********Harper's POV
I slowly rose from the edge of my bed, smoothing the folds of my gown as if I had been expecting the interruption all along. My face remained calm, composed — the perfect image of a newly wedded bride still learning the rules of a demon court.
When I looked up, I found Kael already watching me.
His golden eyes gleamed in the low candlelight, sharp and unreadable.
"What are you doing here at this hour?"
His lips curved into a slow, knowing smirk.
Instead of answering, Kael began to walk toward me.
One step.
Then another.
The air between us seemed to shrink with each measured movement. I held my ground at first, refusing to retreat, but Kael kept advancing until the back of my shoulders brushed the cold stone wall.
My breath hitched before I could stop it.
"What are you doing?" I asked again, this time quieter, almost like a whisper.
Kael's gaze softened — or perhaps it only appeared that way.
"I missed you," he murmured.
His hand rose slowly, almost lazily, as though giving me time to pull away. When I didn't, his fingers traced the side of my arm, sliding down the length of my sleeve before drifting back up again.
My thoughts raced.
This is a test.
He's checking.
He wants to know if I remember.
I lowered my gaze, letting my lashes tremble slightly, forcing myself into the role he expected.
Shy. Timid. Harmless.
Kael seemed pleased.
His hand moved from my arm to my waist, brushing lightly across the fabric as if committing the sensation to memory. He leaned closer, his breath warm against my skin.
Then, slowly, he dipped his head and pressed his lips to the shell of my ear.
I stiffened.
His teeth grazed my ear in a brief, deliberate nip before he kissed the spot as though soothing it. A shiver ran down my spine, though I kept my face carefully flushed and uncertain.
I could hear Ravenna's mocking laugh in the back of my mind. She seemed evilly happy with the way Kael was tempting me.
When he pulled back, his fingers tilted my chin upward.
His mouth brushed mine — once, soft and testing — before he bit gently at my lower lip and kissed me properly.
Not harsh.
Not gentle.
Measured.
When he finally withdrew, his thumb lingered beneath my lip as if memorizing my reaction.
"Let's play a game," he whispered.
It seems like he wasn't here to test me after all. If so, then what is all this about?
A part of me told me that I could use this to my advantage. Play along with him and gain his trust and then.....
***********Author's POV
Across the castle, in a chamber lit by cold blue flames, Seraphine paced restlessly.
Her robes trailed behind her like smoke, the silence of the room broken only by the faint scrape of her heels against stone.
The door opened without warning.
She turned sharply as Kael stepped inside.
One glance at his face made her eyes narrow.
"What did you do—" she began, then stopped, alarm flashing across her features. "Kael…"
He raised a hand immediately.
"Relax," he said calmly. "I didn't do anything.
Not yet."
Seraphina exhaled, tension leaving her shoulders.
"I only went to confirm something," Kael continued. "I needed to know whether she has regained her memories… or her power."
Seraphina's relief was visible.
"You shouldn't lose focus now," she warned. "Not when we are this close. Everything we have worked for depends on it."
Kael nodded once.
"And your part?"
A thin smile curved across her lips.
"I convinced Natalie to cooperate," she said. "She will do what is required. Soon, the plan will move forward… and all of this will finally be over."
Kael let out a slow breath, though his brow remained faintly furrowed.
Seraphine noticed.
"What is it?"
"…Zareth," he admitted.
The name hung in the air like a shadow.
"Zareth has been quiet," Kael said. "Too quiet. I don't like it. I hate not knowing what he's thinking".
Seraphine waved a dismissive hand.
"Then let him think. One of you will move eventually. Until then, patience."
She paused, studying him carefully before adding,
"And in the meantime… stay away from that pretty little witch."
Kael gave a short nod.
"Alright."
Seraphine seemed satisfied. She turned and swept from the room, the door closing behind her with a heavy thud.
Silence returned.
Kael remained where he stood for several seconds.
Then, slowly, the corner of his mouth lifted.
His fingers brushed absently against his own lips, as if recalling something.
He gave a quiet, almost helpless chuckle.
"Oh, Harper…" he murmured to himself.
"What am I supposed to do with you?"
His smile deepened, conflicted and dangerous all at once.
"You're doing things to me that I can't even explain."
The candle flames flickered violently — then steadied.
And the room fell still.
*******Harper's POV
This was my chance to talk to Ellis. I closed my eyes and thought about Ellis.
Nothing.....
*Ellis? Ellis! Can you hear me? Ellis!*
I called her and then.....
*Harper?My daughter! You...remember?...