The world outside the hidden study was silent, but inside, Eleanor's heart pounded with the force of an approaching storm.
Alexander's breath was warm against her skin, his hands firm on her waist as if anchoring her to him. The passion between them was undeniable, but just as undeniable was the danger that lurked in the shadows of the Blackthorne legacy.
Their lips were still tingling from the kiss when Alexander finally pulled back, his blue eyes burning with a mixture of desire and restraint. "We shouldn't do this," he murmured, but his hands didn't let go of her.
Eleanor arched an eyebrow. "Then why are you still holding me?"
A smirk tugged at his lips, but it was gone just as fast. "Because you drive me insane."
She leaned in, brushing her lips against his jaw. "Good."
Before he could respond, a sharp knock at the door shattered the moment.
Alexander tensed, his protective instincts kicking in instantly. He stepped in front of Eleanor as he called out, "Who is it?"
A familiar voice responded from the other side. "It's me."
Sebastian.
Alexander let out a frustrated sigh before moving to unlock the door. The moment it swung open, Sebastian strolled in, completely unfazed. His sharp gaze flicked between them, and a knowing smirk played on his lips.
"Well, well," he drawled. "Am I interrupting something?"
Eleanor crossed her arms. "What do you want, Sebastian?"
Sebastian leaned casually against the bookshelf, ignoring her question. Instead, he turned to Alexander. "You really shouldn't keep secrets from your wife, brother."
Alexander's expression darkened. "What are you talking about?"
Sebastian pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket and tossed it onto the desk. "An invitation. Another one."
Eleanor picked it up, her pulse quickening as she recognized the same black envelope with the golden crest—the one that had led her to the Red Chamber.
She unfolded it carefully, scanning the message inside.
"Tomorrow night. The Blackthorne Auction. Come prepared."
Eleanor's stomach twisted. "Auction?"
Sebastian nodded. "Not just any auction. The most dangerous one in the world."
Alexander's jaw clenched. "Who sent this?"
Sebastian's smirk faded. "Lucian Vale."
The name sent a chill through Eleanor.
Alexander crumpled the invitation in his fist. "No."
Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "No?"
"You heard me." Alexander's voice was cold, sharp. "She's not going."
Sebastian sighed dramatically. "You know, brother, I didn't take you for a coward."
Alexander's fists clenched. "Watch it."
Sebastian shrugged. "Lucian doesn't send invitations just for fun. If he's inviting Eleanor, he expects her to come. Refusing could make things worse."
Eleanor glanced between them. "What exactly happens at this auction?"
Sebastian gave her a pointed look. "Power is sold. Secrets are traded. And sometimes… people."
Eleanor's breath caught. "People?"
Sebastian nodded. "It's not always about money. Sometimes the highest bidder walks away with something more valuable—a life, a deal, a loyalty that cannot be broken."
She looked at Alexander. "And you think it's too dangerous?"
Alexander's jaw tightened. "I know it is."
Sebastian smirked. "That's never stopped us before."
Eleanor exhaled slowly, then met Alexander's gaze. "I want to go."
Alexander shook his head immediately. "Eleanor—"
"No." She took a step closer. "This is my fight too. You keep telling me I need to understand this world—well, I'm ready."
His eyes searched hers, conflicted. He wanted to protect her, but she could see the war waging inside him. He knew she was right.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he exhaled sharply.
"Fine," he muttered. "But we go together."
Sebastian clapped his hands. "Now that's more like it."
Eleanor felt Alexander's fingers intertwine with hers. The warmth of his grip sent a reassuring pulse through her.
The game had begun. And this time, she wasn't playing to lose.
---
Next Chapter: The Blackthorne Auction
Eleanor steps into the heart of the Blackthorne underworld—a world of power, danger, and deception. But when a shocking revelation comes to light, will she and Alexander survive the night?