CHAPTER 165: SERAPHINE VALERIA D’AMARIS - THE VILLAINESS!

Moments later, Rin’s voice came from the hallway, confused and a bit disappointed.

"Lirien! Mother! Winter told me it’s his first time eating macarons. Why?"

Elyria furrowed her brows as Rin ran in, dragging little Winter along. The boy had crumbs on his lips again, happily holding a half-eaten macaron.

"What have you been feeding him? Well, it doesn’t matter, I’ll feed him until he fattens up," Rin announced proudly. "We’re going on a date tomorrow, just my brother and I,"

Elyria laughed, wiping a tear of amusement. "You’re unbelievable."

Rin grinned. "I know."

Lirien sighed and muttered, "That boy’s ego is dangerous."

They all joined the others in the lounge soon after, where drinks and meat filled the long wooden tables. The brothel had turned lively again, with laughter echoing from every corner. Elyria fit in naturally... talking to the Omegas, smiling, laughing. Rin couldn’t stop teasing Winter or telling random people that he finally had a brother.

For a while, everything felt normal again.

But outside, the night wind carried a chill that hinted at darker things coming.

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Meanwhile, across the capital, the lights of the Marquess’s Mansion glowed faintly under the silver moons. Two carriages stopped at the front gate, their wheels crunching against gravel. The guards hurried to open the doors, bowing deeply.

A young woman stepped out, her long silk gown brushing the ground. Her hair was tied neatly into soft curls, a diamond pin gleaming under the lantern’s light. She was beautiful... so beautiful that the servants bowed even lower as she passed. But there was something about her eyes... soft, almost tearful, but carrying a quiet sharpness that made people nervous.

"Welcome home, my lady," one of the maids said quickly.

"Thank you," she replied softly, her voice gentle and melodic.

The Marquess, a tall, tired man with greying hair, appeared at the top of the stairs. His expression melted into relief.

"Seraphine," he said warmly, stepping down. "You’re safe."

Lady Seraphine Valeria D’Amaris smiled faintly, bowing her head.

"I had to come home. The temple was attacked. The demons destroyed half the outer halls. I couldn’t stay."

Her father’s eyes softened. "You did well to return. The capital isn’t safe either, but at least here, I can protect you."

"I’m glad you’re well, Father," she said sweetly, though her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

"Come inside," he said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You must be exhausted."

They walked through the grand hallway filled with golden chandeliers and family portraits. As they reached the drawing room, he poured her a cup of tea.

"You’ll stay here until things calm down," he said. "The palace was attacked two nights ago. Many nobles died. It was a bunch of demons that attacked,"

Seraphine’s brows knitted slightly, feigning concern.

"Oh my! That’s so terrible... I hope His Highness is unharmed. What about the ladies and..." She took a dramatic pause as she almost staggered. "It was the same at the temple father, a bunch of priests died and so did the people. It was very terrifying. I was helped by a bunch of them that sacrificed their lives just for me, father. I’m scared that they will come here,"

"The crown prince is fine and trust me, the demons wouldn’t attack now. We have a lot of time before we arrange our defense." the Marquess said tiredly. "But I want you to promise me something. Now that you’re back to the capital, I hope that you’ll stay away from the Vortellions for now. Lucien doesn’t..."

"... love me?" she finished softly. "I know you’re going to say that, father,"

He sighed. "You know how that boy is. He’s as cold as ice. You’re better off forgetting him."

Her lashes lowered, her tone sweet but firm. "I can’t. I love him, Father. I’ll make him love me too, no matter how long it takes. I’m not going to give him up,"

The Marquess groaned. "You’re hopeless, child,"

She smiled faintly. "Maybe. But hopeless people get what they want eventually."

"I can’t do anything to stop you, can I?" He rubbed his forehead as he sighed heavily. "It’s late. Rest for now. We’ll talk tomorrow."

Seraphine curtsied gracefully. "Good night, Father."

When she reached her room, her maid rushed in, helping her remove her corset and jewellery. "Welcome home, my lady."

Seraphine nodded absently, walking toward the mirror.

"Tell me everything that happened in the capital while I was away. And don’t leave anything out."

The maid hesitated but began to speak quickly. "Well, the Crown Prince took a concubine recently. People say he’s quite taken with him. Even the king almost made him the queen. They say the concubine was once... "

Seraphine cut her off, her tone icy. "I don’t care about the Crown Prince. What about Lucien? Tell me everything about Lucien,"

The maid flinched. "I... I heard rumours from the ball the other night. They said Lord Lucien almost fought the Crown Prince because of the same concubine."

Seraphine’s hand froze mid-motion. Her reflection in the mirror smiled slowly.

"Because of the concubine?"

"Yes, my lady. He’s from a brothel, they said. Just a nobody."

Seraphine’s smile grew wider, but her eyes darkened.

"A nobody?" she repeated softly. "Also from the brothel? How disgusting! How on earth did that miserable being manage to deceive my Lucien."

"It was also said that he is of great beauty. A lot of people were after him and they were more than ready to pay millions for him,"

"Pay for the slut?"

"Yes, my lady."

She turned away from the mirror, her voice low and calm.

"Then there’s nothing to worry about."

The maid blinked, confused. "My lady?"

Seraphine’s tone turned honey-sweet.

"Now that I’m back, Lucien will remember where he belongs. And as for this nobody..." She smiled, cold and beautiful. "Getting rid of him will be a breeze."

The maid lowered her head quickly, trembling slightly under her gaze.

Seraphine walked to the window, the moonlight painting her white gown in silver. Her expression softened into that of a gentle, loving lady again... yet her eyes gleamed with quiet cruelty that no one knew about.

"Sleep well, my dear Lucien," she whispered. "Because soon... you’ll be mine again. I’ll make sure of that,"

And outside, the night wind howled.