Page 5

Chapter 4

Selestina

T he carriage sways roughly along the cobblestone streets. The night envelops us in a blanket of darkness, not even the glow of the lanterns comes through the dim interior. I sit opposite Alexander, my mind still reeling from the events of the evening. The show of wealth of the king's banquet, the spectacle, the whispers, everything went so wrong so quickly. And now I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Alexander's eyes meet mine, his expression his usual mask. He is always hard to read, his eyes like cold steel that give away nothing. After a few moments of silence, he finally speaks.

“Selestina, you're leaving for Obsidian Academy in the morning,” he says, his voice a measured monotone.

I frown. “Just…I'm not supposed to leave for two more days.”

“I know,” he replies. “But after tonight's... incident, it's no longer safe for you to stay. The kings' reactions are unpredictable, and we can't take any chances.”

His words seem practical, almost concerned, but I know better. This isn't just about my safety. This is part of my punishment. The way he says it, the way his eyes twitch just slightly, tells me everything I need to know. He planned this all along.

“You’re taking the route through the Dark Forest,” he continues. “It's less obvious, and you'll be harder to track.”

I swallow the groan I so desperately want to give. Of course, the Dark Forest. A shiver runs down my spine at the thought, and sends me back to the first time I ended up there.

I was six years old, my tiny hands trembling as Alexander blindfolded me. I had viewed him like a father. For the first two years of life with Alexander, he was nothing but doting and loving, then one day, it just…stopped.

I had been excited, thinking it was some kind of game or test. But when the blindfold was removed, I found myself alone in the middle of the forest. The trees loomed tall and ominous around me, their twisted branches blocking out the sky.

The creatures came quickly. I ran, tripped, fell, and got back up, over and over again. My small body was no match for the forest's terrors. I scraped by, hiding in hollows, climbing trees, using every ounce of cunning and strength I had. When I finally stumbled back into Alexander's office, bloodied and near death, he merely nodded and said, “Good. Go shower, you smell.”

The carriage pulls to a stop outside The Citadel. Alexander disembarks first, and I follow, my mind a whirl of emotions. Inside, the familiar halls feel colder, more foreboding.

Before I veer left and Alexander takes the right, his hand shoots out, gripping my arm in a vice-like hold. His cold eyes lock onto mine as he leans in, his voice a low, dangerous growl. “Don’t fuck this up, Selestina. You’re already on thin ice. I’ll be in touch soon with your next instructions.”

Before I can respond, he leans closer, his lips brushing my cheek in a calculated move that lingers far longer than necessary. The gesture isn’t affectionate, it’s a claim. When he finally pulls back, his lips twist into a smirk that makes my skin crawl.

I nod sharply, swallowing the retort bubbling at the back of my throat, and turn to leave. His grip tightens, yanking me back just enough to keep me in his orbit.

“And one last thing,” he says, his grin stretching into something wicked, something feral. “Remember who you belong to. You. Are. Fucking. Mine. Don’t forget your place, Selestina.”

The words hang heavy in the air as he lifts my hand, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. My jaw clenches, the effort to keep my anger in check almost unbearable.

“Yes, sir,” I seethe, forcing the words out through gritted teeth.

His grin widens, his pupils dilating as though my barely concealed fury but complete obedience is exactly what he wanted. “Good girl,” he murmurs, his tone dripping with smug satisfaction. “You’re dismissed.”

He releases me, backing up slowly. Alexander gives a sharp but subtle nod before walking off. Whistling with no care in the world. I spin on my heel and walk away, my fists clenched at my sides.

The worst part? He’s right. He does own me. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting to shove his smug grin straight up his ass. Hijo de puta.

I walk to my room, each step heavy with the weight of the impending journey. I need to pack. Clothes, weapons, supplies—everything I will need to survive the forest again. I’ll have to buy some new supplies and food before I leave, but nothing will be open until tomorrow, which is fine. My hands move mechanically, shoving items into my bag, my mind still replaying everything that has happened in the last 24 hours.

