25 Charmed to Meet You

The heavy wooden doors creaked as Zoe pushed them open, the throne room yawning before her like a cavernous maw.

She stepped cautiously inside, her eyes narrowing as they adjusted to the dim lighting.

She expected something monstrous, something out of the nightmares that had chased her through the Shard they had encountered.

Instead, her gaze fell on a figure lounging casually on a grand, shadow-draped throne.

He looked almost perfect, too perfect.

His outfit was finely tailored, fit for some royal court, and his hair fell in perfect waves.

He wore a charming, almost boyish smile that radiated confidence, and the entire image screamed "romance novel prince." That alone put Zoe on edge.

He inclined his head slightly, his gaze locking onto her.

"I am Aden," he said, his tone dripping with charm. "Ruler of this domain, and soon, perhaps, the ruler of much more."