From a Beggar to a Bastard
Elian, a beggar with nothing to lose, died tragically, only to awaken in the body of the despised bastard son of a powerful Grand Duke in the Arcanoria Empire. His second chance at life quickly turned into a nightmare when the Grand Duke’s household was executed, and Elian was sold into servitude as a courtesan. In this cruel new existence, Elian crossed paths with Izan, the enigmatic crown prince who harbored dark secrets of his own. As they grew closer, a forbidden love began to blossom, one that could upend the delicate balance of power in the empire and destroy them both. Torn between survival, betrayal and desire, Elian and Izan faced impossible choices. Could they defy the forces threatening to tear them apart, or would the empire crush their love before it even had a chance to begin? --- Warning: This book contains mature themes. Join my Discord server: https://discord.gg/NJJKETf4
The Aftermath
Izan's heart pounded as he cradled Elian's limp body in his arms, a mix of fury and fear swirling inside him. The assassin's blood still stained his sword, but it was Elian's pale face that filled him with dread. He could hear the murmur of voices growing around him, the crowd of courtesans and patrons drawn by the commotion.
The soft rise and fall of Elian's chest was the only thing keeping him from losing control. Whoever had done this, whoever had sent that assassin, they would pay. But that moment would come later. For now, Elian needed him.
Madame Lula stormed into the room, her normally composed face twisted with anger and panic. She pushed through the onlookers, her eyes immediately narrowing on the lifeless body of the assassin and then shifting to Elian's unconscious form in Izan's arms.
"What in is going on here?" she demanded, her eyes locked with Izan's, a mixture of fear and anger flashing in her gaze.
"Elian, what…?"