Episode 9

Zera was restless.

Since the garden... since his words… since his almost-kiss... her heart hadn’t known peace.

She paced the bedroom floor, her fingers brushing against the silk curtains. The moonlight painted soft silver patterns across the floor, but nothing felt soft inside her.

Ares had left something behind last night. Not physically, but emotionally. And it was haunting her.

His vulnerability. His silence. The way he said, “Not yet.”

What did that even mean?

She tried to sleep, but the sheets felt too warm, her skin too aware. Every breath she took reminded her of him—his scent, his eyes, the low gravel of his voice when he was trying not to feel.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps. Quiet, sure… powerful.

She froze.

Her door creaked open, and there he was.

Ares King.

His shirt was unbuttoned, revealing his toned chest and a thin scar running across his ribs. His hair was slightly tousled, like he’d fought demons in his dreams and won. 🔥

Her breath hitched. “What are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t sleep,” he replied, stepping in without waiting for permission.

Zera’s heart pounded. “That’s not my problem.”

His gaze locked with hers. “It is now.”

The door shut behind him with a soft click.

Trapped.

He stepped closer. “You’ve been avoiding me.”

“I haven’t,” she lied.

“You’re lying.” His voice was low, dangerous… teasing.

She folded her arms, trying to stay calm. “What do you want, Ares?”

He didn’t answer with words.

He walked to her, closing the distance between them, slowly, deliberately. He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

His touch was featherlight, but her body betrayed her. She leaned into it before pulling away.

“I’m not one of your playthings,” she whispered.

“I don’t want a plaything.” His voice was serious now. “I want the girl who looks at me like she’s not afraid to see the monster underneath.”

Zera swallowed.

“I don’t think you’re a monster.”

Ares raised an eyebrow. “That’s your first mistake.”

Their eyes met, and something shifted.

His hands gently cupped her face, thumbs brushing her cheeks. “If I kiss you,” he said, voice gravel and silk, “I won’t stop.”

Zera’s lips parted, but no words came.

Because she wanted him to kiss her. She wanted to fall.

But she was terrified of what lay beneath that desire—chaos, danger… heartbreak.

Still, she whispered, “Then don’t start.”

And just like that, the tension snapped.

He stepped back, exhaling sharply, jaw clenched. “You drive me insane.”

Zera gave a small, nervous laugh. “Good. Now you know how I feel.”

Ares stared at her, unreadable.

Then he turned toward the door. “I have business in the morning. You should get some rest.”

As he opened the door, she said softly, “Why me?”

He paused. Didn’t turn around.

“I don’t know,” he said. “But the moment I saw you, I knew the world I built would never be enough again.”

Then he was gone.

Zera sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers trembling slightly.

This wasn’t just a dangerous man.

This was a dangerous truth.

And she was already too deep.

To be continued...

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