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THAT NIGHT.
EVE'S P.O.V.
When we returned, I was informed of the new changes: the castle was now under a powerful spell—no one from outside could enter, and no one inside could leave without using the proper channels.
After dropping Erica off at her room, I immediately searched for my brother to tell him about today's events. Sadly, he was still locked away in meetings with the ministers.
"Wow, he's been trapped between four walls all day. I can't just barge in. Besides, if I tell him what happened, I'm sure he'll make Erica return home."
With that thought, I returned to my room to prepare for the party.
---
AZREAL'S P.O.V.
I sat back in my chair, lost in thought about how much had gotten out of hand—the attacks, the missing people. Once the ministers left in a hurry, only I remained in the room.
Everything started when she arrived. It must be tied to the prophecy.
"Argh! Why this again?" I growled, slamming my fist into the table, shattering it.
Even though the room was lit, darkness seemed to envelop me. The air grew cold. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, fighting for control. I couldn't afford to let my other side take over—not tonight, not with so many people around.
"Knock, knock." A knock on the door pulled me back to reality.
"What do you want?" I barked.
"Master, the guests have arrived. It's almost time," a guard informed me.
I moved to the mirror. My eyes, once dark, now burned a fiery red—a sign I almost lost it. No. Not again.
I would never let that side of me loose. I promised after what happened years ago... after I lost everything.
After steadying myself, I left for the hall. From the balcony, I watched the guests arrive below.
"People... you never know what's truly in their hearts. The one who will hurt you is never far away."
"Azreal!" a voice called. I already knew who it was, so I didn't bother turning.
---
LUCCA'S P.O.V.
I arrived early, hoping to steal a moment with Eve before the party. But she was nowhere to be found.
Roaming around, I spotted Azreal standing alone on the balcony, observing the guests with his usual intense gaze. I called out to him, but, as expected, he didn't respond.
I approached him anyway, and he said the first thing he could:
"Eve isn't here. You may go."
I chuckled. Seriously? We hadn't even spoken yet, and he was already trying to chase me off.
"Well, I won't deny I came looking for her," I said. "But now that I'm here, why not catch up?"
Azreal turned to me, his glare practically burning a hole through my soul before turning back.
"It's the girl, isn't it?" I asked.
"I don't want to talk about it," he muttered.
"She's special," I said, standing beside him. "But she's clueless about everything."
"She doesn't know," he replied, voice low. "And that makes her a threat."
"She's a good person, Azreal. You wouldn't be letting her stay otherwise."
"Eve would be unhappy if I got rid of her," he admitted.
I couldn't help but laugh at his weak excuse. "Ha! That's a terrible excuse, even for you."
"Don't push it, Lucca," he warned.
"Okay, okay. What about your bride, Rachel? She's still hanging around."
"She's not worthy. Besides, there's nothing between us."
"Then why is she still here?"
"Ask her, not me."
A waiter passed by carrying a tray with two glasses of wine. I grabbed one and handed the other to Azreal. "Cheers," I said, and we clinked glasses before drinking.
---
RACHEL'S P.O.V.
I waited in my room for my father's arrival. He said we needed privacy to talk. A knock startled me.
"Who is it?" I asked.
"It's me, darling. Open up," my father's voice answered.
I quickly opened the door. Once inside, he slipped something into my hand—a small bottle containing a green substance.
"What's this?" I asked.
"A powerful herb. It will charm whoever drinks it—but only for a short time."
"Father, this is insane. I can't do this!"
"Then pack your things and return home. I'll send your sister, Emily, to finish what you couldn't."
Anger flared inside me at the mention of her name. There was no way I would let Emily take what should be mine.
"No, Father. I'll do it," I said firmly.
"You better not fail," he warned, flashing a wicked smile.
---
ERICA'S P.O.V.
I stood in front of the mirror, barely recognizing myself. The ocean-blue off-shoulder dress matched my eyes perfectly. My long blonde hair was styled into an elegant bun, sparkling hairpins tucked neatly inside. My lips were slightly redder than usual—but beautifully so.
The door creaked open, and Eve stepped in, wearing a wine-colored, strapless dress. She froze when she saw me, a smile tugging at her lips.
"Is the dress bad? Should I change?" I asked, worried.
"No, you look perfect!" Eve beamed, making me blush.
"You look beautiful too," I said.
"Thanks. Erica, tonight, don't look anyone directly in the eyes."
"Why, Eve?"
"Because some here can read your thoughts. Remember, this world houses all kinds of creatures."
"I'll be careful," I promised.
"Good! Now, let's go. The party has already started."
We walked together to the grand hall. When the doors opened, every eye turned to us. I froze, anxiety flooding my body. Searching the room, my eyes found Azreal amidst a crowd—and our gazes locked. Quickly, I looked away, my cheeks burning.
Eve squeezed my hand reassuringly.
"Don't worry, I'm with you," she whispered.
Just then, a castle staff rushed over, bowing deeply.
"Master! The violinist, Leonardo Rodriguez, cannot make it tonight."
"That's unfortunate," Eve said, worried.
"I could play in his place," I offered.
"Are you sure? It's been a long time, and you've never performed before," Eve said gently.
"I want to," I insisted.
After a grateful bow, the man hurried off.
Lucca appeared, grabbing Eve's hand and pressing a kiss to it.
"My lady, may I steal you away?"
"I can't leave Erica alone," she replied.
"Don't worry, Eve. Go have fun," I said quickly.
With a sly smile, Lucca whisked her away.
Instantly, people crowded around me, eager to chat. I avoided meeting anyone's gaze, just as Eve warned, but the feeling of being watched never faded.
Finally, it was time for my performance. The staff led me to the stage behind the curtains.
When the curtains lifted, I closed my eyes, imagining I was back home, playing for my mother. The moment my bow touched the strings, the entire hall fell into a reverent silence.
I poured my heart into the music, losing myself completely.
When the final note echoed through the hall, thunderous applause erupted. I bowed deeply and exited the stage.
Eve and Lucca rushed over, faces lit up with pride.
"Erica, that was incredible! I had no idea you played!" Lucca praised.
"Thank you," I said, smiling shyly.
"I'm so proud of you!" Eve exclaimed, pulling me into a hug.
"Thank you, Eve. But... I need to leave."
"Why so soon?"
"I'm just tired," I lied.
"Should I walk you to your room?"
"No need," I said quickly, escaping before she could insist.
At the doors, I turned back and waved before slipping outside.
The moment I shut the door behind me, I froze.
Jarel stood there, smirking.
"My love, you never told me you played. Come home with me—we can play together all night," he said, his voice dripping with desire.
"How did you find me?" I whispered, heart pounding.
"That's not how you greet your darling husband," he teased, tilting my chin upward.
"Never. I want nothing to do with you. Please leave," I begged.
"Leave you? Impossible," he said, inching closer, lust flashing in his eyes.
I struggled, terrified he might drag me away.
But suddenly, he released me, stepping back.
"I'll come for you when the time is right," he said darkly—and vanished into the night.
I knew someone else had been watching.
I recognized that presence anywhere—my savior was here.
With renewed hope, I raced through the castle, searching. I spotted him at the front gates, mounted on a horse.
When he saw me, he waved once... and then galloped away into the night.
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