Silence blanketed the grand hall after Sophia's transformation. The weight of what had occurred lingered thickly in the air. Her wings—breathtaking, radiant, divine—left no doubt of her lineage. No doubt that she was destined for something greater. For Lucian.
Selaria stood frozen among the gathering, her hands clenched at her sides. Lucian's childhood friend—once poised, self-assured—now looked like a shadow beside the goddess-born fae glowing with power. She had returned to the castle hoping to rekindle an old flame, believing her place at Lucian's side was natural.
But standing before Sophia's wings… she saw the truth.
Sophia turned slowly, her gaze locking with Selaria's. It wasn't cruel—it was calm. Certain. As though she didn't need to speak to remind everyone who she was.
Selaria broke the silence with a strained smile. "You're… remarkable." Her voice was brittle. "You really are her."
Sophia gave a slight nod. "I never asked to be. But I won't apologize for who I am."
That was the last Selaria said before disappearing from the hall, her presence shrinking into obscurity.
Lucian's mother approached Sophia again, resting a hand lightly on her shoulder. "The castle has seen many wonders," she whispered, "but none like you."
Lucian hadn't said a word. He stood rigid beside his father, still dazed. Not because he doubted her. But because he wanted her—more than ever—and now, it would be nearly impossible to keep his distance.
Sophia met his eyes.
Desire pulsed between them like a living thing.
He turned away suddenly, jaw clenched.
And she felt it—his restraint, his aching, unfulfilled need.
He was still avoiding her.
That night, Sophia wandered the halls again. She didn't mean to find his stepbrother—Kieran—but she did. They talked… and slowly, their conversation turned to shared burdens, to laughter, to mutual curiosity.
And Lucian, passing by in the shadows, saw the.
Saw her smile.
Saw her hand brush Kieran's arm.
His heart twisted.
And this time, he didn't stay to watch.
He disappeared into the dark.