Episode 7

The mansion whispered secrets.

Zera could feel it—the walls had seen more than they should have. And tonight, as moonlight spilled through the hallways like silver paint, the whispers grew louder. 🌙🕯️

She had planned to stay in her room, like Ares asked. But curiosity? It was a dangerous thing.

Wearing a soft robe, she padded silently across the cold floor. Her ears caught the low murmur of voices down the east corridor—the one Ares said was off-limits.

Of course, that only made her want to explore it more. 😏

She crept closer, heart pounding like a war drum. The voices were muffled, but one of them was unmistakably Ares. The other… deeper, older, filled with venom.

“She’s a liability,” the man growled. “You’re getting attached.”

Zera froze, pressing her back to the wall.

Ares’ voice came next. Calm. Cold. Controlled.

“She’s mine. That’s all you need to know.”

“That’s the problem. You’re slipping. The Ares King I knew wouldn’t hesitate to use someone like her.”

A pause.

“Maybe I’m not the same man anymore.”

Zera’s chest ached at those words. Not because she feared them—but because… somewhere inside, she hoped they were true.

The door suddenly creaked open. She gasped and stumbled back—

Caught.

Ares’ icy stare met hers.

“Zera.” One word. Sharp as a blade.

She tried to speak, but the man beside him—tall, bald, and cruel-looking—stepped into view.

“So this is the girl?” he sneered. “Pretty. But not worth dying for.”

Zera straightened her spine. “Funny. I was just thinking the same about you.”

The man laughed darkly. “She’s got a mouth on her.”

Ares moved between them in a flash. His voice was low and lethal.

“Touch her, and I’ll break your hands.”

The man scoffed but backed off.

“She better be worth the war you’re starting.”

With a final glare, he disappeared into the shadows.

Ares turned to Zera. His jaw was clenched, but his eyes… they betrayed him.

“You shouldn’t have been here.”

“Maybe I needed to hear that,” she whispered.

“I meant what I said,” he replied. “You’re mine. But that doesn’t mean you’re safe.”

“Then teach me how to survive in your world,” she said, stepping closer. “I’m done pretending I’m weak.”

He stared at her, something wild flickering in his gaze. Desire. Respect. Fear.

Then, with a gentleness she never expected, he took her hand.

The air between them turned thick, heavy with tension.

Her pulse danced beneath her skin, alive with want and wariness.

Ares leaned down, his voice brushing her cheek like a kiss.

“You’re playing with fire, Zera.”

She looked up, eyes locked to his. “Good,” she said, voice low. “Because I’m done being cold.”

His lips brushed her forehead—not possessive, not dominating, just… human.

It was brief. Too brief.

🔥 The door behind them shut. But another had opened—a door to secrets, danger, and a bond that could either heal them… or destroy them both.

To be continued...

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