claiming what's mine

After returning to his dormitory, Marcus sat by the window, gazing out at the dimly lit academy grounds. His mind raced with thoughts of the future, knowing he had limited time until Leo recovered from the injuries Marcus had inflicted. His duel with the protagonist had created ripples across the academy, and Marcus was well aware that this was just the beginning. Leo's defeat had only delayed the inevitable. Soon, the protagonist would regain his strength, and Marcus needed to be prepared.

His hand subconsciously clenched into a fist as his thoughts shifted. He couldn't afford to lose the upper hand, not now. The academy was a battleground where relationships, power, and influence could change everything. Marcus knew that the heroines were a crucial part of the story, and he couldn't allow Leo to claim them. He had already started influencing Charlotte, his fiancée, but their bond wasn't solidified yet.

Without wasting time, Marcus left his room and made his way to Charlotte's. The night was quiet, save for the soft crackle of the dormitory torches. Charlotte, being one of the top rankers in the entrance exam, had been assigned to the same dormitory as him. That made things easier. With her close by, Marcus could accelerate his plan, deepen their connection, and ensure she wouldn't slip away.

When he reached her door, he paused for a moment before knocking firmly.

A few seconds later, the door opened. Charlotte stood there, wearing a simple nightgown, her long black hair cascading down her shoulders. Her sapphire blue eyes widened in surprise when she saw Marcus standing at her doorstep.

"Marcus? What brings you here?" she asked, her voice a mix of confusion and curiosity.

Marcus leaned against the doorframe, flashing a subtle yet confident smile. "I came to meet my fiancée," he replied smoothly, his eyes locking onto hers.

As he spoke, he activated his charm ability. A faint, almost invisible aura surrounded him, amplifying his natural allure and making his presence nearly irresistible. He noticed the subtle change in Charlotte's expression almost immediately. Her cheeks flushed a soft pink, and she averted her gaze for a moment, clearly flustered.

"Can I come in?" Marcus asked, his voice low and velvety, making it difficult for her to say no.

Charlotte hesitated for only a moment before stepping aside, her heart beating faster. "Yes… please, come in."

Marcus entered the room with a calm, purposeful stride, taking in his surroundings. Charlotte's room was meticulously clean, with delicate decorations that gave it a distinctly feminine touch. The soft scent of lavender filled the air, and her bed was adorned with neatly arranged pillows and a light pink blanket. It was a room that suited her perfectly—elegant yet simple.

Marcus made his way to the small sofa near the window and sat down, crossing one leg over the other as he glanced around, appreciating the décor. "Your room suits you," he said, his tone casual but layered with a deeper meaning. "It's beautiful."

Charlotte's blush deepened, and she found herself fidgeting slightly, unsure how to respond to his unexpected compliment. She sat down on the edge of her bed, looking at him with both curiosity and nervousness. "So… what's the real reason you came to see me?" she asked, trying to maintain her composure despite the warmth spreading across her face.

Marcus leaned back against the sofa, his golden eyes gleaming in the soft light of the room. "Do I need a reason to see my fiancée?" he said smoothly. "I was thinking about you and thought it would be nice to come by. After all, this is the first time I've been to your room."

Charlotte's eyes widened in surprise at his words. For a moment, she was speechless, her mind racing to process his sudden interest. She had always thought of their engagement as a mere formality, something arranged between their families. But now… now Marcus was behaving differently, showing an interest she hadn't expected.

There was a moment of silence between them before Charlotte, her cheeks still flushed, spoke with a hint of jealousy in her voice. "Why didn't you go and visit Princess Serina? She'd probably be happier to see you."

Marcus chuckled softly at her words, finding amusement in her jealousy. It was clear that his charm ability was working, slowly breaking down her earlier indifference towards him. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes never leaving hers.

"I came to see you because I love you," Marcus said, his voice dripping with sincerity.

Charlotte's heart skipped a beat at his words. The hatred she once harbored for Marcus, born out of the cold and distant engagement forced upon them, was quickly fading. His words left her flustered, unable to keep her emotions in check. She could no longer maintain the cold demeanor she had once used to keep him at a distance.

"I…" she started to say but trailed off, unsure of how to respond. Her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Part of her still remembered the Marcus she had grown up resenting—the arrogant, distant heir of the Ravenscroft family. But now, sitting here with him, hearing him say those words with such conviction, something inside her was shifting.

Marcus could see it. He could see the cracks forming in her emotional barriers, and he knew it was only a matter of time before she fell for him completely. His charm ability was pushing her in the right direction, but Marcus understood that it wasn't just about manipulation. There was something genuine about the way he wanted her, about the possessiveness that was slowly growing inside him.

He didn't just want Charlotte because she was a heroine in the original story, someone meant to fall for Leo. No, Marcus wanted her because she was his fiancée, someone who was meant to belong to him. The thought of her being with anyone else, especially Leo, made his blood boil.

Charlotte's soft voice interrupted his thoughts. "Why… why are you saying this now?" she asked, her eyes searching his face for answers. "You've never acted like this before."

Marcus stood up from the sofa and slowly walked over to her, stopping just a few feet away. He gazed down at her, his expression softening as he reached out and gently took her hand in his. Her skin was warm, and he could feel her pulse quicken at the contact.

"Because I realized something," Marcus said quietly. "I've been distant, I know that. But I've changed. And I don't want to waste any more time pretending like I don't care. You're my fiancée, Charlotte. And I care about you—more than you realize."

Charlotte's breath hitched as she looked up at him, her heart pounding in her chest. There was something about the way he spoke, the way he looked at her, that made it hard to resist. She had always seen Marcus as cold and indifferent, but now… now she was seeing a side of him she had never known existed.

The room was quiet, the tension between them palpable. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the air thick with unspoken feelings.

Then, Charlotte finally broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. "I… I don't know what to say."

Marcus smiled, his fingers gently brushing against her hand. "You don't have to say anything," he whispered back. "Just stay by my side."

His words lingered in the air, and for the first time, Charlotte didn't feel the need to push him away. The coldness she once felt towards him had melted, replaced by something warmer, something softer.

Marcus, feeling the moment was perfect, leaned down toward Charlotte. His hand tightened slightly around hers as he moved closer, their faces only inches apart. Charlotte's breath hitched again, her heart racing wildly. Before she could say anything, Marcus closed the distance, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.

It was deep, fierce, and full of emotion—his way of claiming her, of showing her just how serious he was. Charlotte, caught off guard by the intensity, didn't pull away. Instead, she found herself responding, her body betraying her earlier reservations. The warmth of the kiss spread through her like wildfire, and for the first time, she felt truly connected to Marcus in a way she had never imagined.

As their lips parted, both of them were left breathless, the weight of the moment heavy between them. Marcus gazed down at her, his golden eyes burning with a possessiveness that left no room for doubt.

"You're mine, Charlotte," he whispered against her lips. "And I won't let anyone take you from me."