As I zip up my bag, I glance at the sky. Daybreak is hours away, but the idea of waiting here any longer is unbearable. The walls seem to close in on me, suffocating. I sling the bag over my shoulder and leave my room, moving silently through the corridors.

As I approach the back door, my gaze snags on Diego. His eyes widen slightly as they dart to my satchel, lingering there for a moment before slowly meeting mine. There’s something in his expression, a fleeting look I can’t quite place—maybe longing, maybe regret. Before I can try to figure out what is going on, he turns sharply and walks the opposite direction.

I release a breath I hadn’t even realized I was holding. He knows. The weight of that realization settles heavily over me. He knows exactly what I’m doing. That I’m leaving early, slipping away before anyone else notices. I mean, I knew it, but now it’s just confirmed. Why does he cover for me? I shake my head because whatever.

Fuck him and his need to be a lap boy for el cabrón.

I mean, Alexander.

The night air is cool and crisp as I step outside, the city shrouded in a peaceful silence. There is a tavern in the outer city. Somewhere that I am hoping is so beneath Alexander, he would never suspect I frequent. It is a familiar place, a refuge of sorts. All kingdoms have some sort of version of it.

The walk isn’t too long, and I get there within an hour .

The tavern’s door creaks as I push it open. The scent of ale and roasted meat fills the air with the low hum of conversation. I scan the room, my eyes settling on a table in the corner. I don’t make one step inside when my boot hits a piece of broken wood floor and I fly towards the ground.

Strong hands grip me around the waist, halting my fall.

I look up and I swear my brain is short-circuiting. Before me stands the most beautiful man I have ever seen in my life. His long black curly hair cascades over his shoulders with dark tanned skin. Ice-blue eyes gaze down at me with a mischievous smirk playing on his lips.

Do I speak? Do I keep standing here pretending that my jaw isn’t on the floor?

“Careful there.” His voice is smooth and velvety, sending a shiver down my spine. “Wouldn't want you to hurt yourself.” He wears a smirk that is absolutely fatal. And oh boy am I in trouble.

His hands linger on my waist longer than they should, and it takes everything in me not to squirm under his touch. His hands are warm and keep me steady. I straighten up, brushing off imaginary dust to give myself something to do. “Thanks,” I murmur, though my voice comes out sharper than intended. A flush creeps up my neck and spreads to my cheeks, and I hate the way it betrays me.

“I’m glad I was here to catch you,” he replies smoothly, his tone teasing. He takes a step back, but not before his gaze sweeps over me. His eyes linger in a way that’s far too knowing. His lips curve into a slow, lazy smile. “I’m Rafael,” he says, extending a hand.

I glance at it, arching a brow. “Gabriella,” I lie easily, slipping my hand into his. His grip is firm but still warm, and the way his thumb brushes the back of my hand feels way too good. My instincts scream at me to pull away, but I don’t. I hold his gaze instead, daring him to drop the charm.

“Let me buy you a drink,” he says, his voice dripping with confidence. It’s a bit infuriating, and yet I’m far too intrigued by it.

I tilt my head and smile. “He saves me and he’s a gentleman?” Thank fuck, this night is turning out just how I wanted it to.

His smile widens, charm oozing out of him. “Hey. What can I say? I am full of surprises.”

I huff out a laugh, despite myself. Damn him. “Fine,” I say, folding my arms. “But only because I’m thirsty.”

“Of course,” he says with mock solemnity. “Wouldn’t want to leave a lady parched.”

We make our way to the bar, weaving through the crowd and dimly lit tavern. The wooden floor creaks beneath our steps and the barstools look like they’ve seen better days, like some of the patrons slumped over them right now.

Rafael signals the bartender, who nods and places two mugs of ale in front of us. I take a sip, savoring the smooth bitterness and let the warmth of it settle in my chest.

“So, Gabriella.” Rafael starts, leaning his forearm on the bar and turning the rest of his body toward me. His proximity is close enough to be intimate, but not overbearing. “What brings you to this fine establishment tonight?”

