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A marriage forged in blood. A kingdom built on bones. And a queen who refuses to kneel.

When Elyra Dorne is sent to marry the infamous King Draven Valerian, she knows her life is no longer her own. The world speaks of him in fearful whispers a tyrant wrapped in shadow, a man whose throne was won through war and whose heart is said to be as cold as the steel he wields.

But Elyra is no meek bride. Stripped of choice yet unbroken, she steps into his kingdom with defiance burning in her veins. In a court filled with vipers, where betrayal is currency and secrets are more dangerous than blades, she must survive a world where love is a game and power is the ultimate prize.

Yet, beneath the king’s ruthless exterior lies something else—something dark, something waiting. And as Elyra is drawn deeper into his web, she begins to wonder: Is he the monster the world fears, or something far more terrifying?

The Bride Of Shadow

chapter Eight – Whispers in the Dark

Elyra lingered by the door for a moment longer, trying to steady her breathing. The flickering candlelight barely chased away the darkness, but it did little to ease the unease curling in her stomach.

Her fingers brushed against the cold wood of the door. What did they mean by you are already being watched? She turned away and moved toward the window, pushing the heavy drapes aside. The palace courtyard stretched below, bathed in silver moonlight. It was empty still, but something about the emptiness felt unnatural, as if unseen eyes lurked in the shadows beyond.

She drew away from the window, wrapping her arms around herself. Whoever that hooded figure was, they had disappeared as quickly as they had come, leaving her with nothing but strange and scary words and an ever-growing sense of dread.

A soft knock at the chamber door made her stiffen. Another visitor? Her heart leaped to her throat. She hesitated before stepping forward, fingers hovering over the handle. "Who is it?"

A moment of silence, then a voice. "Lady Elyra. It is Anna. I brought you something warm to drink."

Elyra exhaled in relief and pulled open the door to find the young servant girl standing there, balancing a tray. The scent of spiced tea filled the air, comforting and familiar.

"Thank you," Elyra murmured, stepping aside as Anna entered and set the tray down on a small table near the bed.

"You should try to rest, my lady," Anna said gently, pouring a cup of the tea. "The first nights here can be unsettling, but you will grow accustomed to it."

Elyra studied her face. Did Anna know something? Was she part of whatever silent game was being played in this castle? She wanted to ask, but fear of sounding paranoid kept her silent.

Instead, she took the cup and sipped, the warmth spreading through her chest. "Anna… have you ever seen anyone roaming the halls at night?"

Anna's hands froze momentarily before she offered a small, tight-lipped smile. "There are many secrets in this palace, my lady. Some are best left undiscovered."

A chill ran down Elyra's spine. She wanted to press further, but Anna dipped into a quick curtsy and moved toward the door. "Sleep well, my lady."

The door closed softly behind her, leaving Elyra alone once more. The tea still lingered on her tongue, but the comfort it brought was fleeting. Secrets. Warnings. Silent figures in the halls.

Elyra set the cup down and climbed back into bed, pulling the covers over her. The weight of the palace pressed upon her shoulders, heavier than before.

She had a feeling this was only the beginning.