Eve's point of viewI stared blankly at the wall, my mind reeling from Kalie's betrayal. The room Ezra allocated for me was cozy but felt like a prison. How could Kalie deceive me?Memories flooded my mind: Kalie's gentle smile, his reassuring words, his protective nature. All lies. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I recalled our conversations. He had manipulated me, using my vulnerability.A knock at the door broke the silence."Come in," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.Ezra entered, his expression soft."How are you, Eve?" he asked, sitting beside me.I shrugged, unable to articulate my emotions. Ezra's hand covered mine."I'm here for you," he said. "You're safe now."But was I?Kalie's words echoed in my mind: "You'll regret this, Eve."Regret what? Trusting him? Leaving him?"Ezra?" I whispered."Yes?""Why did Kalie do this?"Ezra's jaw clenched."Kalie's involved with a rogue organization. They're using him to get to you."My eyes widened."Why me?"Ezra's ga
Kalie's point of view I stood at the edge of the cliff, gazing out at the desolate landscape. The wind howled, echoing the emptiness within me. Eve, the light of my life, was gone.Thoughts swirled in my mind like a maelstrom, each one a dagger to my heart. Why did she leave? Did she ever truly love me?Memories haunted me: Eve's smile, her laughter, her eyes sparkling with joy. All gone.I clenched my fists, feeling the weight of my failure. I couldn't protect her. Ezra, that cunning manipulator, had stolen her from me.The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world in darkness. I felt the shadows closing in, suffocating me."Eve," I whispered, my voice lost in the wind.Tears streamed down my face, a mixture of anguish and frustration. How could she abandon me? Didn't she know I'd do anything for her?I replayed our last conversation, searching for clues. Had I missed something? Was there something I could've done differently?The pain consumed me, a raging fire that refused t
Eve's point of view I couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped. Ezra's kingdom suffocated me. I needed escape.One midnight, I slipped out. The forest beckoned. Freedom. As I ran, branches snagged at my clothes.I stumbled. And found myself at Kalie's window. Scratching the glass. A hesitant whisper."It's me."Kalie's voice. Firm, commanding. Yet, a glimmer of hope.He wouldn't hurt me. Would he? I slipped inside.Kalie's eyes become wide and concerned."Who is 'me'?" he asked. My heart skipped a beat.I revealed myself. And warned him."Don't touch me." The fear still lingered. But Kalie's presence is comforting, reassuring.For once, I felt safe. Kalie's words wrapped around me like a shield."You can trust me."Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. No one had said those words.Not since...not since Mother. I swallowed hard."Thank you," I whispered.Kalie's expression softened."You're safe now."Safe, a foreign concept, but in Kalie's presence, I dared to believe for the f
Kaile's point of view My thoughts betrayed me, conjuring images of Kalie's passionate kiss. I served, lost in reverie.Suddenly, I froze.Kalie stood before me, his gaze piercing."Hun..." I whispered, shocked.The room fell silent, eyes upon us."What are you doing? Why are you here?" I stuttered.Kalie's usual seat was across the room.How did he move so swiftly?My heart racing, Kalie remained still.Unblinking.Then, without warning, his lips crashed onto mine.The room gasped.Shockwaves rippled through me.What was Kalie doing?Public displays were unheard of in the kingdom.Maya's whispered warning echoed."Be careful, Eve." Too late.Kalie's kiss deepened.Time suspended.The world narrowed to our lips.Suddenly, applause erupted.The crowd cheered, whistled, and clapped.Flowers rained down upon us, petals dancing around our entwined forms. This gave me more courage. I wrap my hands round her waist, drawing her closer to me. Eve is already carried away by the kiss, but as I
Kaile's point of view I sat by the window, staring into the night.Kalie's words echoed."Attend the conference with me." Why did he want me there?Protection? Or something more? My thoughts swirled. Fear and uncertainty battled trust. I thought of Kalie's actions. His kindness. His determination. To protect me. My heart whispered. Trust him. But my mind cautioned. Be cautious.What if Kalie's intentions weren't pure? What if Ezra's schemes awaited? I took a deep breath. Consoled myself. I'll attend. For answers. For truth. And perhaps... for Kalie. I'll follow him. Into the unknown. And trust that he'll keep me safe.I rose from bed, my decision made. Maya slept soundly, unaware of my resolve. I slipped out of the room into the silent hallway. The castle's darkness seemed to swallow me whole. I navigated the familiar corridors, my heart pounding. Kalie's room. I stopped before his door, hesitating. A deep breath. I knocked. The door creaked open. Kalie stood, his eyes narrowing."Ev
Ezra's point of view I stood amidst the assembly, my eyes scanning the room. Then, they entered. Kalie and Eve. A collective gasp echoed through the hall. I felt my own breath catch.Eve's beauty shone like a beacon, captivating all who laid eyes on her. But it was more than that. My heart stirred, beating with an unfamiliar affection. For Eve. I couldn't explain it. This sudden, intense connection.All I knew was that I was drawn to her. Irrevocably.As Kalie's hand closed around hers, a pang of jealousy struck me.Why did he get to hold her hand?Why did he get to stand by her side?I pushed the thoughts aside. Focus, Ezra.But my eyes remained fixed on Eve. Drinking in the sight of her.My heart beating solely for her.As I gazed at Eve, I couldn't help but wonder: What secrets lay hidden behind those piercing green eyes? What drove her to stand by Kalie's side?I knew Kalie's reputation: ruthless, cunning, and power-hungry.But Eve seemed different. A spark of innocence lingered