I smirk over the rim of my mug. “Just a pit stop on the way,” I say vaguely while swirling the ale in my mug.

He chuckles, the sound low and gravelly, sending heat straight to my core. “Ah, the classic tale of escape. Let me guess, you’ve got a long list of people you’re avoiding?”

“Something like that,” I reply, setting my mug down and meeting his gaze head on. “What about you? What’s your excuse for skulking around taverns?”

His lips twitch into a grin. “Skulking, is it? I happen to just be passing through, as well. You meet the most interesting people in places like these.” He gestures vaguely to the room, but his eyes remain locked on me. “Present company included.”

I roll my eyes, fighting back a smile. “You don’t even know me.” I laugh. “I could quite literally be a serial killer.”

“Then kill me now, knowing I’ve met the most beautiful woman in existence.” He counters, raising his mug in a mock toast while looking towards the sky.

I clutch my stomach as I throw my head back and laugh. It’s a sound I haven’t heard from my own lips in far too long. “You’re too much.” I barely get out.

The conversation flows easily. Rafael tells me stories of his travels. He has my complete attention. I’ve been to the same places he’s been, but hearing it through what he has seen…it’s mesmerizing. He doesn’t ever talk about visiting near the inner cities, which makes me like him even more. He’s a nomad, on a journey to explore the realm. I can’t help the contented sight that leaves my mouth as I rest my chin on my hand.

As the night wears on, our conversation doesn’t slow, but the crowd starts to thin. The tavern feels much quieter now. The bartender casts us a knowing glance as he polishes glasses behind the counter. I ignore him, focusing instead on the man seated next to me. Rafael’s eyes glint in the dim light. They’re full of mischief and lust.

“Another round?” he asks, tentative, like he knows I am going to say no. I bite my lip.

I glance toward the window and catch the glow of the sun creeping over the horizon. The pale light filters through the grime streaked glass, signaling that it is the end of the night. Shaking my head, I set my mug down. “Not today,” I say, the corner of my lips curving into a smile. “Looks like we’ve run out of time.”

Rafael follows my gaze to the window and sighs, the sound a testament to my own disappointment. “Looks like we did,” he says, leaning back slightly. Then, with that same infuriating grin, he adds, “How about we finish this conversation somewhere a little more private before the sun fully comes out?”

I hesitate, because I really should get going. I need to buy food, healing salve, and a few other things for my journey before it gets dark again. I don’t want to enter the forest at night.

My pulse quickens, and I can’t tell if it’s from excitement or annoyance, or maybe both. I raise a brow, letting the silence stretch just long enough to make him shift slightly. I might be stupid, but I nod, unable to resist the urge I feel to feel him inside me. This is exactly why I came to this tavern.

He stands, offering me his hand with a slight bow, the gesture almost mockingly gallant. “Shall we?”

I slip my hand into his firm but gentle grip, letting him lead me through the tavern towards the back. The wooden floor creaks, yet again, beneath our steps, the sounds of the room fading into the background as we weave through the remaining patrons.

“I knew you were trouble the moment I caught you,” he says, his tone teasing but edged with something darker.

I glance up at him, my smirk returning. “Then you’d better make it worth my while.”

The stupid grin that spreads across his face is dangerous .

We slip into a dimly lit storage closet at the back, the scent of spices and old wood filling the small space. Rafael closes the door behind us, and the air grows thick with tension. He steps closer, his hand cupping my cheek as his thumb brushes my lower lip.

“I’m sorry this isn’t…nicer.” He suddenly looks sheepish, unsure.

I pull him by the collar of his shirt before whispering in his ear, “I’m not the type of girl you take home to your mama, Rafael. This is perfectly fine.” I pull back and look up at his face. His brows pinch and I see immense sadness reach his eyes, before he blinks and his flirty mask is back on.

“You're beautiful,” he murmurs, his voice a low whisper that sends heat coursing through me.

Before I can respond, his lips capture mine in a searing kiss. It's hungry and urgent, a clash of desire that leaves me breathless. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer as he presses me against the wall.

