*Xelina*

The castle pulses with life and secrets, each corridor and chamber a new discovery waiting to be claimed. For the first time, I’m not a shadow in the background, scrubbing floors or serving meals. Instead, I wander freely, curling up with dusty books in the grand library, stealing heated glances with Lazlo, and daring to imagine a life that’s free of chores and chains. Everything feels electric, every moment charged with possibility and the thrill of being seen as his mate.

Mealtimes are no longer hurried or solitary. We sit together at long tables, sharing food and laughter. Lazlo’s smile is easy, genuine, and I find myself drawn to...