Aric slowly woke up, groggy and disoriented. The first sensation that struck him wasn't the usual dull ache of bruises or the sharp sting of fresh wounds—it was an absence. No pain. No scars.
His skin felt smooth, unmarred by the altercation two days ago when Seraphina had left him bloodied and humiliated.
He bolted upright, his heart pounding as he scrambled toward the mirror. What greeted him was almost surreal—his torso gleamed faintly in the morning light streaming through the window, every inch flawless.
Not a single scar remained from the fight with Seraphina, nor the countless injuries inflicted.
"What the hell…?" Aric murmured, running his hands over his chest as if expecting the wounds to reappear magically. But they didn't.
Instead, his reflection stared back at him, healthier and more vibrant than ever.
[Good morning darling.] Ivy said casually, lounging in his screen in a white hoodie,
[You were unconsciously using Creation Magic in your sleep. Your body must've been trying to heal itself naturally. Pretty impressive for a newbie like you.] Ivy lied as she naturally ate a chip.
She crossed one leg over the other,
[If you want, we can test your healing magic later—but right now, focus on the bigger picture: Callista is arriving today, and both she and Seraphina will be breathing down your neck.]
Aric frowned, his brow furrowing,
"I don't remember using any magic while I slept..." he muttered aloud, still inspecting himself in the mirror.
Yet something about Ivy's explanation felt plausible enough to accept. He chose to believe Ivy despite knowing he didn't use it when he slept.
How do I deal with a woman who uses sex to get what she wants? From the memories Ivy gave me and what I know, she's Seraphina's rival—so a duchess, most likely. I'm assuming she's a nympho, considering she wants it rougher despite Vayne already giving his best. How do you even handle someone who's not only competent but also weaponizes sex?
But just as he tried to push aside thoughts of his, an intrusive thought flashed through his mind—a bizarre notion so absurd it made him pause.
A vibrator.
A vibrator to literally use her own desire against her. I wanna force Callista to her knees.
He shook his head violently, trying to dismiss the thought,
"No way." he muttered under his breath. "That's insane."
But the thought didn't leave. The more he thought about it, the more the idea lingered,
If Callista was using sex to humiliate and manipulate, could I get back the humiliation he did to Seraphina and Vayne? Could it bring her to her knees with nothing more than overstimulation?
[What's insane?] Ivy asked sharply, her tone shifting instantly from casual to alarmed.
When Aric didn't answer, she narrowed her amber eyes suspiciously to another screen.
[Wait… are you seriously thinking about creating some kind of sex toy!? For her!?]
"No!" Aric snapped defensively,
"I mean, kinda. But then I realized how ridiculous it was."
Ivy threw up her hands in exasperation,
[Thank goodness. Honestly Aric, sometimes I wonder if your brain is wired entirely wrong. You're smart but creating a vibrator? Really? What next? Are you going to offer it to her as payment along with your inventions?]
Before Aric could respond, a knock sounded at the door, interrupting their argument.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
Alden stood outside, holding a tray laden with toast and tea.
"Master Vayne." Alden called softly, his voice tinged with concern.
"You didn't leave your room for the entire day. May I enter?"
Aric hesitated, slipping into the cold, arrogant mask of Vayne, he opened the door just wide enough to take the tray without fully revealing his state of undress.
"Leave it." he said curtly,
"And thank you for the tea. I appreciate it."
"Yes, Master Vayne." Alden replied, bowing deeply before retreating down the hall.
Once the door was locked again, Aric set the tray aside, sinking onto the edge of his bed. His mind raced with plans and possibilities, each one more daunting than the last.
How am I supposed to handle Callista? And what about Seraphina? Every interaction between them is a minefield waiting to explode. A vibrator...negotiations...but man I suck at politics.
As if sensing his turmoil, Ivy pulls up a file labelled 'Vayne & Callista Moments'. Inserting it into her interface, she played a clip for him—a scene devoid of Callista's face but filled with moans and manipulative dialogue.
"Oh, fuck Vayne!" Callista purred seductively in the recording,
"You're such a naughty boy. Always pushing boundaries, aren't you?"
Vayne chuckled, his own voice laced with arrogance.
"Boundaries exist to be broken, my dear. Now, shall we discuss those loans again—or would you prefer another… demonstration of my skills?"
Callista laughed softly, the sound sending chills down Aric's spine even through the playback.
"Mmm, tempting. But let's not forget who holds the power here, darling. You owe me, remember? I'm still waiting for my gold but sure. I'll give it to you if you promise to go the ball with me and sign my agreements."
