"The Monster’S Bride" (Fantasy Dark Romance)

Chapter 9: The Threads of Fate

Elysia sat by the window of her chambers, staring out at the endless darkness beyond the castle walls. The sky was an abyss, devoid of stars or moonlight, as though the heavens had abandoned this cursed place.

Her fingers tightened around the fabric of her dress.

Kael’s words from the night before echoed in her mind.

"And if you love me, you will die."

She should be terrified. She was terrified. But not for the reasons she should be.

It wasn’t fear of Kael that sent shivers down her spine—it was the fear of the growing pull between them. The more she learned about him, the harder it became to see him as just a monster.

The castle hummed softly around her, the ever-present whispers drifting through the air.

"He watches you."

"He fights it."

"He will fail."

Elysia exhaled sharply.

She needed answers.

The only person who might give them to her—besides Kael himself—was Ephraim.

With renewed determination, she pushed away from the window and left her chambers.

The corridors of the castle were as eerie as ever, lined with towering pillars and flickering blue torches. The air felt heavier today, as if the walls themselves knew she was seeking the truth.

She found Ephraim in the library, seated at an old wooden table with a massive tome in front of him. He glanced up as she entered, his golden eyes glimmering with curiosity.

“I was wondering when you’d come,” he said, closing the book.

Elysia didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Tell me about the curse.”

Ephraim studied her for a moment before sighing. “I figured you wouldn’t be satisfied with half-truths.” He gestured to the seat across from him. “Sit.”

She did.

He laced his fingers together. “The Shadow Court was once a place of unimaginable power. Kael’s family ruled over it for centuries, feared and respected in equal measure. But with power comes envy.”

Elysia listened intently as he continued.

“One of the gods—Orivis, the deity of fate and vengeance—was betrayed by Kael’s ancestors. In retribution, he cursed their bloodline.” Ephraim’s expression darkened. “The curse was simple: the more a prince of the Shadow Court loves, the more he suffers. And those who receive his love… are doomed.”

Elysia’s stomach twisted. “Doomed how?”

Ephraim’s gaze was steady. “They wither away. Their souls become bound to the castle, trapped for eternity.”

She shivered. “That’s why he pushes me away.”

Ephraim nodded. “Kael has lived long enough to see it happen too many times. He learned to close off his heart, to avoid attachments at all costs.” He exhaled. “Until now.”

Elysia frowned. “What do you mean?”

Ephraim leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. “You interest him, Elysia. And that is dangerous.”

She swallowed hard.

Dangerous.

Because if Kael let himself feel for her—if he allowed himself to care—she would be doomed.

Her fingers curled into fists. “Is there a way to break it?”

Ephraim hesitated. “There are theories.”

She leaned in. “Tell me.”

He sighed. “The curse was woven by a god. To break it, one would have to defy fate itself.”

Elysia lifted her chin. “Then I’ll do it.”

Ephraim chuckled softly, though there was no amusement in it. “You sound just like the ones who came before you.”

She met his gaze, unflinching. “And what if I succeed where they failed?”