Deep within the conquered Heroic Order's fortress, Evelyn Astralis sat alone in her chamber.
She had once been a proud warrior, a symbol of hope for the people.
Now, she was little more than a trophy of the man she had fought against.
"How did it come to this…?"
Her heart clenched as she remembered the battle—how Rael, the man she once loved, had died before her eyes. How Leonhardt had crushed him effortlessly, rendering all their struggles meaningless.
She should have hated him.
She wanted to hate him.
But… her body betrayed her.
Her lips still tingled from his touch. Her skin still remembered the heat of his embrace.
And worst of all… deep inside, a forbidden feeling was growing.
The door opened.
Leonhardt entered, his imposing presence filling the room.
Evelyn's body tensed, but she didn't move. She couldn't.
"You still resist?" he asked, his voice calm.
She clenched her fists. "I… I will never…"
Her voice wavered.
Leonhardt smirked. "Is that so?"
He stepped closer, his fingers brushing against her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.
Evelyn's breath hitched.
"No… this isn't right…"
But why… was her heart beating so fast?
🔷🔷🔷🔷
The remnants of the Heroic Order had been given a choice—submit or perish.
Some had chosen defiance. They were executed without hesitation.
But others… had begun to kneel.
In the heart of the Valtara Fortress, Leonhardt gathered the surviving commanders of the Hero Army.
"You are no longer warriors of a fallen cause," he declared. "You belong to me now."
Some glared at him with hatred. Others looked away in shame.
But none dared to speak against him.
At his side, Celestia let out a delighted laugh. "Ohoho~ Look at them squirm~"
Leonhardt's gaze remained firm. "You will prove your loyalty with action, not words."
His eyes landed on Evelyn Astralis.
She shuddered.
She had made her choice.
She was no longer a Hero.
But was she truly ready to belong to him?