Chapter 2: The Castle of Shadows

Elysia sat on the edge of the massive bed, staring at the flickering blue flames that lined the walls of her chamber. The castle was eerily silent, save for the occasional whisper of wind through the corridors, as if the very air carried secrets.

Her wrists still throbbed where the iron cuffs had once been. She rubbed them absentmindedly, trying to make sense of what had happened. Prince Kael had bought her—claimed her—but had not touched her. No cruel words, no commands, no chains.

Why?

She had spent her life hearing stories about the Shadow Court, about the terrifying prince who ruled it. They called him the heartless one, a monster devoid of mercy. And yet… he had freed her from her shackles.

Elysia stood and approached the tall window, pushing aside the heavy velvet drapes. The view stole her breath.

The castle was surrounded by an endless expanse of dark forests, stretching toward the horizon. A mist clung to the ground like ghostly fingers, and the sky above was a deep violet, neither day nor night. In the distance, twisted spires of rock jutted out of the earth, as if the land itself was cursed.

She pressed her hand against the cold glass.

She had to get out of here.

A knock at the door made her spin around. Before she could answer, the door creaked open, and a woman stepped inside. She was tall and regal, her dark brown skin contrasting with the silver embroidery of her black gown. Her eyes, an unnatural shade of pale gold, studied Elysia with quiet intensity.

“I am Lady Varya,” she said, her voice smooth but firm. “I oversee the household.”

Elysia straightened her posture, her instincts telling her that this woman was no mere servant. “Why am I here?” she asked cautiously.

Lady Varya arched an eyebrow. “Because the prince willed it.”

“That’s not an answer.”

The woman’s lips twitched in something resembling amusement. “You are to be his… guest.”

Elysia narrowed her eyes. “Guest? That’s what you call this? I was bought.”

Lady Varya sighed, folding her hands in front of her. “Do not mistake his actions for cruelty, girl. If another had won you, your fate would have been far worse.”

Elysia swallowed hard. She knew that. She had seen the other monsters in the auction, the hunger in their eyes. Yet, that didn’t mean she was safe. “What does he want from me?”

For the first time, Lady Varya hesitated. “That is something only the prince can answer.”

Frustration burned in Elysia’s chest, but before she could press further, Varya gestured toward the wardrobe. “You will find clothing there. Dress and come to the dining hall. You will be expected at supper.”

Then, without another word, she turned and left.

Elysia let out a slow breath. Expected at supper. Like she was just another guest in a noble’s estate. Not a human sold to a demon prince.

She should refuse. Should fight. Should find a way out of here.

But she needed information first.

So, she opened the wardrobe.

Inside were dresses finer than anything she had ever worn. Soft silks and embroidered velvets in deep, jewel-toned colors. She hesitated before selecting a dark blue gown, the fabric light against her skin. It fit perfectly, as if made for her.

That unsettled her more than anything.

By the time she made her way through the halls, the castle’s unnatural stillness gnawed at her nerves. The blue flames lighting the corridors cast long shadows, making it feel as though unseen eyes watched her from the darkness.

Then, she reached the dining hall.

The massive room was lined with towering windows, though outside, there was only endless darkness. A long table sat in the center, covered in silver dishes of food. And at the far end, Kael sat.

He looked up as she entered, his piercing dark eyes locking onto hers.

For a moment, she hesitated.

Then, lifting her chin, she stepped forward—toward the monster who owned her fate.

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