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Sold like a prized possession, Seraphina Alaric was handed over to the most feared man in the business world—Damien Thorne. She expected chains, cruelty, and a life of silent suffering. But Damien didn’t want a submissive wife. He wanted a weapon.
“You weren’t sold to be my toy,” he murmured, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. “You were sold because they feared what you could become. So let’s make them regret it.”
Betrayed by the family who should have protected her, Seraphina finds herself in an unlikely alliance with the man who "bought" her. Together, they scheme, manipulate, and tear down the empire built on her suffering. As secrets unravel and enemies close in, the lines between vengeance and desire blur.
He was never supposed to care. She was never supposed to fall.
But when the final move is played, Seraphina will stand—not as a victim, not as a pawn, but as the queen of her own destiny. And this time, the only man beside her will be the one who helped her burn her past to the ground.

The Keptwoman

Elise cornered Silas in the greenhouse the next morning. He looked far too comfortable among the thorns.

"Why me?" she asked bluntly, eyes locked on his. "Why did you buy me?"

Silas didn't pretend to misunderstand. "Because I needed leverage."

"Your family. My enemies. The same people who hurt you."

The air between them thickened. She didn't know what she had expected—maybe denial, maybe remorse. But this? This cold calculation? It chilled her to the core.

"So I'm your pawn," she said bitterly.

"No," he replied. "You're the queen. And I want to help you take the board."

Elise blinked. That... wasn't the answer she expected.

"I can teach you," he continued. "How to protect yourself. How to fight back. I don't want obedience from you, Elise. I want vengeance—with you."

The way he said her name sent a shiver down her spine. For a moment, the walls between them cracked. Maybe he wasn't the villain. Or maybe he was—but at least he was her villain now.

Chapter 7: A Pact in Shadows