Chapter 3: The game starts

Chapter 3: The game starts

Seraphina took a deep breath, smoothing the folds of her dress as she stepped out of the grand palace corridors.

The answer had come to her easily. If she wanted safety and influence in this world, the Celestial Church was the best place to start. No king, no noble, not even a warlord could oppose the will of the gods—at least, not openly. And who better to stand by her side than the man who was the gods' voice?

Elias Montclair.

The most enigmatic of the five, he had always fascinated her in the game. A high priest with a saintly reputation but a gaze that burned with something decidedly unholy. His route had been one of the most complex, full of whispered temptations and the slow unraveling of restraint.

And now, she would see him in person.

---

The grand temple of Solmaris was a breathtaking sight. Built of pure white marble, its towering pillars seemed to reach for the heavens. Stained glass windows painted golden light across the stone floors, depicting divine stories of love, sacrifice, and sin. The air smelled of incense and aged parchment, an intoxicating blend of holiness and secrets.

Seraphina walked through the massive entrance, escorted by two temple attendants. She had been sent here under the guise of delivering a letter from the royal palace—an errand that conveniently placed her in Elias's domain.

Perfect.

She kept her expression serene as they led her into the heart of the temple, where the High Priest resided.

---

And there he was.

Elias Montclair stood at the altar, draped in flowing white robes embroidered with gold. His long, silvery-white hair cascaded over his shoulders, framing a face so flawless it seemed almost unreal. High cheekbones, a sculpted jawline, and lips that held the faintest hint of a smile—serene, knowing.

But his most captivating feature?

His eyes.

Violet, deep and luminous, as if touched by divinity itself. They flickered toward her, holding her gaze with a quiet intensity that made her stomach tighten.

"Lady Seraphina," he greeted smoothly, his voice a gentle caress. "To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?"

She forced herself to focus, offering a graceful smile. "A message from the palace, Your Holiness."

He stepped forward, his movements slow and deliberate. "Ah, a royal errand. And yet… I sense there is something more."

Her breath caught. He was perceptive—too perceptive.

He reached for the letter she held, his fingers brushing against hers for the briefest moment. The contact sent a strange shiver down her spine, as if his very touch held a quiet power.

"I wonder…" he murmured, eyes locked onto hers. "Do you believe in fate, Lady Seraphina?"

She swallowed, knowing full well that this was no ordinary encounter.

This was the beginning of something far more dangerous.

And she had just stepped willingly into his web.

---

Seraphina's pulse quickened.

She knew this moment. This was how Elias Montclair's route began in Eros Unbound.

"Do you believe in fate, Lady Seraphina?"

It was a test. The first choice window would appear if she responded correctly—leading her straight into Elias's path. And if she followed the exact sequence of events...

A heated encounter was inevitable.

Her lips parted, her mind racing.

In the game, there were three responses:

1. "Fate is but an illusion, Your Holiness." (Neutral Response—ends the conversation.)

2. "I believe fate brought me here today." (Correct Response—unlocks Elias's interest.)

3. "I surrender myself to fate... and to you." (Bold Response—immediately triggers the steamy scene.)

Her fingers clenched at the silk fabric of her dress.

If she picked the second response, she would have time to maneuver, to play the long game. But if she chose the third...

She wasn't just playing anymore.

A soft chime echoed in her ears—the system window had appeared.

⟡ [Choice Detected] ⟡

Select a response.

Seraphina swallowed hard.

Elias's gaze remained steady on her, as if he already knew what she was about to say. His lips curled, just slightly—patient, inviting, waiting.

She had to decide.

What would she choose?