The morning sun filtered through Eleana's bedroom curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. She sat at her desk, staring at the ornate invitation in her hands. The words felt heavy: An engagement dinner to celebrate Eleana and Victor's upcoming marriage. She let out a sigh, her chest tightening.
Leon stood silently in the corner, his form hidden from mortal eyes. His gaze softened as he watched her. She had grown so much, but her sadness weighed on him like a chain. He wanted to comfort her, to speak to her, but his duty was only to protect, not interfere.
"I wish I didn't have to go through with this," Eleana murmured, setting the invitation down. "I don't even know him. How am I supposed to marry someone I've never met?"
Leon's heart clenched. He wanted to tell her the truth about Victor. He already knew who Victor truly was—the bad fallen angel who had defied the celestial order long before him. Victor's fall had been darker, driven by greed and cruelty. Leon could still feel the faint, sinister presence that lingered in the air whenever Victor was near. But Eleana didn't know. Her parents didn't know.
The sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway as her mother appeared in the doorway, her face lighting up with excitement.
"Eleana, he's here!" she said, her voice filled with joy. "Victor and his family have arrived."
Eleana's stomach turned. She smoothed her dress and took a deep breath before standing. "Coming, Mother," she said, forcing a smile.
Leon followed her silently, his every sense on high alert. As they descended the grand staircase, the door to the drawing room opened, and there he was. Victor.
He was tall, impeccably dressed, with sharp features and an easy smile that could charm anyone. But Leon saw through the facade. Beneath the polished exterior, Victor's aura was dark and heavy, a stark contrast to the mortal family he pretended to belong to.
"Eleana," Victor said smoothly, his voice deep and velvety. He stepped forward, taking her hand in his. "It's an honor to finally meet you."
Eleana's cheeks flushed as she nodded shyly. "It's nice to meet you too," she said softly.
Leon moved closer, his eyes narrowing as he studied Victor's every move. Victor didn't react, but Leon knew better. He could feel Victor's awareness of his presence, even if he pretended otherwise.
"It's a beautiful home you have here," Victor said, addressing Eleana's parents with a warm smile. "I can see where Eleana gets her grace and beauty."
Her mother beamed, clearly taken with him. "Oh, Victor, you're too kind."
Leon's fists clenched. He knew Victor's charm was an act, a well-practiced facade to deceive those around him. But what was his endgame? Why was he here, and why Eleana?
As the evening went on, Leon observed Victor closely. Every smile, every laugh, every gesture—it was all calculated. But what unnerved Leon most was the way Victor looked at Eleana. There was something possessive in his gaze, something dark.
Later that night, when the guests had left and Eleana retreated to her room, Leon appeared by her side, his form visible only to her.
"Eleana," he said softly, his voice filled with concern.
She turned to him, her eyes wide with surprise and relief. "Leon," she whispered. "You're here."
"I always am," he said gently. "But I need you to trust me. There's something about Victor... something you don't know."
Eleana frowned. "What do you mean?"
Before Leon could answer, a faint sound echoed from outside her window. He turned sharply, his wings glowing faintly as he prepared to protect her. But it was gone just as quickly as it came.
"Please," Leon said, his voice urgent. "Promise me you'll be careful."
Eleana nodded, though confusion clouded her eyes. "I promise."
As she drifted off to sleep, Leon stayed by her side, his mind racing. He had to uncover Victor's plan—and fast—before it was too late.
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