Episode 5 – After the Fire

The chamber still smelled of smoke and silk. The golden chain around Lucien’s throat had dimmed, but its mark burned deep against his skin, etched like a brand that would never fade.

Lucien lay half-turned away, black silk sheets twisted around his waist, his breath uneven. Every muscle ached, every part of him felt scorched—not from battle, but from Caelum’s merciless touch.

He hated it.

He hated the way his body still trembled.

He hated the way his power had calmed under Caelum’s grip, like a wild storm finally caged.

A soft rustle of wings told him Caelum was awake. The Angel Prince stood by the balcony, bare-chested, golden light dripping from his skin like dawn itself. He looked like sin wrapped in holiness, and the sight only made Lucien’s stomach twist.

“You didn’t have to stay,” Lucien muttered bitterly, his voice rough. “Do you angels always cling after claiming your prey?”

Caelum turned, smirk tugging his lips.

“Prey doesn’t usually claw back the way you do.” His eyes glinted as he stepped closer, gaze sliding deliberately over Lucien’s disheveled form. “But I prefer it this way. Every mark you left on me proves you’re mine just as much as I’m yours.”

Lucien sat up abruptly, glaring, pulling the sheet to his chest like armor.

“Don’t twist this into something mutual. You forced me—”

“—and you let me,” Caelum cut in smoothly, his voice like steel wrapped in silk. He leaned down, gripping Lucien’s chin with gentle cruelty, tilting his face up. “You could’ve burned me to ash. You didn’t. You kissed me back.”

Lucien’s throat tightened. He wanted to deny it, but the memory still burned too fresh. His silence was answer enough.

Caelum’s smirk softened into something darker, more dangerous. “You’ll learn quickly, devil. The more you fight, the deeper you fall.” He brushed his lips against Lucien’s ear, his whisper scorching. “And I’ll never let you crawl out.”

The chamber doors creaked suddenly. A servant knelt trembling in the doorway, head bowed.

“M-My princes… the court awaits you. Whispers… they say the chain glowed throughout the night. They know it is… consummated.”

Lucien’s cheeks burned hot with fury and humiliation. He shoved Caelum’s hand away.

“Let them choke on their whispers. I’ll never be your puppet.”

Caelum only chuckled low, wrapping the golden chain around his fingers like a leash, tugging Lucien gently but firmly to his feet.

“You’re not my puppet,” he said, golden eyes blazing with smug possession. “You’re my husband. And the entire realm will watch as I make sure you never forget it.”

Lucien’s heart pounded, hatred and something darker tangled in his chest. He wanted to scream. He wanted to strike. But instead, he let himself be pulled into the light—burning with shame, chained by desire, and bound by a vow he could never escape.

And in the shadows of the court, unseen eyes watched. Enemies whispered.

“The bond is sealed, but their pride will destroy them both. We’ll strike again, and this time, the chain will break.”

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