A story about a place that neither exists in maps or history books, this place was called Athame.

•••

"The root of every fear is the unknown, yet how can one fear what they cannot grasp? Tch... how misleading." His voice, deep and rough, sent an involuntary shiver through her as he closed the distance between them with deliberate steps, his presence suffocating in its intensity.

With a slow, predatory grace, his fingers brushed along her jaw, settling on a strand of her scarlet hair, his touch deceptively tender. "Knowing me will matter little," he whispered darkly, his breath warm against her skin. "For even in the shadows of uncertainty, you will come to fear... and desire me all the same."

•••

Aricia, born with extraordinary abilities in a world that fears anything out of the ordinary, was destined for a marriage alliance to secure peace between kingdoms. 

But on the day of her engagement, her entire family is slaughtered—by the very family she was meant to marry into. 

Grief-stricken and consumed by vengeance, Aricia swore to destroy those who betrayed her. She would wield the very power they had feared against them, seeking justice with no mercy. After years on the run, she found shelter within an elemental clan, hiding her abilities and keeping to the shadows.

But her carefully constructed peace shattered in a single moment. A burning touch, a chance encounter with his haunting gray eyes—an unknown force within her stirred, threatening to unravel her carefully guarded secrets and the fragile balance of magic, madness, and vengeance she had built....

Vengeance Through Passion

The next morning came far too quickly for Aricia's liking. The faint light of dawn spilled into her modest quarters, casting long shadows over the walls, and the chill of the early morning air nipped at her exposed skin. Still, she forced herself to rise. If I’m going to keep this job, there’s no room for hesitation, she thought, gripping the edge of her thin blanket before folding it neatly and setting it aside. 


Her movements were deliberate as she prepared for the day, her mind resolute. She refused to falter. After completing her morning chores—sweeping the halls, tidying the study, and ensuring the kitchens were in order—she made her way to Vincent’s chambers. 


The door to his room loomed before her like an obstacle she had no choice but to overcome. With a sharp breath, she knocked firmly. 


Chapter 35| First day