Ivy paused the video, turning to face Aric directly.
[This woman isn't just any nympho.] she warned darkly.
[She's a master manipulator. There's a reason even the royal family avoids tangling with her. She wants to undermine Seraphina, rival her power, and eventually challenge the royal family itself. Don't underestimate her.]
Aric swallowed hard. The weight of the situation pressed down on him like a physical force.
"So what do I do?" he asked quietly, his voice trembling with frustration.
[Your primary objective is simple.] Ivy continued firmly.
[Pay off the 500k gold sovereigns you owe her with Thorin's money or use your inventions as payment. Nullify the debt cleanly. If push comes to shove, throw in that ridiculous vibrator as a last push—but only if absolutely necessary.]
Just as Ivy finished speaking, a sharp knock echoed against the door. Seraphina's voice cut through the tension like a blade.
"Open the door, Vayne. I need to speak with you."
Aric for all his worth, tried to not remember the abuse he receive but,
That's easier said than done. Now I'm part of Vayne's roster now, The 'Damaged' ones.
Aric sighed under his breath, glaring at the door as if it might spontaneously combust.
"What's the point of knocking if you're just going to barge in anyway?" he told bitterly.
True to form, shadow tendrils slid underneath the gap in the door, unlocking it effortlessly. The door creaked open, revealing Seraphina standing there in a breath-taking black dress.
The fabric hugged her curves perfectly, adorned with intricate embroidery that shimmered faintly in the light. Diamonds glittered around her neck and wrists, complementing the elegance of her attire.
Most striking of all, however, was the ring on her finger—the same one she'd worn since marrying Vayne.
Her expression was cold. In her hand, she held a small ointment container.
"Evelyn told me to bring this for your bruises." she lied as she step inside without waiting for permission.
Aric crossed his arms defiantly, trying to hide his naked torso,
Evelyn? Not even you? Not even an 'I'm sorry'?
"I'm fine. No bruises. You can leave."
Seraphina froze, her eyes narrowing as she took in his appearance. He stood half-naked, wearing only loose trousers, his bare chest exposed.
But instead of finding fresh scars or lingering injuries, she saw something entirely unexpected: his body looked better than ever. Lean muscle defined his frame, his skin glowing with unnatural vitality.
He has no scar? How?
"How…" she began, her voice trailing off as she stepped closer, reaching out instinctively to touch him.
Aric slapped her hand away sharply.
"You don't need to bother checking on me." he growled, his voice raw with bitterness.
What? Did he just...reject me?
She recoiled slightly, her jaw tightening.
"Don't act like you have any pride left." she shot back venomously.
"Let me see."
When she reached for him again, Aric slapped her hand away once more, his grey eyes blazing with fear.
"What don't you get? Don't touch me."
For a moment, Seraphina hesitated, her icy exterior faltering.
Did I go too far? Perhaps I should've visited him yesterday.
What kind of person am I? I'm not a monster. But he needed to understand that no one walks away without consequences.
He doesn't get to humiliate me, destroy my life and others, and think he'll just walk free.
But even as she thought that, a flicker of regret pushed its way into her mind.
I shouldn't have hurt him. Not like that. I went too far.
Then, with a frustrated sigh, she placed the ointment on a nearby table and turned to leave.
"Fine. Just get ready. Don't embarrass me—or yourself—when 'your lover' arrives. Don't ogle her for your sake and mine."
With that, she closed the door shut behind her, leaving Aric alone once more.
'Don't embarrass me or yourself?' Not even an apology for hurting me?
Well, I guess Vayne never did either. But seriously, it sucks balls right now. I'm feeling the guilt and disgust of Vayne's memories and facing the consequences from Seraphina.
This is a shit show.
Ivy watched silently and finally spoke up when she heard Aric's thoughts,
[She doesn't understand, does she?] Ivy mused softly.
[Even after everything, she doesn't want to see the truth.]
"She doesn't need to." Aric replied hollowly, staring at the floor.
"Any hope of redemption is gone. For her sake—and everyone else's—I should keep my distance. It's not like my word means jack shit either way. I can only hope my actions keep proving that I'm not this douchebag Vayne. I'm so tired of it."
[I won't let her crush you completely.] Ivy promised fiercely, her voice unwavering.
[Whatever happens today, remember: you're far stronger than this. You conquered divorce, PTSD, losing your kids, depression, suffering from Vayne and Seraphina. You're far stronger than them.]
Aric nodded mutely, though doubt lingered in his heart.
Still, even an 'I'm sorry' would've suffice.