The unholy prince

Xypheron couldn't get her out of his mind.

For days, he tried to forget the cold fire in her eyes, the way her words had cut through him like a blade. Vexaria was unlike any woman he had ever met, and that realization gnawed at him, unraveling his usual self-assurance.

He had tried with every woman in his court to replace her, to forget that look—the one that told him, clearly and without question, that she wasn't impressed by his charm, his power, his promises. None of them measured up. None of them made him feel the way she did.

It was maddening.

His evenings were consumed by fleeting attempts at diversion, seeking the comfort of familiar faces, empty caresses. But no one compared. Not even close.

The more he thought about her, the more obsessed he became. The more he craved her.

Vexaria had done what no other woman had dared to do: she had dismissed him. And in doing so, she had made herself the most elusive prize he had ever set his sights on.

But this wasn't just a game anymore. It was something far darker.

The next time he saw her, he was ready.

---

The royal gardens were bathed in the soft glow of twilight as Xypheron walked with deliberate purpose. His eyes scanned the crowd, but his attention was fixed on the entrance to the garden where Vexaria would soon pass.

He had arranged this—had planned every detail. A chance encounter, once again. A carefully orchestrated moment where he would show her just how far he was willing to go to make her his.

And when she appeared, there she was—untouchable, as ever, walking with the same composed grace that had drawn him in so deeply.

He didn't wait for her to notice him. He stepped forward, moving toward her with the predatory elegance that had earned him his reputation.

"Vexaria," he said, his voice low, smooth, like honey. "I must admit, I've been thinking about you."

She stopped mid-step, but her expression didn't change. She hadn't even flinched at the sound of his voice.

"I doubt it," she replied, her eyes scanning his face with casual indifference. "You've probably forgotten me already."

A small, dangerous smile curved his lips. "On the contrary. You've been on my mind every moment since that night."

She raised an eyebrow, clearly unamused. "And what of it?"

Xypheron stepped closer, his