Chapter 4

A L I N A

The training yard has left my muscles humming with residual tension, but my mind is far from still. As I make my way through the Castle, which appears only as a castle from the outside but on the inside, is completely modernised with the appearance of a mansion, my father’s disapproval lingers in my mind like a shadow, his voice echoing in my head as I replay every critique, every barb disguised as advice. 'Strategy over arrogance, Alina. Control your power. Never let your guard down.'

I let out a soft breath, forcing myself to shake off the thoughts as I reach my room, appreciating the quiet of my chambers as I prepare for a shower.

After about 30 minutes, I step out of the bathroom, feeling refreshed after a thorough shower and walk into my room, but as I make my way forward, I slowly come to a stop and stare around the room with a frown. The air feels different... It’s subtle, a barely-there shift, but enough to send a ripple of unease through me. That's when I pick up another heartbeat in the room with me, and before I can fully react, an arm wraps firmly around my waist, pulling me back into a solid chest. A gasp escapes me as the powerful scent floods my senses, slowly bringing a smile to my face as I immediately recognise who it is.

“Careful... my love,” a deep voice murmurs against my ear, low and teasing as his hands now roam my waist and body. “You wouldn’t want to hurt me, would you...”

The tension drains from my body as soon as I hear his voice, but not without countering our movements, using my super speed to turn us around as I grab hold of his hands, but he acts quicker and instead rushes us to a nearby wall, pinning me against his just as I gasp softly and stare up at him...

“Magnus,” I call out, my breathing slightly heavier as I face him, a smile still lingering on my lips, “are you out of your mind?”

Magnus Vorathiel grins down at me, utterly unrepentant as deep blue eyes gleam with mischief, and a wayward lock of honey-blonde hair falls into his face. He brushes it aside with an ease that matches the careless charm he wears like armour. Dressed in the deep blue and gold of House Vorathiel, he looks every bit the noble heir—effortlessly poised, maddeningly self-assured, and irritatingly handsome...

“You’re lucky I didn’t run you through,” I say, though my lips twitch despite myself as he remains extremely close to me.

“And risk ruining your beautiful chambers?” he counters, mock horror colouring his tone. “Never.”

I roll my eyes, but the flutter in my chest betrays me. He pulls closer to me, his lips hovering over mine as if he is tempting me, right until the moment he presses them against me slowly, taking in my lips as if they are as sweet as honey.

Magnus Vorathiel, heir to one of the most powerful noble houses in the realm. He’s the future of House Vorathiel, a family as old and revered as my own. Their power rivals ours, their influence stretching across the realm like a network of veins feeding the beating heart of the kingdom. Yet, being from such a powerful family, Magnus carries a reputation of his own. A skilled fighter, a cunning strategist, and, a complete charmer...

He has always had an effect on me... but despite the connection I have with him. We are not yet mates. Unlike what you might like to believe, our mates are chosen. A male has only one opportunity in his lifetime to bond with a female, through marking her and claiming her as his mate. After that, according to tradition, a wedding is to take place and finally to consummate the marriage, the mating process is completed...

Magnus and I haven't done any of that.

The matebond is a visceral, unshakable connection, as natural as breathing and as consuming as fire. It’s more than love; it’s a tie that binds souls, a pull that cannot be ignored. And I can't wait to have that with him...

I will admit, Magnus has been an infuriating blend of arrogance and tenderness, keeping me on edge in ways no one else can, but I have never loved another person the way I love him, and I hope that one day, he will be able to see that I am the one meant for him.

He pulls away from me, staring down at me for a moment just as my hands reach up and rest at the back of his neck.

“What are you doing here?” I demand, crossing my arms. “I thought you would only be arriving later...”

His grin softens, something warmer flashing behind those blue eyes of his. “I wanted to see you first.”

Those words—so simple, so devastatingly sincere—send a thrill through me. Even now, after 2 years of knowing him, he has a way of unravelling my composure with a single glance or a softly spoken phrase.

There is no way Magnus Vorathiel can not be my mate. We are simply destined to be.

And yet, Magnus has not marked me... does he not think the same thing?

“Magnus,” I begin hesitantly, my voice softer now. “You weren’t supposed to arrive until later. I thought—”

“I thought I’d surprise you,” he interrupts, stepping closer. His tone lowers, becoming almost conspiratorial. “Besides, I wanted to spend the day with you before we’re paraded around like show horses at dinner...”

I laugh despite myself, though the sound feels forced. His nearness sends a shiver down my spine, but it’s not enough to distract me from the question that has haunted me for weeks.

“And.. when will you mark me?” The words spill out before I can stop them, my voice trembling slightly...

His expression falters, his smile slowly dying down just as curiosity passes across his face. For a heartbeat, I think he might brush off the question like he always does. But this time, he doesn’t.

“I will,” he says, his tone careful as he watches me. “Soon. But Alina…” He steps closer, his hands brushing my arms before settling on my waist. “This isn’t just about us. Marking you—claiming you—it’s not something I take lightly. You know what it means, what it will set into motion...”

My chest tightens, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “I know exactly what it means, Magnus. Do you think I haven’t thought about it? Dreamed about it? I’m ready.”