CHAPTER#24:Sharing room!

The sun stood high in the sky as Jafar led her to the third floor. When they reached the door to her chambers, she hesitated, her hand hovering over the handle.

"Forgive me, my lady," Jafar said, his voice measured yet firm. "But if I recall, the lord and lady share one room after marriage."

Luciana stiffened. The notion seemed absurd. She and Erebus could barely tolerate each other's presence—how could they possibly share a space so intimate? And yet, Jafar was not wrong. Her mother had often spoken of her own marriage, of how Avlynn and Melody would slip into her bed at night, even little Aria sneaking under the covers. But never had she allowed a stranger to enter her chambers.

Yet this was not Amanécer. She had to adjust.

She hadn't anticipated this.

"Then… Nemesis," she murmured. "I can't leave him alone."

"You need not worry about the child, my lady," Jafar reassured her. "No harm will come to him under Master's protection."

His words did little to ease her mind, but she had little choice. Reluctantly, she agreed to let Nemesis go with him once she had been escorted to Erebus's chambers.

The black and gold-plated doors loomed before her—the very same doors through which she had first entered this place. Jafar pushed them open, and they stepped inside.

The room was empty.

The fireplace still crackled, casting flickering shadows against the walls. The table had been cleared, no doubt by a servant, and the bedcovers remained undisturbed. Jafar frowned, his gaze flicking to the room's undisturbed state.

"Strange…" he muttered under his breath.

Luciana caught his words but chose not to acknowledge them.

"He should be here," he added, more to himself than to her. "Master always rests at noon to avoid the sun."

Outside, snow blanketed the world, the sunlight weak against the frozen landscape.

Jafar pulled a small object from his pocket and held it up to Nemesis—a golden piece of candy, shimmering in the firelight. The child's eyes gleamed with fascination.

"It's just a sweet from the human world," Jafar explained. "Caramel."

Luciana eyed the candy warily, suspicion curling in her mind. But Nemesis, eager and trusting, waited for her to try it first.

With a quiet sigh, she leaned forward and took a cautious bite. It was hard, almost like glass, but melted quickly on her tongue, its sweetness rich with a hint of salt.

"It's… delicious," she admitted, surprised by the unfamiliar taste.

Jafar grinned. "See? No need to worry, madame." There was an unmistakable flicker of excitement in his expression.

She exhaled. "Alright. I will trust you… but only for today."

Even so, Nemesis clung to her when Jafar extended his hands for him.

A knock at the door interrupted them. Mina entered, her presence a welcome distraction.

"Mina?" Both Jafar and Luciana spoke at once.

"My lady, I came to prepare your bath," she announced, then paused, glancing between them. "Why are you both looking at me like that?"

"Perfect timing!" Jafar exclaimed.

Mina blinked. "Yes?"

"Take care of Nemesis. Just for today," Luciana requested hastily.

Mina nodded without hesitation. "As my lady wishes."

Luciana crouched, gently cupping Nemesis's cheeks. "Sweetling, Sister Mina will play with you today. Mama has something important to do." She kissed his chubby cheek before passing him into Mina's arms.

"Let's go, young master!" Mina chirped, bouncing him in her arms. "We'll play hide-and-seek!"

Nemesis giggled and repeated after her, their laughter filling the chamber.

Then—

A deep voice cut through the warmth.

"What is all this noise in my room?"

The air turned frigid.

Luciana turned, her breath catching.

Erebus stood at the terrace entrance, his bloodshot eyes burning into them. His cloak, once black, was now drenched in crimson. He lifted his hood, revealing damp strands of jet-black hair matted with blood. The scent hit her instantly—thick, metallic, suffocating.

Her stomach churned. Her throat tightened.

"Where have you been, Master?" Mina spoke first, her voice breaking the heavy silence.

"Where do you think?" Erebus sighed, his irritation barely concealed.

"You should have taken the madam with you," Mina scolded, arms crossed. "You're newly married, after all. A honeymoon is in order!"

Jafar gaped at her, utterly speechless.

"Mina…?" Luciana managed, horrified.

Erebus exhaled sharply. "Did you think I was strolling through the gardens?" His patience was waning.

Mina, sensing danger, hastily switched tactics. "Ah! Master, the bath is ready, and so are your clothes! We will be leaving now. If you need anything, please summon me. Good day, Master. And to you as well, madame!"

Before Luciana could protest, the doors swung shut behind them.

"W-wait! Please!" She reached out.

But it was too late.

Don't leave me alone.

The silent plea echoed in her mind.

Behind her, slow, heavy footsteps approached. The stench of blood thickened.

She held her breath and turned.

Erebus stood over her, towering, his presence suffocating. He was taller than her by only a head, yet in this moment, he felt colossal.

"What are you doing here?" His voice was low, unreadable.

She swallowed. "A husband and wife are expected to share a room after marriage."

The words felt foreign in her mouth, her stomach twisting with the weight of them.

"Is that what Jafar told you?" His expression darkened. "Or is this one of your customs?"

"W-well, it's natural," she stammered. "Everywhere, a married couple shares a room."

She had read it countless times. It was in every novel, every romantic tale. And for a moment, she forgot who she was speaking to.

Erebus let out a quiet sigh. Without another word, he removed his cloak and placed it on the table. Then, to her shock, he stripped off his shirt.

Beneath, his body was wrapped in bloodstained bandages.

Luciana stared.

What does he go through every day?

"Do you like what you see?" His voice pulled her from her trance.

Her face burned. She spun away, mortified. "I apologize."

She heard the soft rustle of movement as he stepped into the adjoining bathroom.

The door closed behind him.

Luciana let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding and collapsed onto the bed. She unpinned the white tulle veil from her hair, her fingers trembling slightly.

Then, something caught her eye.

The rug was stained—fresh blood mingling with old, dark marks.

How much blood had been spilled in this room?

Compared to him… what was she supposed to be?