Kaile's point of view As we entered the venue, I couldn't help but feel a surge of jealousy. The dim lighting and soft music only seemed to amplify my anxiety. I glanced over at Eve, who looked stunning in her red dress, her hair styled perfectly. She was beaming with confidence, and I could sense the eyes of other men on her.I gripped her hand tighter, trying to reassure myself that she was with me. But as we made our way through the crowd, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was losing her. Every smile she exchanged with someone else, every laugh, every conversation, made me feel like I was slowly being replaced.We reached the bar, and Eve ordered a drink. As we waited, I scanned the room, my eyes narrowing at the sight of a group of men eyeing Eve. I felt a growl rising in my throat, but I forced myself to calm down."Eve, let's get out of here," I said, trying to sound casual. "This isn't really my scene."Eve raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong, Kail? You're not having fun?"
Eve's point of view I walked into my room, dropping my purse onto the bed. I was exhausted from the conference, but my mind was still racing with thoughts of Ezra and our conversation earlier.Just as I was about to change out of my dress, I heard a knock at the door. I opened it to find Kaile standing in the hallway, his eyes intense."Hey," he said, his voice low. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"I nodded, stepping aside to let him in. He walked into my room, his eyes scanning the space before landing on me."What's up?" I asked, feeling a sense of trepidation.Kaile took a deep breath before speaking. "I want to know if you have feelings for Ezra."I felt a surge of surprise, my heart racing. "What are you talking about?" I asked, trying to play it cool.Kaile's eyes narrowed. "Don't play dumb, Eve. I saw the way you were looking at him today. I saw the way he was looking at you."I felt a flush rise to my cheeks, but I refused to back down. "I don't know what you're talking abou
Kaile's point of view As we rode towards Ezra's kingdom, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had been growing inside me since Eve told me about her dream. She had been so casual about it, so matter-of-fact, but I could sense the underlying tension in her voice.I glanced over at her, watching as the wind whipped through her hair. She was so beautiful, so strong and determined. But I knew that she was also vulnerable, that the dream had unsettled her in ways that she couldn't even begin to understand.I felt a pang of jealousy, of possessiveness. Who was this Ezra person, and why was he featuring in Eve's dreams? I knew that I had no right to feel this way, that Eve was free to dream about whoever she wanted. But I couldn't help the way I felt.As we rode, I found myself stealing glances at Eve, trying to read her expression. Was she thinking about Ezra? Was she wondering what it would be like to be with him?I felt a surge of frustration, of anger. Why was I letting this
Eve's point of view Kaile's words sent a shiver down my spine. I knew that I had stumbled upon something important, something that could potentially uncover the identity of the killer."What do you know about the black dagger?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Kaile's eyes locked onto mine, his expression intense. "I've heard rumors of a black dagger being used in ancient rituals," he said, his voice low and cautious. "But I never thought it was connected to the killer."I felt a surge of excitement mixed with fear. We were getting close to uncovering the truth, but we were also getting closer to danger."We need to tell Ezra about this," I said, my voice firm.Kaile nodded in agreement. "I'll go get him. But Eve, we need to be careful. If the killer is using a black dagger, we don't know what they're capable of."I nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. We were playing with fire, but we had to see this through.As Kaile turned to leave, I called out to him. "Kaile."He tur
stood at the window, staring out into the darkness, my mind racing with thoughts of the dream and the black dagger. I knew I had to tell Ezra about it, but a part of me hesitated. Should I tell Kaile too?I shook my head, pushing the thought aside. It was late, and I was too tired to think clearly. I would decide what to do in the morning.I walked over to the washbasin and splashed some cold water on my face, trying to clear my head. The cool water was refreshing, and I felt a little more alert.I dried my face and walked back to bed, my mind still whirling with thoughts of the dream and the black dagger. I climbed into bed and pulled the covers up to my chin, trying to shut out the thoughts and get some rest.But as I lay there, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. The dream had felt so real, and the image of the black dagger kept flashing in my mind.I sighed and closed my eyes, trying to will myself to sleep. But my mind was still racing, and I knew it was goi
