Enzo's POV
I smirked as I watched her storm out of the café.
Honestly? I was impressed.
She wasn't like the others. She didn't crumble at the mention of money, didn't fold under the weight of my name. April had something most people around me lacked—dignity.
She walked out on me, angry and proud, and somehow that made me even more certain: she's the one.
Fred approached, worried. "What happened with her?"
"Don't worry," I said, brushing it off. "She'll come around. Let's go."
Even as I sat in my private jet, headed back home, my mind lingered on her. The way her voice shook—part outrage, part disbelief.
"Will she reach out again?"
I didn't know.
But I hoped so.
⸻
Laurel was the first to greet me when I got home. Practically rushed me at the door.
"You're back early!" she said, concern laced in her tone.
"Yeah…" I muttered, removing my sunglasses.
"How did it go with her? Did she agree?"
I shook my head.
"No."
"Oh… I'm so sorry about that, Eutler," she whispered, stepping forward to hug me. Her arms wrapped around me like they always did—but this time… something felt off.
There was a scent on her. Faint but familiar. One I hadn't smelled in a long time.
Nefaria.
I tensed.
"Did you go somewhere?" I asked, not accusing—just… feeling.
Laurel stiffened. Just a moment. Most wouldn't notice. But I did.
"No," she said too quickly. "I've been in my room all day. Why do you ask?"
I paused, then shrugged it off. "No reason."
She studied me a little too closely, like trying to read my mind.
"So what now? What do you plan to do with her?"
"I'll handle it," I said, stepping past her. "There's no need for you to worry."
But she reached out, touching my hand, then trailing her fingers across my chest in that overly familiar way she always did.
"I just don't want you to go through this alone, Enzo. You know you can trust me—with anything."
I offered her a nod. "I appreciate it."
But the truth was…I didn't want her touch.Not anymore.
I brushed her hand away and walked to my room, closing the door behind me.
Laurel's POV
Earlier That Day – Nefaria
I wasn't supposed to be here.
Not today. Not now.
But the moment I learned Enzo was planning to meet her, I knew I had to return but not through the front gates—not where the council or palace guards could see me. I slipped through the ancient stone tunnels beneath the palace, the ones I memorized in childhood.
But I wasn't lucky this time.
Her voice came before her presence—sharp and cold like winter steel.
"Who are you hiding from, child?" She said and my heart sank
Standing at the end of the tunnel was the last person I wanted to see—Laura.
My grandmother.
My curse.
"I have important matters to deal with," I snapped, trying to walk past her but she struck me hard with her gnarled cane, sending me crashing to the ground.
"I warned you to stay away from the palace!" she hissed.
"And yet I lived in it all my life while you looked the other way," I spat, rising to my feet. "You don't get to control me anymore, old witch." I replied bitterly.
She struck me again. The pain wasn't just in the flesh—it burned with history.
"Foolish girl," she sneered. "You think you've hidden well, but I always knew where to find you. Especially now that you've tasted the human world."
"You've been watching me?" I asked, startled.
Laura let out a bitter laugh. "Did you really think I wouldn't? You're still my blood, Laurel—no matter how far you run. But listen to me, and listen well: Valtor is not what you think. You're playing a dangerous game, and that man will devour you whole."
I laughed coldly. "Funny, coming from you. The same woman who refused to save her own son."
"I told you, it wasn't in my power—"
"Tell that to your other grandchildren," I said, brushing past her. "But not me."
I didn't wait for her answer. I didn't want to hear it.
I reached Valtor's chambers moments later. As always, he was standing at his window, arms behind his back, staring down at the swirling valley of Nefaria like he owned the entire fate of the world.
"You're late," he said without turning.
"I had to make sure Enzo was gone before I came," I replied, steadying my breath.
"You said there was something I needed to hear."
"Yes," I nodded. "It's about Dean."
That got his attention. He turned slowly, eyes narrowing.
"What about him?"
"He's unstable, my Lord. He nearly exposed everything in front of Enzo.
