Eyan’s voice dropped, sharp and controlled. “How did you know that?”

  Eva blinked, caught off guard. “H-hmm?”

  He leaned closer, crimson eyes narrowing. “How did you know healing magic doesn’t work on me,” he asked slowly, “and that only my wolves can heal my wounds?”

  Her heart slammed violently against her ribs.

  Her throat tightened.

  “Answer me,” Eyan demanded.

  “I—I—” Eva stammered, panic rising.

  “I told her that.”

  Both of them turned sharply.

  Luca stood at the doorway, arms folded, his expression calm—too calm.

  Eyan stared at him. “You told her?”

  “When?”

  “Yesterday,” Luca replied casually. “I met her in the morning. She asked how your injury healed so quickly, so I told her.”

  Eyan exhaled. “…Oh.”

  Luca’s gaze shifted, landing on the dagger lying on the floor—slick with blood.

  “More importantly,” he said, walking inside, “what exactly are you doing?”

  He bent down, picked up the dagger, and examined it.

  “Eyan,” Luca added dryly, “why are you torturing yourself? Is this some kind of new hobby you’ve picked up?”

  “It’s punishment,” Eyan replied flatly. “I did something I shouldn’t have.”

  Luca walked closer and sat beside him.

  “And?” Luca asked. “Do you feel better now after punishing yourself?”

  “No,” Eyan answered without hesitation. “This much isn’t enough.”

  Eva looked at him, her eyes filled with pain and quiet despair.

  “Hm,” Luca murmured.

  “Lady Eva,” he said calmly, “could you move back a little?”

  Reluctantly, she released Eyan’s hands and stepped away.

  Luca took Eyan’s injured hands and pressed them firmly against the floor.

  Then—

  

  The dagger pierced straight through his hand.

  Eyan didn’t flinch.

  “AHHH!” Eva screamed, grabbing Luca’s arm. “What are you doing?! You’re hurting him!”

  “Stand back, Lady Eva,” Luca said coldly.

  She shook her head, horror freezing her in place, refusing to let go.

  Luca pushed the dagger deeper—and twisted it sharply.

  “Please… stop…” Eva begged, her voice breaking.

  Eyan remained completely still.

  “No,” Luca said quietly. “Not now.”

  He increased the pressure and twisted again.

  Eyan’s eyes twitched—just slightly.

  Luca smiled. “There you go.”

  He pulled the dagger out.

  Blood spilled across the floor, spreading rapidly.

  Eva rushed forward, clutching Eyan’s hands. “What have you done…?”

  “It was necessary,” Luca said calmly. “You don’t know him. This —this is what he wanted to feel.”

  He glanced at Eyan. “You saw his eyes twitch, didn’t you? That level of pain could kill an ordinary man.”

  “If I hadn’t done it,” Luca continued, “he would’ve stayed like that for at least a week—blaming himself. Hating himself.”

  “You’re both crazy,” Eva whispered.

  Luca laughed, utterly unbothered. “You could say that.”

  Eyan released a slow, exhausted sigh, his shoulders sagging.

  Luca nudged him with his foot. “What are you waiting for? I helped you redeem yourself. Now call your wolves and heal your hands.”

  “No,” Eyan replied quietly. “I want to stay like this.”

  “THAT’S ENOUGH.” Eva’s voice snapped like a whip.

  She grabbed his collar and yanked him forward. “Stop behaving like this,” she hissed. “Heal your wounds—now—unless you want me to completely lose my mind.”

  She lifted his injured wrist and shoved it in front of his face.

  “Look at my hands,” she said, her voice trembling with anger and pain. “They hurt. I’m in pain. And if you don’t heal yourself—then I won’t heal mine either.”

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  “Lady Eva—” Eyan tried.

  “Heal it,” she cut him off.

  Eyan stared at her for a long moment, then exhaled in surrender. “…Fine.”

  He lifted his voice. “Come out, boys.”

  The air shifted.

  Three shadows emerged from the depths of the chamber—Talon, Fen, and Mara. Their black forms moved silently, eyes glowing as they approached.

  Eyan extended his bloodied hands. The wolves lowered their heads and began to lick his wounds.

  In an instant, flesh knit together, blood vanished, and his hands were whole again—as if nothing had ever happened.

  “I did as you said,” Eyan murmured. “Now get your hands healed.”

  Eva let out a long breath and turned to Luca, extending her wrists.

