Whisper's of the past

*A bath too dangerous*

Henry exhaled, gripping the edge of the bath.

He needed to figure out what he wanted.

Because, deep down, a part of him wanted this new life. 

A life where he wasn't a loser. Where he wasn't just some lonely, pathetic guy wasting away in his room.

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A life where, for the first time ever—

He was important.

Henry smirked to himself.

Maybe this world wouldn't be so bad after all.

But just as he was starting to settle into that thought, the bathroom door creaked open.

His entire body stiffened.

Through the misty air, a tall, curvy silhouette stepped inside. The dim glow of the lanterns illuminated the figure, revealing the unmistakable sight of Lady Seraphina in a dangerously loose robe, barely held together at the front.

"Ah… it's nice to see you're still awake," she purred, her violet eyes glinting through the steam.

Henry nearly slipped underwater.

"L-Lady Seraphina?! W-what are you—"

She raised a single, delicate finger, cutting him off.

"Relax, Henry," she said, stepping closer. "This is my home. Did you really think I wouldn't come check on my new… guest?"

Henry's mouth went dry as she knelt beside the tub. The way the fabric of her robe shifted, revealing more of her soft, pale skin, was dangerous.

Her long black hair hung down, a few strands clinging to her slightly damp skin. Her violet eyes gleamed with something Henry couldn't quite describe—possessiveness? Amusement? Something else entirely?

"You looked so deep in thought earlier," she continued, trailing a finger lazily across the surface of the water, creating small ripples. "I was starting to worry."

Henry forced a laugh. "O-oh! No need to worry! I was just, uh… thinking about this whole situation."

Seraphina tilted her head. "And?"

Henry hesitated. "And… maybe it's not as bad as I first thought."

The Queen's lips curled into a satisfied smirk.

"Good."

Without another word, she stood up gracefully, her robe shifting in ways that made Henry's brain short-circuit.

"You should finish up soon," she said. "It's late. And you wouldn't want to stay in the bath too long… It might make you vulnerable."

Henry blinked. Vulnerable?

Before he could ask what she meant, Seraphina turned, walking out of the bathroom. But just as she reached the doorway, she glanced over her shoulder.

"Oh, and Henry?"

"Y-yeah?"

"Your room is ready. But don't be surprised if I check on you again~"

With that, she was gone.

Henry sat there, motionless, the steam swirling around him.

His heart was pounding.

This world was going to kill him.

---

Later That Night – A Room Too Luxurious

Henry stepped into the massive bedroom, the sheer luxury overwhelming his senses.

The bed was huge, covered in silk sheets softer than anything he had ever touched. The wooden walls were adorned with intricate carvings, and a faint floral scent lingered in the air.

"This… is mine?" he whispered to himself.

Back in his old world, his bed was a mess of old blankets and unwashed pillowcases. His room smelled more like instant noodles and regret. But here…

It felt like a dream.

He sighed, running a hand through his damp hair as he collapsed onto the bed.

Maybe… just maybe… this world really is better.

But before he could drift off to sleep—

Knock. Knock.

Henry's heart stopped.

The door creaked open.

A figure stepped inside.

His breath caught in his throat.

Lady Seraphina.

And she was not wearing her robe anymore.

Instead, she wore a thin, almost transparent nightgown that clung to every curve of her body. The soft glow of the lanterns illuminated her figure in ways Henry's brain couldn't process.

"Y-you're back?" Henry stammered, pulling the sheets up to his chest like a nervous schoolboy.

Seraphina smirked. "Didn't I tell you I'd check on you?"

Henry gulped.

She moved toward the bed, each step slow and deliberate. When she reached the edge, she sat down beside him, the mattress sinking slightly under her weight.

"You must have many questions," she murmured, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from his face.

Henry tensed. "Uh… yeah. A lot."

Seraphina chuckled. "Then ask."

Henry swallowed hard.

"Why… am I really here?"

The Queen's expression shifted slightly. She traced a finger along his jawline, her violet eyes locked onto his.

"Because, my dear Henry… You are the only young man in this world. You are… special."

His stomach twisted. "But why now? Why me?"

Seraphina's smile faded just a little.

"That… is something we will uncover together," she said softly. "But know this, Henry—your presence here will change everything."

Henry frowned. "Change… everything?"

Seraphina nodded, leaning in just a little closer.

"There are women—powerful women—who will do anything to claim you. Some will try to win your heart. Others will try to take you by force."

Henry's blood ran cold.

"I… I don't understand."

Seraphina sighed, her warm breath tickling his skin.

"You are the only male in existence, Henry. And in a world where men have been extinct for centuries… Do you really think you can remain free for long?"

Henry's chest tightened. "You mean… I'm in danger?"

Seraphina cupped his cheek gently, her fingers warm and soft.

"Not while you're with me," she whispered. "As long as you stay by my side… I will protect you."

Henry felt his heart race.

Seraphina's violet eyes held something deep, something intense—an emotion he couldn't quite name.

Possessiveness? Affection? Maybe… both.

His mouth felt dry. "And if I don't stay by your side?"

Seraphina's smile didn't waver.

"Then someone else will take you."

Henry shuddered.

He wasn't sure if it was fear, excitement, or something far more dangerous.

But as Seraphina leaned in just a little more, her soft lips inches from his ear, he realized something terrifying.

He might not have a choice.

---

To Be Continued