AWKWARD ENTANGLEMENT

They lay next to each other on his bed, curled up like two lovers who had forgotten about the world around them. Her fingers lightly traced over his arm, and every so often, he intertwined his fingers with hers, savoring the silence that, surprisingly, wasn't uncomfortable.

"So, you've never had a serious relationship?" Sophia asked, propping herself up on her elbow to get a better look at him.

Darian smiled slightly but didn't answer right away."No. Maybe one or two attempts, but nothing I would call serious."

Sophia frowned. "Why?"

"Why do you think?" he replied, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, let's see… maybe because you have a deadly curse that turns you into a monster every year?"

Darian shrugged. "That certainly doesn't help."

Sophia laughed, but then her expression grew serious again. "Has no one ever loved you? I mean… truly loved you?"

Darian looked away, as if debating whether to tell her the truth."Not in the way I wanted."

Sophia felt a pang in her chest.

"And you?" he asked, clearly wanting to shift the focus off himself. "Have you ever had a serious relationship?"

Sophia scoffed. "Oh, of course. A new suitor every week! I can't even keep track of them all."

Darian smirked. "Sarcasm isn't your strong suit."

She leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Honestly? Nothing serious. I grew up in a poor family. Most of the time, we barely had enough to eat, let alone time for love stories."

Darian listened intently, his hand absentmindedly tracing over the back of hers, offering silent comfort.

"My father… he was a good man, but not always the best at providing. My mother was the one who fought to keep us afloat. She worked all kinds of jobs. I helped as much as I could."

Darian watched her with a soft expression, as if trying to picture her—small and stubborn—navigating such a difficult life.

"Did you never feel like you deserved more?" he asked.

Sophia shrugged. "Of course I did. But I didn't have the luxury to think about it. When you're just trying to survive, you don't have time to dream."

Darian was silent for a moment before gently tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear."And now?"

She laughed. "Now I'm in a castle with a mysterious man who occasionally turns into a monster. Totally normal fate, right?"

Darian chuckled, and she found herself enjoying the sound. It was rare, but warm—like a hidden treasure only she could uncover.

"You think I'm mysterious?"

"Absolutely. And incredibly difficult to talk to."

"Oh, my apologies, I forgot I need to speak three thousand words per minute to meet your expectations."

"Exactly!" she declared triumphantly before shifting her position, settling on top of him.

Darian raised an eyebrow. "Comfortable?"

"Very."

He simply shook his head but made no attempt to move her.

"You know, this might look odd."

"Why?"

"Well, because you're lying on top of me."

Sophia smirked, resting her chin on her hands as she gazed down at him."Isn't it fun?"

"I wouldn't use that word…"

"Oh, come on, you like it."

"You are unbelievable."

"Thank you, I try."

Darian rolled his eyes, but the smile on his face never faded.

And just as they were lying there, laughing and teasing each other… the door suddenly burst open.

"Master, I brought—OH MY GOD!"

Sophia's head snapped toward the door, and Darian stiffened.

The servant stood frozen in place, staring at them with an expression of absolute horror.

Sophia was still sprawled on top of Darian, his hands were on her arms, and the entire scene looked… very inappropriate.

For a second, no one moved.

Then the servant slammed the door shut and bolted down the hallway, muttering loudly, "I SAW NOTHING! I SAW NOTHING!"

Sophia and Darian looked at each other.

And then they burst into laughter.

"Well… that was awkward."

"You think?" Sophia was still doubled over, laughing. "I think we just became the hottest gossip in the castle!"

Darian just shook his head."Well, if they're already talking, maybe we should give them a real reason."

Sophia raised an eyebrow. "What does that mean?"

He pulled her toward him and kissed her.

And this time, she had no objections.