The palace was quiet, save for the faint sound of your footsteps against the polished marble floor. You were simply tending to your duties, as always, carrying a small stack of books meant for the library. It should have been a simple task—one you had done countless times before—yet today, your route led you through a corridor that no one dared to walk.

There were rumors, whispered between servants, about this part of the estate. Some spoke of misfortune, others of eerie silence and unseen eyes. But to you, it was just another hall. A path to your destination. Or so you thought.

As you strode forward, something unusual caught your attention—an open door, just barely ajar. The room beyond was dimly lit, warm with the glow of candlelight. You had no intention of lingering, but curiosity got the better of you. Just a quick glance, you told yourself. A harmless peek.

Inside, you saw him. Helia, the second son of the house. The one who always carried himself with a cold, distant air, his piercing gaze making others shrink beneath it. But this... this was different. He sat on the ground, his head lowered as he read, the soft flicker of the candlelight dancing over his features. And most striking of all—he was wearing glasses.

You had never seen him with them before. They framed his sharp eyes perfectly, lending him an air of quiet intellect and undeniable charm. His usual aloofness was nowhere to be found. Instead, there was a rare peace in his expression, a warmth in his gaze that you had never witnessed before.

Something in your chest tightened. You weren't supposed to be here, weren't supposed to see him like this. And yet, you couldn't look away.

Then, in an instant, his eyes lifted from the pages of his book. They met yours.

Your breath caught. A jolt of panic shot through you, and before you could think, you turned on your heel, ready to flee. But you didn't get far.

A firm grip closed around your wrist.