Arianna/Thea

"You shouldn't be here," kalo's voice startled me as I lay in the grass in the garden, reading a book illuminated by the fairy lights, that lined the garden path.

I put the book down raising to sit.

He was a sight to behold in the moonlight, his white strand gleaming as if they were threads made of the moon itself.

was in a simple tunic and pants, looking like he couldn't sleep.

"Are you going to tell anyone?" I asked, my tone laced with a hint of worry. If someone finds out they can punish me for entering the garden for the royals.

A flicker of amusement danced in his eyes as he took a step closer, his presence commanding attention.

"I already caught you."

Rolling my eyes, I laid back down trying to continue the story I was interrupted out of. I doubt he will tell me.

"You should be afraid of me." I paused, turning to him, my gaze wept over him from head to toe.

I shook my head, "You already kidnapped me what else can you do?"

"I didn't kidnap you," he corrected, his voice measured. "I... brought you here."

I raised an eyebrow, disbelief etched across my face. "Without my permission, and let's not forget that I was drugged to sleep," I reminded him, my gaze narrowing.

A smirk played at the corner of his lips as he leaned against a tree. "That is more of a reason you should be afraid of me," he replied, his words dripping with a subtle menace.

I couldn't help but scoff, my gaze sweeping over him from head to toe. "I don't think I'm in any real danger," I retorted, my voice laced with a mix of defiance. "As long as the king needs Artemis, I have some measure of protection."

He regarded me with a shrewd gaze, curiosity flickering within his eyes. "How long have you been working with Artemis?" he inquired, his tone tinged with a mix of suspicion and intrigue.

I am not going to put up with his inquisition in the late night. I have a novel to complete.

I arched an eyebrow, a wry smile curling my lips. "How long have you been 'bringing' people here without their permission?" I fired back, the question laden with accusation.

A flicker of discomfort crossed his face, his gaze momentarily faltering. "That was my first time," he admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of defensiveness.

I tilted my head, skepticism was evident in my expression. "Really?" I asked.

"There are others who do that. I just 'bring' special people." he replied, his gaze never leaving mine.

"Well, lucky me to be among the 'special' few," I replied, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

"I was talking about Artemis," he said with a smirk, making me glare at him.

He turned away ready to leave, but before leaving he turned to me again "And make sure to be in your quarters before midnight," he warned, his tone suddenly grave. "Naive girls like you should not be out so late in the night. As it is your first time in Valoria, you don't know what dangers lurk in these pretty streets."

I narrowed my eyes at him, a flicker of determination igniting within me.

"Why did you assume it is my first time?" I challenged; my voice laced with a hint of defiance. "Maybe I have been here multiple times before."

He seemed unperturbed by my retort as if he had anticipated my response. His voice was soft as he replied, "Ah, but the wonder in your eyes betrayed you. It was evident from the way you stared at everything, soaking in the magnificence."

With a final, lingering glance, his enigmatic figure turned and disappeared into the shadows.