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

"Isn't it obvious?" Vincent's voice carried an edge of disdain, his lips curling into a sneer. "No one would accept to marry such hideousness." 


He laughed sharply, the sound reverberating through the dimly lit room like the crack of a whip. His cold amusement filled the air, making it feel heavier. 


The comment hung there for a moment before another voice cut through the tension, smooth and commanding. "Indeed, you're right." Prince Alex stepped into view, his regal posture and calm demeanor silencing any retorts before they could form. 


His presence, though understated, carried an undeniable weight, and all eyes turned toward him. 


"Greetings, sire," Arthur said respectfully, bowing slightly with a practiced ease. Yet, the others remained still. 


Caelric and Vincent made no move to acknowledge the prince, their expressions guarded and unreadable, though Vincent’s sharp gaze lingered on Alexander’s face. 


"And what brings you to this humble place?" 


Chapter 46| Might?