The Raven

After leaving Vivian's room, Leonard did not return to his own quarters. Instead, he made his way straight to his office. The air inside was still, the only sound coming from the crackling embers of the fireplace. He moved with a practiced ease, settling into his high-backed chair. The moment he did, the atmosphere in the room shifted.

A presence materialized out of nowhere.

From the shadows, a man cloaked in black emerged as though he had stepped out of another realm. His midnight-blue eyes gleamed in the dim light, his dark hair blending seamlessly with his attire. The only contrast was the silver embroidery along his cuffs, woven with ancient symbols that flickered briefly before vanishing. On his wrist, he wore a waist belt that held an intricately designed purse, a magical space purse, its true capacity and power known only to a select few with power and money.

He knelt before Leonard, lowering his head in deference. "My lord."

Leonard did not react, nor did he appear surprised. He merely picked up a document from his desk, flipping through the pages with deliberate patience. His fingers traced the edges as he spoke, his voice calm yet commanding.

"What update do you have for me, Raven?"

The Ravens were his most trusted agents, an elite force that thrived in secrecy. They were his eyes, his ears, and, when necessary, his executioners. These men and women, skilled in magic and aura manipulation, were bound to him by unwavering loyalty. Their sole purpose was to carry out his will, whether it was gathering intelligence, eliminating threats, or ensuring that no obstacles stood in his way.

Raven remained on one knee, his posture unwavering. "My lord," he began, his voice measured, "we regret to inform you that we can only delay the old duke for three to four more days. Stopping him entirely has proven… difficult."

Leonard smirked slightly, though there was no amusement in his eyes. "He wouldn't be the Duke of Valerion if he were that easy to handle." His tone was indifferent, yet there was a subtle weight to his words. "Even in retirement, my father remains a formidable force. However, there is no need to waste further effort. The divorce is finalized, and today, the duchess and I will break our oath."

He set the document down, lacing his fingers together.

"In fact, if he arrives earlier than expected, all the better. It means we can set things in motion sooner." His gaze darkened, his expression turning unreadable. "I no longer have the patience to entertain his games." His voice dropped to something more possessive, more dangerous. "And my wife cannot stay away from me for too long. There are too many rats watching her, waiting for an opportunity. That is something I will not allow."

Raven did not question his master's words. He simply bowed his head lower. "Yes, my lord."

Then, just as he had arrived, he vanished into the shadows, leaving no trace behind.

Leonard leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. He turned his gaze to the window, staring out at the vast expanse of his estate. The sky was clear, the sun casting long golden streaks across the landscape. But in his mind, storm clouds loomed.

The first thing Vivian became aware of was warmth. Not the comforting kind, but the kind that made her want to burrow deeper into the silken sheets and escape the unwelcome brightness pressing against her eyelids.

The sun had risen high, its rays relentless as they fought their way past the heavy curtains. She groaned softly, shifting beneath the covers. It wasn't until she turned slightly and felt the luxurious sheets slide against her skin that she remembered, this wasn't her old world.

This was her new reality.

The realization settled over her slowly, but there was no urgency in her movements. She had slept well, so well that hunger did not immediately gnaw at her. The enchanted fruits and exotic delicacies she had eaten in the garden had kept her satiated, their magic lingering in her system.

And, of course, Leonard had made sure that no one disturbed her rest.

She knew he was the one who had given the order. No one would dare wake her, not even for breakfast, without his explicit permission. The thought sent an odd sensation through her, one she wasn't ready to examine.

A soft knock came at the door before it creaked open. The maids entered quietly, moving with well-practiced precision. One approached the bed, holding a basin of warm water and a scented cloth, while another set a silver tray on the bedside table.

"Good afternoon, my lady," the head maid said with a gentle bow.

Vivian blinked, slowly sitting up as another maid handed her a glass of water. She sipped it as they carefully assisted her in brushing her teeth while still in bed, ensuring she exerted as little effort as possible.

Once she was fully awake, breakfast was presented to her, a lavish spread of her favorite dishes, all served on an enchanted plate designed to keep food fresh for an entire month. The moment she picked up her fork, the aroma alone was enough to make her stomach growl softly in appreciation.

Leonard was truly excessive.

But did she mind?

As the maids continued their work, Vivian was subjected to what had become her routine, a full-body massage, followed by a magical bath infused with rare herbs and glowing essences with her favorite rose-scented bath. The warmth seeped into her muscles, relaxing her further.

By the time she stepped out, she felt utterly refreshed.

They dressed her in an elegant beige gown, its soft fabric clinging delicately to her figure. Her long, wavy red hair was styled into a half-up crowned braid, adorned with delicate gold jewelry that shimmered in the light. The final touch, was a set of golden accessories that complemented her glowing skin.

When she finally looked in the mirror, she had to admit, she looked stunning as always.

Her beauty was the kind that no one could grow used to, no matter how often they saw her.

When Vivian entered the grand hall, Leonard was already waiting.

He turned the moment she stepped forward, his gaze drinking her in with the same quiet intensity as always.

For a moment, he said nothing. Then, slowly, he reached for her hand.

"As expected of my lady," he murmured, his voice low and smooth. "You are as beautiful as ever."

Then, without breaking eye contact, he lifted her hand to his lips and placed a slow, deliberate kiss on her skin.

Vivian's breath hitched.

A blush crept up her cheeks before she could stop it. She mentally scolded herself—Get a grip, woman! Back on Earth, she had never been the type to get flustered over public displays of affection. But here she was, blushing like some shy maiden in a romance novel.

She quickly searched for a distraction. "Where are Alaric and Anna?" she asked, glancing around.

Leonard's lips quirked in amusement. "Already outside, waiting in the carriage. You're the only one we were waiting for, my lady."

Vivian sighed. "Alright then, let's go."

As they walked side by side, a thought nagged at her.

This doesn't feel like a couple getting divorced at all.

What a mess.