The moment they crossed the threshold of the portal, the air around them seemed to shift, and the landscape transformed. What had been the wild expanse of the Fae lands gave way to the grandeur of Lucian's kingdom. The castle before them loomed, majestic and foreboding, a testament to centuries of power and history. It was made of dark stone, adorned with intricate carvings, and its high towers reached into the sky as if challenging the heavens themselves.
Sophia's heart beat rapidly in her chest as she took in the sight. This was Lucian's world—his home. And now, it would be hers too. The realization made her breath catch in her throat.
Lucian stood beside her, a hand lightly resting on her back, guiding her forward. His presence was a constant reassurance, yet she could feel the weight of the moment. This was the beginning of something new, something more. She could feel the energy of the castle calling to her, as if it recognized her presence, as if the land itself was acknowledging the bond they had forged.
They entered through the grand gates, greeted by the bustling sounds of the castle's courtyard. The servants, guards, and nobles paused to observe them as they walked through. Whispers spread like wildfire, but Lucian's commanding presence held them at bay. He was their Alpha, their king. No one dared speak without his approval.
As they made their way into the heart of the castle, the grandeur of the halls took Sophia's breath away. Massive chandeliers hung from the ceilings, their light casting a soft glow on the polished stone floors. The walls were lined with portraits of ancestors—warriors, kings, and queens—all looking down at her with their stern, ancient gazes.
Lucian's grip on her hand tightened as they reached the grand dining hall. The door swung open, revealing a lavish feast spread across a long table. At the head of the table sat Lucian's parents, his mother—a regal woman with dark, almost otherworldly beauty—and his father, a towering figure who radiated strength and power.
Sophia's stomach tightened as they approached. This was it—the moment when Lucian's family would meet the woman who had claimed his heart. It was no small feat to be here, and she felt every bit of the weight that came with it.
"Welcome, Sophia," Lucian's mother said warmly, rising to greet them. Her eyes were sharp, but there was something comforting in them, something that made Sophia feel a little more at ease. "It's an honor to finally meet you."
Sophia curtsied, her wings fluttering slightly at the movement. "Thank you for your hospitality," she replied, her voice soft but steady.
Lucian's father, a man with a commanding presence and an air of quiet authority, gave her a nod of acknowledgment. "We've heard much about you, Sophia. It's a pleasure to have you with us."
The tension in the room was palpable, but Lucian's family seemed welcoming, if not a little intrigued. Sophia couldn't help but notice the curious glances exchanged between them as they sat down at the table. But before she could gather her thoughts, a new voice broke through the stillness.
"Lucian, it's been far too long," came a voice from across the room, and Sophia turned to see a man—Lucian's stepbrother—approaching them. He was tall, with sharp features that resembled Lucian's, though his eyes were a striking shade of green. He exuded an air of confidence, perhaps a little too much for Sophia's liking.
"This is my stepson, Kael," Lucian's mother said, her voice carrying a hint of affection. "He's been away for some time, but he's finally returned home."
Kael offered Sophia a polite nod, though his gaze lingered on her a moment longer than she was comfortable with. She smiled politely, but there was something in his eyes—something that made her uneasy.
Lucian, however, seemed unperturbed. His presence was a steady force, and he placed a possessive hand on Sophia's shoulder as Kael sat down across from them. His grip on her was subtle, but to anyone watching, it was a clear signal.
The feast began, and the conversations flowed, but despite the merriment around her, Sophia couldn't shake the sense that something was off. Lucian's stepbrother, Kael, kept glancing at her with a look that Sophia couldn't quite decipher. His eyes lingered a little too long, and his smile didn't quite reach his eyes.
As the meal continued, Lucian seemed increasingly distant, though not in a cold way—more as if he was fighting some internal battle. He seemed on edge, and Sophia couldn't help but notice how he would tense every time Kael spoke to her, as if he were watching her every move.
After the meal, Lucian excused himself, his voice low and strained. "I need to get some air," he said, his gaze meeting Sophia's with an intensity that made her stomach flutter.
She watched him leave, a mix of confusion and longing filling her chest. Lucian's behavior had shifted since they arrived. He had been so calm, so collected before—now, something seemed to have broken within him.
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