The night air was cool against Ariella's skin as she stood on the balcony of the Devereux estate, overlooking the sprawling gardens below.
In the distance, the city lights shimmered, a stark contrast to the shadows that followed her every step.
She had risen to power. She had won battles that no one thought she could.
But here, in the quiet, with the weight of her empire, her daughter, and her marriage on her shoulders—
She realized victory came with a cost.
Leo's deep, familiar voice broke through the silence. "You're thinking again."
Ariella smirked but didn't turn. "I never stop."
She felt him step closer, the warmth of his body brushing against hers. "You should. Just for a second."
Ariella exhaled. "There's too much at stake."
Leo reached out, his fingers brushing her bare arms. "That's why you don't have to do it alone."
She finally turned to him. The man who had stood beside her through war, blood, and betrayal.
