Chapter 25: INTRUDERS

25 – INTRUDERS

Meridian Water

The sky was painted in a deep violet hue by the time the Prince and I finally reached our destination. The castle set to host the diplomatic event looked more like a fortress, with menacing towers and tall walls etched with runes glowing faintly in the moonlight.

“Stay sharp,” I warned the soldiers traveling with us. “The energy here is way too heavy.”

The Prince of Umbra walked ahead with his usual regal poise. His steps were silent, yet every movement radiated a commanding presence that felt almost supernatural. His aura was a mix of elegance and danger—something I couldn’t help but notice, no matter how hard I tried.

Stepping into the main hall, the atmosphere hit us like a storm. Mages from all over whispered among themselves, and each one eyed the prince’s every step. My hand instinctively moved toward the dagger at my waist.

“Nervous?” he asked, his voice as low and rough as ever.

“It’s my job to stay on guard, not nervous,” I fired back, my gaze scanning every corner.

He gave me a slight smirk, sending a shiver through me, and I silently cursed myself, reminding me why we were here.

“You know you’re terrible at lying, right?” he murmured.

I took a deep breath, ignoring the remarks. He might be the Prince, but my loyalty is to my duty, not him—or so I keep telling myself. The evening carried on with speeches and promises of alliances. Mages mingled with other guests, and I stayed close to the Prince, ready to jump in at the first sign of trouble. It was him, though, who threw me off guard.

“I need some air. Come on,” he said, brushing past me without waiting for a reply. I rolled my eyes and followed.

I tailed him to a side corridor, where the torchlight was softer and the sounds of the event faded into the distance. It always feels scorching hot when we’re around each other, and it’s definitely not because of the torches.

“We really shouldn’t be here,” I said, surveying the area and noting there were no guards in sight.

He turned to face me, so close it caught me off guard. His dark eyes locked on mine, and it felt like everything else froze. Something held me in place; I couldn’t move. His hands slipped around my waist, and my body felt like it was on fire. His gaze dropped to my lips.

“You have no idea how badly I want to kiss you right now.” There was no teasing—no game. The raw sincerity in his words, the desire in his voice and eyes, was unmistakable.

I wanted it too. I’m on duty, but God, I wanted it. I didn’t step back; I couldn’t break eye contact. His lips edged closer, his grip on me growing tighter.

“What are you doing?” I asked, my voice quiet but firm.

He smiled slowly, and the intent in that smile made warmth flood my whole body, like an electric shock...

But before he could answer, a distant noise snapped me to attention. I picked up the faint sound of someone’s voice calling out.

“Intruders...” I muttered, shutting my eyes for a second to better catch the echo.

“What?” he whispered, and I heard the tension in his voice.

In the blink of an eye, I was moving. My dagger was already in my hand, and I raced down the corridor with the prince right behind me. The main hall was chaos—wolves. We were being attacked by wolves, and the mages were scrambling to fight back with magic.

I positioned myself in front of the prince, putting my body between him and the threat.

“Stay behind me!” I barked, but he ignored me.

In one swift motion, he drew a sword I hadn’t even realized he was carrying, the runes on it blazing as he charged the beasts. That’s when I saw what I’d known but never witnessed firsthand: the Prince of Umbra wasn’t just a political leader—he was a warrior.

The fight was short but fierce. Once it was over and the wolves’ bodies were being dragged away, the prince and I slipped out of the hall. I was covered in cuts and blood that wasn’t mine, but my mind was elsewhere. During the battle, there was a split second where I felt I recognized one of them. He stopped in front of me, and something in his eyes flickered—like recognition.

“Did you see that?” I asked the prince, who only looked puzzled.

“See what?” he asked absently, his gaze darting around the room.

“Nothing,” I muttered, but the feeling refused to leave. Something inside me stirred, like a buried memory trying to claw its way out.

Back in our temporary quarters, I decided to confront that unsettling feeling head-on. I sat on the bed and shut my eyes, forcing myself to focus. The image of that enemy staring at me was so vivid. But what came after blindsided me.

A forest. A wolf with blue eyes. Someone is calling my name.

I snapped my eyes open, my heart hammering against my chest.

“Are you alright?” the prince asked, pulling me out of my trance.

“Yeah, just tired,” I said, drawing in a deep breath, my gaze fixed on my hands.