it, not understanding it, not ready to admit it.
The King reached out, his fingers brushing her cheek lightly, and a strange warmth spread through her. "You're mine now, Emilia Hart."
She scoffed, though the words echoed in her mind like a thunderclap. "You're a cocky one, aren't you? If you think I'll fall for that whole 'soulmate' nonsense, you've got another thing coming."
Marcus growled from behind her, but before he could intervene, the King shot him a look that silenced the room.
"You misunderstand," the King said softly, his voice dark, almost seductive. "I don't need you to fall for me, Emilia. I need you to understand that you are mine, whether you like it or not."
The word mine lingered in the air, thick and heavy.
Emilia's heart pounded in her chest, and she clenched her fists. "We'll see about that."
But even as she said it, something deep inside her trembled, and the realization slowly began to creep in: this manâthis monster of a manâwas not just some king. He was her soulmate. And that terrified her more than anything.
Her temper flared, but before she could snap back, he turned, his presence like a shadow over her. "You'll come to me when you're ready, Emilia. But make no mistake, I will always be watching."
As the King of the Lycans disappeared into the crowd, Marcus grabbed her arm and pulled her away.
"Don't get too close to him," he warned, his voice tight with panic. "He's dangerous. He's everything dangerous."
Emilia just stood there, her pulse racing, her thoughts a whirlwind. She wasn't sure if it was the King's words that haunted her or the way her heart beat faster at the thought of him.
But one thing was certain: this was only the beginning.
And she was never going to let him have the last word.
A/N please Imagine Emilia's looks however you like, I like to have freedom of imagination đ