Eve's point of view I was caught off guard by Kaile's sudden kiss. I had been about to apologize, to tell him that I couldn't return his feelings. But then his lips were on mine, and everything else melted away.At first, I was stiff, unsure of how to react. But as Kaile's kiss deepened, I felt myself relaxing, felt myself getting lost in the sensation of his lips on mine.It was like nothing I had ever experienced before. Kaile's kiss was passionate and demanding, but it was also gentle and tender. He kissed me like he meant it, like he was pouring his heart and soul into every moment.I felt myself getting swept up in the kiss, felt myself responding to Kaile's passion. My arms crept up around his neck, pulling him closer as our lips moved together.For a moment, I forgot about everything else. I forgot about Ezra, forgot about the danger that lurked in the shadows. All I could think about was Kaile, and the way he made me feel.But as the kiss deepened, I felt a pang of guilt. I w
Kalie's point of view I sat in my study, staring blankly at the papers in front of me. My mind was a thousand miles away, consumed by thoughts of Eve.I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had been growing inside me since Eve returned from Ezra's kingdom. I had seen the way Ezra looked at her, the way he smiled at her, and it made my blood boil.I didn't want to lose Eve. I didn't want her to be taken away from me by Ezra or anyone else. But I was scared to admit my true feelings to her. What if she didn't feel the same way?I sighed, rubbing my temples. I had to face the truth. I was in love with Eve. I had been for a long time, but I had been too afraid to admit it.The thought sent a shiver down my spine. What would happen if Eve found out? Would she feel the same way, or would she reject me?I looked up, my eyes falling on a small, leather-bound book on my shelf. It was a book of poetry, one that Eve had given me a long time ago. I opened it, flipping through the pages
Eve's point of view I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. I was in my own bed, and Kalie was sitting beside me, his eyes fixed on my face.I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I realized he had stayed with me all night. "Kalie, why are you still here?" I asked, trying to sound calm despite my embarrassment.Kalie's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "I wanted to make sure you were okay," he said, his voice low and gentle.I sat up, trying to reassure him. "I'm fine, Kalie. Really. You can go now."But Kalie didn't move. He just kept looking at me, his eyes searching mine as if he was trying to see into my soul."Kalie, please," I said, trying to persuade him. "I'm really okay. You can go back to your own hut now."Kalie hesitated, his eyes still fixed on mine. But then he nodded, his face softening into a gentle smile."Okay, Eve," he said, standing up. "But if you need anything, you promise to call for me?"I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through my c
Ezra's point of view I glared at my reflection in the mirror, my eyes blazing with anger. My face was a mess of bruises and cuts, courtesy of Kalie's fierce beating.I clenched my jaw, my hands shaking with rage as I cleaned the wounds. How dare he? I was the future king, and he had the audacity to attack me like that?But what really fueled my anger was the fact that Kalie had ruined my plans. Eve was supposed to be under my control by now, but thanks to Kalie's interference, she was now safely back in her hut.I seethed with frustration, my mind racing with ways to get back at Kalie. He thought he had won, but little did he know, I had only just begun to play.A knock at the door broke my reverie, and I turned to see Lydia standing in the entrance. Her eyes widened as she took in my battered face."My lord," she gasped. "What happened?"I waved my hand dismissively. "It's nothing," I growled. "Just a minor setback."Lydia's eyes sparkled with curiosity, but she knew better than to
Kaile's point of view The healer's face was grim as she examined Eve. She muttered to herself, her hands moving quickly and surely as she worked."What did they give her?" the healer asked, her voice sharp with concern."I don't know," I admitted, feeling a surge of frustration. "I found her like this at Ezra's castle. I think he must have given her something."The healer's eyes narrowed. "I'll need to run some tests," she said. "But I think I can help her."I nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. The healer was the best in the kingdom—if anyone could help Eve, it was her.The healer quickly got to work, mixing up a concoction of herbs and potions. She fed it to Eve, who swallowed it down without resistance.As we waited for the medicine to take effect, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. What had Ezra been thinking, giving Eve some kind of drug? And what did he plan to do with her?I gritted my teeth, feeling a surge of anger. I was going to find out what Ezra had p
Kalie's point of view I quickly carried Eve out of the castle and to my car, parked nearby. I opened the door and gently placed her in the passenger seat.As I buckled her in, Eve suddenly started to squirm and struggle, her hands grasping at her dress. "I'm so hot," she whispered, her voice husky and desperate. "I need to get out of this."Before I could stop her, Eve started to remove her dress, pulling it down over her shoulders and exposing her bare skin. I felt a surge of desire mixed with concern, and I quickly reached out to cover her."Eve, stop," I said firmly, trying to keep my eyes off her bare skin. "You can't just...we need to get you home."But Eve just kept repeating, "I'm so hot," over and over, her eyes glassy and unfocused. I knew I had to get her out of there, and fast, before things got any worse. I quickly got into the driver's seat and started the engine, peeling out of the castle grounds as fast as I could.As I drove, Eve continued to squirm and struggle in the