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!
A Perilous Encounter in the Woods
As they got closer, the thieves suddenly grew alert.
Perhaps it was the rustling of a branch or the subtle shift in the wind, but they had sensed that somebody was approaching.
"Who's there?" the attendant shouted, his tone filled with suspicion as his hand darted to his waist.
Raven stepped out from behind a tree, calm but with a dangerous edge. The moonlight filtered through the canopy, casting long shadows across his face. "I could ask you the same," Raven replied, his voice steady but laced with menace. "What are you two doing in this part of the forest?"
"None of your business!" the attendant spat, stepping forward to stand between Raven and the thief. He was nervous, glancing over his shoulder at his partner for backup.
"Get out of here if you know what's good for you," the thief added, his voice trembling just a little. "We're not looking for trouble."