  Luca smiled faintly and activated his magic. Warm light enveloped her hands, and within seconds, the bruises faded completely.

  Eva planted her hands on her hips and looked straight at him. “Now stand up from the floor,” she ordered sharply.

  Eyan didn’t hesitate. He rose to his feet at once.

  Luca burst into laughter and slung an arm around Eyan’s neck. “Eyan, you really listen to your wife very well.”

  Eva let out a small laugh.

  “Shut up,” Eyan muttered. “She’s not my wife.”

  “Not yet,” Luca agreed easily. “But soon she will be. Did you forget what Father said?”

  His smile turned knowing. “Tomorrow is the banquet, and you’ll make the public announcement of your engagement. You can’t run away this time.”

  “I didn’t forget,” Eyan replied, his voice firm. “Don’t worry. I won’t run away. There will be an engagement announcement tomorrow.”

  “Good,” Luca said, patting his shoulder. “I’ll be listening carefully.”

  He turned to Eva and offered his arm. “Shall we go, Lady Eva? You still have preparations to make. Be sure to wear something beautiful—you’ll be the main character tomorrow."

  Eva smiled, a quiet confidence settling in her eyes. “I will.”

  Together, Eva and Luca left the room, their footsteps fading down the corridor—

  leaving Eyan behind, standing alone, the weight of tomorrow pressing heavily against his chest.

  --------------------------------------------------------

  (Next Day — Royal Palace, Velmoria)

  The palace was in uproar.

  Servants rushed through the corridors, their footsteps hurried, voices overlapping in sharp whispers. Curtains fluttered, doors opened and shut—everything moved as if the palace itself had been shaken awake.

  Eva opened the door to her chamber, blinking in confusion as the noise washed over her.

  “What happened?” she murmured. “Why is there such a commotion?”

  She spotted several maids hurrying past and stopped one by the arm.

  “Wait,” Eva said gently. “Can you tell me what’s going on? Why is everyone running?”

  The maid bowed quickly, breathless. “Lady Eva, Princess Violet Green of the neighboring kingdom will arrive any moment now. We are preparing to welcome her.”

  Eva stiffened. “A princess…? Why is she here?”

  “She has come to attend the banquet,” the maid replied before bowing again and rushing off.

  Eva stood there for a moment, thoughtful. “A real princess…” she whispered. “I’ve never seen one before.”

  Curiosity tugged at her stronger than caution. “I should go and look.”

  (Royal Palace — Front Gates)

  Eva hurried toward the front hall and quietly slipped to the side, stopping near one of the marble pillars that lined the entrance. From there, she could see everything without being noticed.

  Rows of servants and maids stood in perfect formation.

  At the top of the palace stairs stood Eyan, calm and composed as ever. Luca was beside him, arms crossed, clearly impatient, while Hans stood slightly behind them.

  Eva narrowed her eyes.

  “Eyan is here… but I didn’t expect brother Luca to be here too.”

  Luca let out a sigh. “How long do we have to wait? When will she arrive?”

  “Stand still,” Eyan said evenly. “She’ll be here any moment.”

  As if summoned by his words, a carriage bearing the imperial crest rolled through the gates.

  Eva held her breath.

  The carriage came to a halt. A servant opened the door, and slowly—gracefully—Princess Violet Green stepped out.

  Her hair flowed freely in the breeze, catching the light like silk. Her sharp eyes carried confidence, and she wore a pale pink gown that seemed to soften the air around her. Her presence was overwhelming.

  Eva watched from behind the pillar, her jaw falling open. “Wow…” she whispered, eyes shining. “She’s beautiful. There’s no doubt about it—she really is a princess.”

  Eyan stepped forward and bowed lightly. “Welcome to Velmoria, Princess Violet Green.”

  Violet smiled—and without hesitation, wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace.

  Eva gasped silently. “What is she doing?”

  “What’s with such a formal welcome, Eyan?” Violet said cheerfully. “Greet me properly—like you always do.”

  “Your Highness,” Eyan said stiffly, trying to pry her arms away, “you are a princess. Please behave like one—and let go.”

  “No,” Violet huffed playfully. “Not until you greet me properly.”

  Eyan sighed. “Violet… it’s good to see you. Welcome home.”

  Her face lit up. “That’s more like it.”

  She finally released him and turned her gaze to Luca.

  Luca immediately looked away.