Valtor's jaw tightened.
"Did he mention her mother ?"
"No. But Enzo… he's been hearing voices. A crying baby. Whispers. Could that mean anything?"
Then Valtor turned away again. His voice dropped to a whisper. "He must never know the truth of his mother's death. The consequences would destroy him. And us."
"And Dean?"
"I'll deal with him. You focus on Enzo."
I hesitated, then asked the question that had haunted me since this mission began. "Why are you so certain he'll fall in love with her? Can't he just …get her pregnant without emotions?"
Valtor turned sharply. "It's never that simple. Not in Nefaria. Once the bond is formed, the heart follows. That's the curse of our bloodline."
I swallowed. "Did that happen with you and Edna?"
His expression hardened. The air in the room turned ice cold.
"Don't forget your place, girl. Your duty is to obey, not pry into my past."
I bowed my head. "Forgive me, my Lord."
"Leave," he growled.
I turned and walked out, the echo of his anger trailing behind me. But his words lingered heavier than anything he had ever said before.
If love always follows the bond…Then I was already too late.
April's POV
Thursday After School
School was louder than ever today. The hallway buzzed with laughter, squeals, and chattering footsteps. Posters for prom clung to the walls, some peeling at the corners, their glittery letters reflecting the afternoon light. Couples giggled as they shared secrets about dresses and tuxedos. A guy knelt dramatically in front of a girl with a giant teddy bear, and she screamed in delight. It was cute—I smiled to myself and walked past, but my mind was far from prom.
My tutor had called me into the office just before the bell rang. She talked excitedly about a college she thought was perfect for me, given my dream to pursue med school. Her words stuck with me like glue, wrapping tighter around my chest with every step I took. I wasn't exceptionally brilliant, and full-ride scholarships were rare. My extracurriculars were thin, and drama class—my last-minute attempt to fix that—wasn't doing much. I barely participated anyway.
I headed outside, letting the warm sun hit my face as I walked toward the school park. A breeze rustled the trees, and the shouts of the boys playing football carried over the field. I sat on one of the benches where I waited for Randolph. We had grown pretty close ever since he asked me to prom . Randolph was an athlete and a great one in need. .I watched him run across the pitch, his jersey clinging to his sweaty skin. He looked good—confident and carefree—and lately, I'd come to enjoy his company more than I expected.
As I waited, my phone buzzed.
Unknown number: "I'm still waiting for your reply concerning our conversation earlier… the contract."
My stomach dropped.
He still wants me.
I read the message again, stunned. Despite everything, I smiled. I didn't want to admit it out loud, but it felt… nice to be wanted by someone like Enzo. I'd thought about him so many times over the past few days—his voice, his calm but commanding presence. June had practically drilled it into my head that I'd be crazy to let this go, and maybe she was right.
"What's making you smile, beautiful?" Randolph asked, appearing beside me, still flushed from the game. Sweat clung to his forehead, giving him a rugged glow.
"Nothing important," I said quickly, slipping my phone into my bag.
He narrowed his eyes playfully. "I doubt that. I just hope you're still planning to go to prom with me tomorrow."
I laughed, teasing him. "Scared I'll leave you on the dance floor?"
He nodded dramatically. "Absolutely. I've been having nightmares about it."
"Don't worry," I smiled. "You'll get to spin me around as much as you want."
He leaned in a little, eyes flicking to my lips. My breath hitched. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and looked away, suddenly shy.
After the awkward pause, he asked, "How's college stuff going? Applied to anywhere yet?"
"I'm still working on it," I admitted.
"I'm applying to Boston," he said proudly.
"Is that your dream school?"
"My dad's," he replied, and we both laughed.
"What about you? Got a dream college?"
"Stanford," I said. "But I'll take anywhere that offers medicine."
"With your grades I'm sure you'll get in."
His encouragement warmed me, and I nodded. "Thanks. We should get going—it's getting late."
He changed out of his jersey and offered me a ride home, as usual.