(Aeris’s POV)

After having dinner and made sure everyone went to sleep.

The castle was silent, wrapped in the heavy embrace of night.

I stood at the edge of my chamber’s window, gripping the rope tightly, my heart hammering against my ribs.

"This is it. If I fail now, I may never get another chance."

I had waited patiently—watched the movements of the guards, memorized the layout, and ensured that the castle had fallen into deep slumber.

This was the perfect moment.

With a deep breath, I climbed over the ledge and began my descent. The rope dug into my hands as I carefully lowered myself down, my arms trembling slightly under the strain.

The wind was cold against my skin, but the thought of freedom burned within me, keeping me steady.

Step by step.

Lower and lower.

I could almost taste the fresh air of the open land beyond the castle walls.

"Just a little more—"

Suddenly, a shadow loomed over me.

Before I could react, something strong and inescapable wrapped around my waist.

I gasped as my body was yanked away from the rope.

The ground never came.

Instead, I was lifted effortlessly into the air, cradled in powerful arms.

A wave of dread washed over me.

I didn’t need to look to know who it was.

"Going somewhere, little blossom?"

His deep, smooth voice sent a shiver down my spine.

I stiffened, my breath catching in my throat.

"Let me go," I demanded, though my voice was barely above a whisper.

Zephirion let out a quiet chuckle, his grip on me firm yet effortless.

"You misunderstand something, little blossom," he said, his tone laced with amusement.

I squirmed in his hold, but it was useless—his strength was far beyond anything I could fight against.

He held me closer, his warmth pressing against me despite the cold night air.

"You can try to run. Again and again."

His red eyes glowed ominously in the dark.

"But no matter where you flee—even if you vanish into the deepest shadows of this world..."

His voice dropped to a near whisper, his grip tightening ever so slightly.

"Even if you went to hell itself, I would find you and bring you back to my castle."

I felt the blood drain from my face.

I had planned everything. I had done everything right.

Yet, from the very beginning—

He had been watching me.

And just like that, my fragile hope of freedom crumbled into nothingness.

_________________________________________

(Zephirion’s POV)

Zephirion stood by the grand window of his chamber, gazing down at the castle courtyard bathed in the pale glow of the moon.

He had been waiting.

He had known from the very moment Aeris began sneaking around, watching the guards, eyeing the paths that led beyond the castle walls.

"How naive."

She truly believed she could escape him.

The corners of his lips curled slightly as he watched her delicate figure climb down the rope she had so carefully prepared. Step by step, inch by inch, she lowered herself, her movements careful yet desperate.

"She truly does not understand who she belongs to now."

Zephirion took his time. He let her believe—just for a moment—that she might actually succeed.

That she might taste the freedom she so desperately sought.

Then, just before her feet could touch the ground—

He moved.

With a single swift motion, he was there, faster than she could even perceive. One arm wrapped around her waist, lifting her into his hold effortlessly, as if she weighed nothing.

He felt the sharp inhale of her breath, the momentary stillness of shock.

"Ah… so fragile."

Her heartbeat pounded wildly against his chest, her body rigid in his grasp. She was afraid.

Good.

He smirked, watching as realization dawned on her face. She didn't even struggle—perhaps she knew it was useless.

"Going somewhere, little blossom?"

No response. Only wide, stunned eyes.

He had seen many things in his long, immortal life. Fear. Hatred. Defiance. Despair.

But this woman…

She was something else.

Not because she tried to escape. That was expected.

But because, even now—wrapped in his arms, completely at his mercy—she still had not cried.

Interesting.

Zephirion pulled her closer, lowering his voice.

"You can run. Again and again."

His grip tightened ever so slightly, feeling the warmth of her body against his own.

"But no matter where you go—no matter how far you flee—"

His red eyes glowed in the moonlight, watching the last flicker of hope shatter in her expression.

"Even if you went to hell itself, I would find you and bring you back to my castle."

For a moment, she was utterly silent.

And then, finally—he saw it.

The slight tremble of her fingers. The way her lashes fluttered, her breathing unsteady.

Yes.

She was beginning to understand.

She belonged to him now.

To be continued