  “Luca,” Violet said sweetly, “what are you doing? Did you forget something?”

  With another sigh, Luca stepped forward, cheeks faintly flushed.

  “Welcome home, Sister Violet.”

  She smiled knowingly. “I see you didn’t forget.”

  She placed a hand on his neck and leaned closer. “Your sister is tired, Luca. Help me inside.”

  “…Alright, Sister.” Luca scooped her up effortlessly and began walking up the steps.

  “Looks like you gained some weight,” he teased.

  Violet smacked the back of his head. “That’s rude. Apologize.”

  “I apologize, Sister.”

  “Good.”

  She turned her head back toward Eyan. “Eyan What are you waiting for? Come.”

  Eyan smiled faintly. “I’m coming.”

  Eva quickly pressed herself behind the pillar as they passed through the doors.

  When they were gone, she slowly exhaled. “…She’s really close to Eyan,” Eva murmured. “And to brother Luca too.”

  (Palace Living Room)

  Eyan, Violet, and Luca sat around the low table, porcelain cups warming their hands as the scent of freshly brewed tea filled the room.

  Violet took a slow sip, eyes fluttering shut in satisfaction.

  “Ahhh… this. This is exactly why I missed Velmoria. No tea in the world tastes as good as this one.”

  Eyan raised an eyebrow. “I sent you at least six boxes of this herbal tea.”

  Violet smiled sweetly. “And I drank all six.”

  “…All of them?”

  “Yes.”

  Eyan pinched the bridge of his nose. “You’re impossible.”

  She leaned forward, grin widening. “So send more.”

  He sighed in defeat. “Fine.”

  Violet tilted her head, suddenly thoughtful. “By the way… I’m sorry I missed your birthday this year.”

  Eyan’s jaw tightened. “Trust me. It’s better you didn’t come. This year was a complete disaster.”

  Violet’s eyes lit up. “Oh? That bad?”

  Before Eyan could answer, Luca leaned back, resting his arm on the couch with an evil little smile.

  “Our dear emperor got kissed on his birthday.”

  Silence.

  Then—

  Violet slammed her cup down. “WHAT?”

  Violet slowly leaned forward. “Kissed as in—on the lips?”

  “YES.”

  “Mouth to mouth?”

  “YES.”

  “Romantic?”

  “VERY.”

  “Tongues possibly involved?”

  "YE—"

  “LUCA.” Eyan hissed.

  "Eyan Shut up" Violet shouted.

  Violet grabbed Luca’s arm. “Start talking. Slowly.”

  Luca chuckled. “Oh, I’m just getting started. The same woman broke into his chamber, cuffed him to the wall—”

  Eyan’s ears turned crimson. “STOP TALKING.”

  “—climbed on top of him,” Luca continued cheerfully, “and kissed him so hard he had to scream for help.”

  Violet stared at Eyan, jaw dropped. “…Eyan. You? Screaming?”

  “I DID NOT SCREAM—” Eyan protested.

  She burst out laughing. “I don’t believe it. You’re lying. No woman on this continent could overpower Eyan.”

  Luca wagged a finger. “Wrong. There’s exactly one.”

  “And in a few days,” Luca added smugly, “she’ll officially become his wife.”

  Violet gasped so hard it sounded rehearsed. “YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED?!”

  Eyan stood up. “This conversation is over.”

  Violet blocked his path instantly. “Wait—wait—wait.”

  She squinted at him, smirking. “So let me get this straight. The woman who assaulted you…”

  “I WAS NOT ASSAULTED,” Eyan snapped.

  “…the woman who attacked you,” Violet corrected, “is the woman you’re marrying?”

  Violet crossed her arms, nodding thoughtfully.

  “Eyan, I didn’t know you liked women who on you.”

  “STOP SAYING WEIRD THINGS,” Eyan barked.

  Violet clapped her hands together. “I really want to meet her.”

  Luca raised a brow. “You can. She’s already in the palace.”

  Violet shot to her feet instantly. “Really?”

  She smoothed her dress, eyes gleaming with excitement.

  “Then I should meet her immediately. I want to see what kind of angel managed to beat the crap out of Eyan.”

  “Wait—Violet—” Eyan started.

  Too late.

  She was already halfway out the room, her laughter echoing down the corridor.

  Luca sipped his tea calmly. “…Good luck.”

  Eyan buried his face in his hands.