3. Unexpected Opportunities

"Thank you for saving me," Seraphina said as she sat in the mysterious man's car. All the women who had escaped with them were taken back to their homes. They all said they would leave the city as soon as possible before the Lycan King found them again.

As for Seraphina, she knew where to go. She had been sold, which meant her parents didn't want her anymore. She didn't even know where she came from when her parents picked her up.

"If you don't know where to go, you better come home with me. I'll give you a place to stay," said the man next to her, who seemed to know very well what was going on in Seraphina's mind.

"Ah, are you serious? Am I not inconveniencing you?" asked Seraphina, her eyes sparkling with disbelief.

She nodded confidently and the car started again. "My house is safer than you wandering the streets. Valerian will definitely find you again," the man explained, making Seraphina nod in understanding.

"But what's your name? We haven't met before," Seraphina said, now speaking to the man.

"Darius."

"Okay, I'm Seraphina. Thank you again for your kindness. I promise not to bother you and I will work to earn some money to pay my rent, but I hope you won't overcharge me, hehehe." Seraphina spoke at length, making Darius shake his head in amazement.

"You can use it for free, including the facilities in my house. But on one condition," he paused as he looked at Seraphina, who waited patiently and curiously for his delayed words. "If you want to go anywhere, you have to take me with you, because if you run into Valerian, no one will be able to protect you but me."

Seraphina was truly touched that Darius cared so much for her. Seraphina's eyes filled with tears, she smiled and gave a small nod. "I understand."

They were silent on the way back to Darius' house. Then Seraphina thought of something that made her ask Darius again. "Excuse me, if I may ask, are you a Lycan like Valerian?" Seraphina looked at Darius sideways.

"Yes, I am also the Lycan King and Valerian is my rival."

***

Arriving at Darius' residence, which was as large as Valerian's, Seraphina was greeted by Darius' servants. They escorted Seraphina to her room after receiving orders from Darius. Seraphina's room was larger than Valerian's. However, there was a window in this room, although it was tightly closed by curtains. The room was very fragrant, clean and well organized. There was a dressing table with makeup equipment, a closet with fashionable women's clothes, and a bathroom with a bathtub. It seemed as if this room had been designed specifically for women.

A knock on the door made Seraphina say, "Come in."

"How about the room? Do you like it?" Darius asked Seraphina.

Seraphina's beautiful face, smiling broadly, nodded quickly. "Of course I like it. It's really a luxurious room, and I've never stayed in a room this luxurious before."

"That's good. I hope you'll be comfortable here. And yes, here's a cell phone for you. I've got my number on it. Anything you need, you can call me right away." Darius handed her the most expensive iPhone 14 pro max cell phone, which made Seraphina's mouth drop open.

"You... sure you're giving me this phone?" Seraphina asked incredulously.

"Yes, I'm sure. These are all perks for you." Darius spoke confidently.

Seraphina slowly accepted the phone. She looked at the phone and Darius in turn. "Sorry, I didn't mean to think badly of you. But why are you giving me all these luxuries when I'm just a stranger you saved?"

Darius was silent, looking intently at Seraphina. The look in her eyes was hard to read. "I like you."

Deg!

Seraphina's heart beat faster. Fortunately, she didn't drop her new cell phone and immediately put it on the table next to her. It was like a dream that a Lycan liked her?

"I want to rest first. You can rest too. Good night," he said without waiting for Seraphina's answer and closed the door again.

"Didn't I hear wrong? He said he likes me? Is it that easy for a Lycan to like a stranger he just met?" Seraphina wondered.

She tried to understand what had happened today. The events were so complicated and exciting. Seraphina sat down at her dressing table and stared at her cell phone. "I'm living in a fairy tale," Seraphina muttered to herself.

Then she decided to fiddle with her phone. There was nothing unusual, just Darius' cell phone number. Seraphina took a deep breath. She actually wanted to contact her mother, she knew her parents' number by heart. She was curious how her sister was doing. Even though she already knew that she wasn't her biological daughter and her sister wasn't her biological sister, it felt like Seraphina already considered them as her own family.

"It's better not to. I'm afraid Valerian will come to you and ask where I am if you tell him I'm here, I don't want to be sold to that vile man," Seraphina said in a quiet voice. Then she decided to put her cell phone down and walked over to the bed so she could rest for a while.

***

The morning sun gently filtered through the curtains, waking Seraphina. She found herself in the luxurious surroundings of her new room, a place that had become her sanctuary and prison. After the recent revelations about Valerian and the Lycan world, Seraphina felt unsure of what each day would bring.

Seraphina walked into the luxurious dining room where a sumptuous breakfast had been prepared. She was accompanied by Darius, who greeted her with a warm smile.

"Did you sleep well, Seraphina?" asked Darius as they began to enjoy breakfast together.

Seraphina nodded with a sincere smile. "Yes, I slept very well. This place is very cozy."

The dining table was decorated with a variety of delicious and nutritious dishes fit for a king. They ate in peace, and Seraphina's curiosity began to grow.

"Are you the only one living here?" she asked as she sipped her tea.

Darius laughed. "Oh, of course not. I have ten servants and twenty bodyguards. There are guards in every nook and cranny of the house. Security is tight and they are all descendants of werewolves, strong and intelligent."

Seraphina was truly impressed. She had never imagined such an existence. After finishing her meal, she asked Darius about his plans for the day.

"Today I have to go to the office. I run my own company," he explained.

The spacious mansion was beginning to feel monotonous to Seraphina, and she decided to speak her mind. "Actually, Darius, I was wondering if I could have something to occupy my time. Perhaps a job in your company?"

Darius considered her request seriously. After a moment he agreed. "I think it's a good idea. Let's see if there's a role that suits you. We can go to the office together."

They went to Darius' company, where the morning meeting was already in progress. Seraphina, although a little nervous, suddenly found herself actively participating in the discussion and contributing good ideas. To her surprise, her views were well received.

As the meeting progressed, Darius suddenly had an inspiration. He had been looking for the right person to run his company, and it suddenly occurred to him that Seraphina might be a good fit.

"Seraphina," he said at the end of the meeting, "I think you have a bright future in this company. How would you like to be the new CEO?"

The unexpected offer stunned Seraphina. Her life had changed in ways she had never imagined, and the road ahead promised more surprises and challenges. A few days ago, her heart had been completely broken. But now a dream had been rekindled.