Duke, it hurts...
[MATURE CONTENT WARNING: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK] Welcome to the fancy world of the elite, where Seraphina Alaric, a delicate and fragile girl always relying on medicine to get better, is just trying to catch a break before her life gets turned upside down by an arranged marriage... Seriously, who wants to be tied down when you’re still figuring out what you want in life? During a swanky banquet, she bumps into the enigmatic Duke of Everwyn. And the craziest part? She has no clue who this guy is—just thinks he’s some mysterious stranger. Out of nowhere, feeling adventurous (and maybe a bit reckless), she suggests a secret rendezvous that turns her whole world upside down. In that hidden moment, Seraphina dives headfirst into her wildest desires. But plot twist—turns out, the guy she just spent the night with is none other than her future husband. Oops! So much for a mysterious stranger—she just spent the night with her future husband! "Duke, It Hurts..." invites you into a whirlwind of self-discovery, steamy romance, and the sweet chaos of love when you least expect it. Can Seraphina break free from societal chains, or will she find herself tangled in the very web she tried to escape? Join her on this thrilling journey, and discover how love can be both liberating and complicated. Don’t miss out—your next obsession is just a page away!
The Truth
The innkeeper swallowed hard, his voice shaky as he started to speak. "I… okay, I don't know his name. It all happened that night after he had already stolen from the guests. I was outside the inn when I spotted him sneaking away."
The innkeeper continued, "He didn't panic or try to run. He just stood there, the same as me. After a brief pause, he said, 'I can give you some loot. Just cover my tracks.' Of course, I didn't agree at first, but before I could do anything else, he reached into his bag and tossed some coins and jewelry at me. He said, 'Now you've accepted it. If you try something funny, I'll make sure you go down with me.'"
The innkeeper's shoulders slumped as he finished. "He threatened me. I had no choice but to agree…"
Raven's smile faded as he listened to the story, but he didn't interrupt. When the innkeeper finally stopped talking, there was a heavy silence in the room.