The Weight She Carries
Night had fallen over the golden castle, stars shimmering quietly in the vast sky above. But inside Ariana's chamber, silence was deafening. She lay curled beneath the cool sheets, her breath shallow, her eyes wide and haunted. Lucian's voice echoed in her mind—his hands, his chains, the cruel smirk that never left his face, and the soft, cruel whispers that tormented her soul. Over and over, they played like a never-ending torment.Suddenly, she gasped, sitting upright and clutching her chest as panic seized her. The walls of her room felt too small, her breath coming in short, uneven bursts. Barefoot, she stumbled out into the hallway, the cold floor biting her skin.From down the corridor, Rowan heard the noise and hurried out of his chamber. His limp was still there, but his healing was nearly complete. Seeing Ariana in distress, he asked with concern, "Ariana? What's wrong?"She looked at him, her eyes red-rimmed and lips trembling. The dam broke, and her knees gave way. Rowan caught her just in time, holding her as she sobbed uncontrollably against his shoulder."I… I c-can't sleep, Rowan," she choked out between tears. "He's in my head. I feel him everywhere—even when I'm safe. I hate it. I hate him. I hate myself for still… still feeling anything at all…"Rowan tightened his embrace, jaw clenched as he struggled with the weight of her pain. His voice was soft, fragile."As a young girl, you've endured more than most warriors face in battle. And yet… you survived. I see that strength in you every day."She lifted her tear-streaked face to his, broken and vulnerable."You think I'm strong… but I let him live. After everything. Why didn't I let you end him, Rowan? Why didn't I let you do it?"Rowan's hand cupped her face gently."Because… something deep inside you—maybe a part you don't fully understand yet—stopped you. Maybe it was mercy. Maybe it was… something else.""Something unconscious… inside me?" she whispered.He nodded slowly. "Yeah. And it's nothing to be ashamed of. You did what you believed in. And I'll stand by that, even if it hurts me."Together, they sat beneath the moonlight in the quiet corridor, her head resting on his chest, his arms a shield against the nightmares clawing at her soul."I'll fight every demon in your mind with you, Ariana. Until the day you sleep without fear."
In the Heart of Shadows
The cold, mist-wrapped training arena of Lucian's hidden kingdom was a stark contrast to Ariana's castle. Shirtless and battered, his scarred body moved with ruthless elegance as his sword clashed against the blades of his elite soldiers. Sweat dripped from his brow, but he did not falter.On the sidelines, the Duke stood tall and cold-eyed, arms crossed. The General approached silently."How did this happen, Duke?" the General asked. "How did we end up like this? Lucian was the most brilliant ruler this kingdom had seen in decades."The Duke did not look away from the fighting. "I did not expect it either. But perhaps… he became weak.""Weak?" the General echoed in disbelief."He loved her," the Duke replied quietly. "Purely. And that kind of love… is forbidden in the laws of devils and darkborns alike."The General shook his head. "But still… he was cruel to her. He chained her. Haunted her. Broke her."The Duke finally turned his cold gaze toward him. "Not really. He stopped himself. Again and again. And that restraint… cost him everything."Lucian's final strike ended the fight as his last soldier fell to the ground. Panting, he stood tall, chest heaving. The Duke approached, hands behind his back."Prince Lucian… your Ariana is gone. Whatever are you planning now?"Lucian's eyes were shadowed but burned with fierce fire."I'll never give up on her. She chose the knight—but she will pay for what she did. I'll gain my full power back… And when I do, I will find her again."The Duke smirked, pride and warning mingled in his expression."You're still as stubborn as ever, my prince. But a word of advice… don't fall too deep. A ruler who drowns in love is no ruler at all."Lucian growled. "Shut up. A Duke like you isn't supposed to tell me what to do."The Duke bowed slightly. "As you command, my prince. I shall inform the general of your intentions."As the Duke melted back into the shadows with a silent smile, Lucian lifted his eyes to the darkened sky, a vow burning fiercely in his heart."She will return. Either in chains… or in love."
A Soft Descent into Confusion
Days passed in Ariana's kingdom, but the memories of her time in the dark kingdom and its dungeon haunted her nights. The absence of Lucian's presence twisted her thoughts until she found herself missing him, confused, and slipping away from Rowan's steady warmth.The golden palace basked in the soft glow of the spring sun, but inside Ariana, a chill lingered like winter's breath. She sat by the window, chin resting on her hand, staring out at the distant sky. Her reflection in the glass was pale, tired, and unsure.Rowan entered quietly, concern etched on his face. "You didn't come to the garden today. Everything alright, Ari?"She whispered, "Yeah… I just needed some time."He studied her carefully—the tone of her voice, the look in her eyes, the quiet slipping of her spirit—and felt the slow unraveling beneath the surface. He moved closer and sat beside her."You're not sleeping again, are you?" he asked gently."Not really…" she admitted after a pause.Rowan's voice softened. "Do you… still think about him?"Ariana's lips parted, throat tightening. She nodded barely, whispering, "I hate that I do… but yes."Rowan looked down, pain flickering in his eyes, but said nothing.
Where Darkness Still Waits
Far away, in the cursed kingdom, Lucian stood in the ritual chamber—a grand cathedral bathed in cold violet fire. In one hand, he held a withered rose. In the other, a crystal orb pulsed softly with Ariana's memory."She cried in my arms… she trembled at my touch… and still, her eyes called my name—fear and something more."He closed his eyes, pressing the rose against his chest."Why do I ache for her more now that she's gone? This isn't obsession… it's devotion."The Duke watched from a distance, eyes calculating, almost sympathetic."Your love for her grows darker… and purer. That's dangerous, my prince. The heart of a devil was never meant to love like a man."Lucian smiled coldly. "Then perhaps… I am no longer a devil."