The Chain of Seraph
The wind howled outside the palace, its icy fingers clawing at the stained-glass windows. Inside, the room was bathed in the warm glow of candles and the flickering fire in the hearth.
Yet, the heat rising between Meribella and Edwyn had little to do with the flames.
Meribella stood before him, her legs shackled, and her heart felt heavy each second, standing like a prisoner in front of him.
“Edwyn..." Her voice trembled as she whispered his name, "Please, you must believe me. I’ve done nothing wrong. I’ve always been loyal—to you and the Crown.”
Edwyn, in a bathrobe with his hair still damp, stepped closer. His fingers traced her face, sending shivers down her spine.
“I know you’re innocent, but palace rules are strict. Even I can’t bend them outright. Still...” He kneels at her feet and unlocks the shackles.
“I won’t let anyone hurt you. I’ll speak to my father—the King—and clear your name.”
As he rose, his fingers gently brushed over the bruises on her forehead, lingering slightly on her pale lips. "You should take a bath," he murmured in the most affectionate tonee.
Meribella blinked, confused. "How...?" She was a prisoner, and such luxuries were not meant for her.
Edwyn gestured toward the adjoining chamber. "There," he said, his attention never leaving her. "I want to spend a good time with you, Meribella. Now that you are in the palace..." He didn’t finish his sentence, instead brushing a few strands of her hair behind her ear.
The gesture made her blush, her heart fluttering despite the circumstances.
"You have always been kind, Edwyn," she said, averting her eyes. "I will be quick," she said, stepping away, only for him to catch her wrist.
"You need help to bathe," he insisted, his voice firm. "I see bruises on your feet and your face."
Meribella’s cheeks burned. In the palace, royals were accustomed to being naked before servants, but she was not raised in such luxury.
The thought of being unclothed in front of maids made her stomach churn. “T-there’s no need for servants. I’ll be fine.”
Edwyn smiled, tilting his head slightly. "Who mentioned anything about maids?" he queried teasingly, yet loaded with meaning.
Meribella’s eyes grew wide when the meaning of his words hit her. Before she could answer, a low, mocking laugh echoed in the room.
"How boring," a voice drawled, dripping with sarcasm, from near the window, lit by the moonlight. He stood in his red cloak, and his golden-flecked eyes shone with anger and curiosity, leaving Meribella and Edwyn speechless.
It’s a world of mystic powers shrouded in mystery, where reincarnation binds fates, and dominance is driven by ambition. Predators become prey. Who is a friend, and who is an enemy? Trust is a dangerous game.
They were never meant to fall in love. They were destined to erase each other’s existence, yet they defied fate.