Our movements become frantic, hands roaming and exploring. Rafael's fingers work deftly to undo the buttons of my top, his touch igniting a fire within me. I fumble with his shirt, eager to feel his skin against mine.

Clothes are discarded in a frenzy, our need for each other overwhelming. A hint of doubt crawls through my chest as his gaze lingers on me, the moment stretching longer than it should. I can’t help but wonder if he’s looking at my scars—the thought tightens my throat.

The hesitation passes. It’s too dark in here.

His touch doesn’t falter and his eyes meet mine, filled with heat that leaves no room for judgment or questions. It’s as if the scars don’t exist, as if the imperfections etched into me don’t matter .

Rafael lifts me, his strength effortless, and I wrap my legs around his waist. He ravishes my nipple while his hand plays with the other. I moan at the contact, as he lifts his face to mine and grins. I feel him line himself up to my entrance.

His cock enters me with a swift thrust, and I gasp, the sensation sending waves of pleasure through my body. He is so big . Way bigger than I have ever experienced. And gods, it feels so good.

We move together in a rhythm that feels so natural, our bodies intertwined in a dance of passion. The world outside the closet fades away, leaving only the two of us, lost in the intensity of the moment.

I look up and see that he is staring at me.

“Fuck” he grits out. “You’re so tight.” His lips slam into mine. Teeth clashing, both of us fighting for dominance. I feel him smile against my mouth.

We stay intertwined, hungry for each other for what feels like hours. That’s when I feel it, the build up, and then my body explodes. Every nerve vibrating with intensity that I let out a guttural scream.

“Rafael!” I yell. At the sound of his name on my lips, I feel him tense before letting out a guttural roar, screaming my name in response. I feel a slight tinge of disappointment at him calling out my fake name, but quickly squash it, realizing the stupidity of the thought.

We collapse against each other, spent and sated. I can't help but smile more. Rafael brushes a strand of hair from my face, his ice-blue eyes softening as he looks at me.

“Maybe escaping wasn't such a bad idea after all,” I whisper.

He chuckles, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “No, it wasn't,” he agrees. “Not at all. ”

We stay like that for a while, basking in the afterglow, before reluctantly dressing. The air between us is thick, heavy with something I don’t quite understand but can feel in every corner of my being. Rafael leans against the wall of the storage closet, his shirt rumpled, his dark hair an unruly mess. His blue eyes, still smoldering, lock on mine. I can’t look away. There’s a pull low in my gut, a tether that makes no sense but is impossible to ignore.

I see it on his face too, the way his brows pinch together, as if whatever he’s feeling is clawing at him just as fiercely. For a brief moment, I think he might stay. I want him to stay, and that thought alone is enough to unnerve me. I shouldn’t want this. I shouldn’t want him.

But then his expression shifts, pain giving way to resignation, and I know it’s over before he even says the words. “I better go,” he mutters, his voice low and rough, like the decision is tearing him apart.

I nod, even though something inside me clenches painfully. “Yeah,” I say, keeping my tone even, my walls firmly in place. “Me too.” It’s a lie, I don’t want to go, not yet, but I tell myself I have no business lingering in this moment. Whatever this is between us, it’s fleeting. It has to be.

Without warning, Rafael steps forward and cups my face, his rough hands impossibly gentle. His lips crash into mine, hard and desperate, as if he’s pouring everything he can’t say into this one last kiss. It leaves me breathless, my knees weak, and when he pulls back, I see something raw in his eyes that makes my heart twist.

He doesn’t say anything else. He just steps away, opens the door, and motions for me to follow. We walk out into the cool air of the morning together, the chill a reminder of what's to come. The streets are quiet now, the tavern behind us a muffled hum. Rafael pauses at the edge of the street, his gaze lingering on me one last time before he turns to leave.

I raise my hand in a mock salute, my lips curving into a smirk despite the ache in my chest. His deep, rumbling laugh follows, rich and unguarded, echoing down the empty street as he walks away. It fades into the wind, leaving me standing there, rooted in place, wondering why I feel like I just lost something I never even had.