Lucian paced through the corridors of the castle, the echo of his footsteps blending with the silence of the night. His mind was a storm, a swirling vortex of jealousy, frustration, and a deep, gnawing desire that he couldn't seem to control. Each time he thought he had gained control over his emotions, Sophia's presence threatened to break through the walls he had so carefully constructed.
Her transformation had been both magnificent and terrifying. The goddess-like beauty she had gained was undeniable, her wings a symbol of her awakening, but it was also a constant reminder of the bond between them—one that had been forged in blood, heart, and soul. A bond that Lucian was struggling to manage.
He stopped near the edge of the castle courtyard, staring out at the endless stretch of land that surrounded the fortress. The wind tugged at his dark hair, the chill of the night biting at his skin. He needed to calm himself, to center his thoughts. But every time he closed his eyes, he saw Sophia—the way her wings had unfurled, the awe in everyone's eyes when they witnessed her power. It had been a moment of beauty, yes, but it also exposed his deepest fears. Fear of losing her. Fear of someone else claiming her.
As if summoned by his thoughts, the shadow of another figure appeared beside him. Lucian didn't need to turn around to know who it was. Kael.
"Didn't take you for a man to brood in the cold, Lucian," Kael remarked, his voice dripping with a mixture of amusement and something more sinister. The sound of his voice grated on Lucian's nerves.
Lucian turned, his gaze sharp. "What do you want, Kael?"
Kael stepped closer, his green eyes glinting in the moonlight. "I just thought you could use some company. It's been a long time since we've had a proper conversation." His eyes flicked towards the castle, where Sophia was still inside. "Quite a woman you have there, isn't she?"
Lucian's jaw tightened at the insinuation. He could feel the heat of jealousy rising in him again. "Sophia is not your concern."
Kael smirked. "Isn't she? I don't know, Lucian. I've always been quite fond of beautiful women. And I think you're forgetting something important."
Lucian stepped forward, his body tense with barely contained rage. "What are you trying to say, Kael?"
Kael's smirk widened, his voice lowering into something darker. "I'm just saying that I've known you a long time, brother. Longer than her. I know how you get when you're around things you want. You don't like sharing, do you?"
Lucian felt the flicker of something dangerous surge within him—something that wasn't just the beast within, but something deeper. His fingers curled into fists, but he took a steadying breath, trying to keep his composure. He wasn't going to give Kael the satisfaction of seeing him lose control.
"What happened to staying out of my way, Kael?" Lucian's voice was ice, each word deliberate.
Kael chuckled, his voice rich with amusement. "Oh, I've always stayed in the background. But things are different now. You're not the only one who can see the power in her, Lucian."
Lucian's eyes darkened as he stepped even closer to his stepbrother. "I don't care what you think. Sophia belongs to me. Not you."
Kael raised an eyebrow, his lips curling in a faint, mocking smile. "We'll see about that."
Before Lucian could respond, the sound of footsteps approaching interrupted them. They both turned to find Sophia emerging from the castle, her wings trailing behind her like a silver storm. The soft, glowing tips of her feathers shimmered in the moonlight, and her eyes—those golden eyes—met Lucian's with an intensity that made his chest tighten.
She walked toward them, her movements graceful, as if every step was guided by an ancient magic. Lucian's heart swelled with both pride and possessiveness, but when his gaze flicked toward Kael, he saw the glint of admiration in his stepbrother's eyes. The sight of it made Lucian's blood boil, and before he could control himself, his body tensed.
Sophia stopped just a few feet away, her gaze flicking between them. "Lucian, Kael," she greeted them, her voice soft but firm.
There was an almost tangible tension in the air as she looked between the two men. The subtle shift in her body language didn't go unnoticed by either of them—she felt it too. The rivalry was no longer something hidden in whispers; it was now out in the open.
Lucian couldn't help himself. He stepped closer to her, his hand brushing against the soft, iridescent feathers of her wing. The touch was possessive, protective. "You should be inside, Sophia. It's cold out here," he murmured, his voice low and heated.
Sophia's eyes met his, a mix of longing and confusion in her gaze. "I just wanted some air. It feels strange to be here… but also like I belong."
Her words caught him off guard. There was something in her voice, an underlying emotion that Lucian couldn't quite place. He wanted to ask her about it, to pull her closer and never let go. But before he could speak, Kael interjected, his voice smooth and casual, though there was a clear undercurrent of challenge.
"You know, Sophia," Kael began, stepping forward, "I've been around this castle for a while, but I don't think I've had the chance to properly welcome you. You're more than just a pretty face, aren't you?"
Sophia's gaze flicked from Kael to Lucian, then back to Kael, her expression unreadable. "I don't need any special welcomes, Kael," she replied, her voice steady but cool. "I'm here with Lucian, and that's all that matters."
Lucian watched as Kael's expression shifted slightly, the faintest flicker of annoyance passing over his face before he masked it with a smile. "Of course," he said, bowing his head slightly. "But if you ever need someone to show you the finer parts of this kingdom, I'm at your service."
Lucian's body stiffened, and he could feel the heat rising in him again. Kael's casual flirtations were wearing on his nerves. He had made it clear—Sophia was his. No one else's.
Before the tension could escalate further, Sophia placed a gentle hand on Lucian's arm. Her touch was soft, but it grounded him.
"We should head inside," she said quietly. "It's getting late."
Lucian nodded, his anger simmering beneath the surface, but he forced himself to calm. He didn't need to prove anything to Kael. Not yet, anyway.
As they turned and made their way back to the castle, Lucian couldn't shake the feeling that things were changing. The bond between him and Sophia was strong, but it was also being tested. And something told him that their troubles were far from over.
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