CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

​Ziaani's POV

I jolted awake, my breath ragged as the remnants of my nightmare clung to me like a heavy fog. My heart pounded in my chest, and sweat clung to my skin. The same dream, again. Shadows, whispers, the feeling of being hunted. I shook my head, trying to dispel the unease.

The soft glow of morning light streamed through my window, illuminating the grand room that had become my prison—no, my home? I wasn't sure anymore. With a sigh, I pushed the covers off and swung my legs over the edge of the bed. The cold floor sent a small shiver up my spine as I stood, stretching my stiff limbs.

I needed to move.

Padding through the quiet halls of the castle, I found myself searching for Queen Nikita. Usually, she was up early, training or handling matters of her kingdom. But as I wandered past the dining hall, the throne room, and even the training grounds, she was nowhere to be seen. A strange emptiness settled in my stomach.

Maybe she was still asleep? The thought was odd—she didn't seem like the type to sleep in—but I had nothing better to do. My feet carried me toward her chambers, curiosity getting the best of me. When I reached her door, I hesitated only for a moment before pushing it open.

The bed was empty.

Frowning, my gaze shifted around the room until it landed on a familiar figure sprawled across the silky sheets. Proteus, the Queen's massive black panther, lay comfortably on his back, purring as he enjoyed the peace.

A small smile tugged at my lips. I stepped forward and sat on the edge of the bed, reaching out to scratch his stomach. His deep, rumbling purr vibrated beneath my fingers, making me chuckle.

I was so caught up in the moment that I didn't hear the door open.

A soft click of heels against the stone floor made me lift my gaze, and my breath caught in my throat.

There she was—Queen Nikita.

But it wasn't just that she had returned.

No. It was what she was wearing.

Or rather, what she wasn't wearing.

A sleek black skirt clung to her hips, hugging her curves perfectly. But her top half? Bare. Completely bare. My eyes widened, my jaw going slack as I took in the sight before me. Her smooth, toned skin, the definition of her muscles, the sharp elegance of her collarbones—it was almost too much to process.

A slow smirk spread across Nikita's lips as she watched me. Then, she chuckled—a deep, rich sound that sent warmth flooding through my body.

Heat rushed to my face.

Oh gods.

I snapped my gaze away, mortified. "I—I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—I was just—Proteus—"

She waved a hand dismissively. "Relax, Ziaani. It's nothing."

Nothing?! My brain screamed. It was everything!

I clenched my fists in my lap, willing the tingling heat between my thighs to go away. This was not the time for my body to betray me. Clearing my throat, I dared a glance at her again—only to immediately regret it. She was still topless.

"Uh…maybe you should put on a top?" I said hesitantly, my voice barely above a whisper.

Nikita arched an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Why? Does it bother you?"

I swallowed hard. "N-no! I mean—yes! I mean—it's just—"

She laughed again, and I groaned, covering my burning face with my hands.

After a few more agonizing moments, she finally walked over to her wardrobe, retrieving a shirt. As she pulled it over her head, she spoke casually. "Would you like to join me for a walk around the village today?"

I peeked through my fingers, relieved that she was now clothed. "Oh… um, sure. That sounds nice."

She smirked. "Good. Now, come on. Let's get breakfast."

Breakfast was pleasant, though Nikita seemed to enjoy watching me devour mostly watermelon. She made a teasing comment about it, which I rolled my eyes at but secretly found endearing. Once we finished, we set off toward the village.

The village was lively, filled with the chatter of merchants, the laughter of children, and the warm scent of freshly baked bread. Walking beside Nikita, I watched as she interacted with her people, exuding both power and kindness. The villagers respected her, and despite the fearsome reputation vampires held, there was genuine admiration in their eyes.

Seeing the children run around made me think of my own childhood. My father. A pang of longing struck my chest, but before I could dwell on it, Nikita touched my shoulder. "Come, I have one more place to show you."

We walked for what felt like forever, the sun beginning to dip below the horizon. Curiosity ate at me. "Where are we going?"

She only smirked. "You'll see."

Finally, we arrived.

A breathtaking lake stretched before us, its waters shimmering under the fading sunlight. Next to it, a perfectly arranged picnic sat, complete with every snack and fruit I loved.

My heart swelled.

"You did this… for me?" I asked in awe.

"Of course," Nikita said simply. "I wanted to see you smile."

And smile I did. I couldn't stop. The entire evening was perfect—laughing, talking, simply enjoying the moment. I had never felt this happy in a long time.

Then, as the sun fully set and the moon bathed us in its glow, Nikita turned to me, her eyes dark and unreadable. My breath hitched as she leaned closer. My heart pounded, my lips parting slightly as I realized what was happening.

The moment stretched between us, charged with something unspoken but undeniable. Then, finally, she closed the distance.

Our lips met.

A spark ignited in my chest, warmth flooding every inch of my body. Her lips were soft yet firm, sending tingles through me. The world melted away, leaving only us, only this moment.

When we pulled away, I was breathless, my heart hammering against my ribs. Nikita smiled, brushing a strand of hair from my face.

"I hope that was okay," she murmured.

I let out a soft laugh, still dazed. "More than okay."

And as we sat there, the stars twinkling above us, I realized something.

I didn't feel like a prisoner anymore. I felt… home.