The unexpected encounter with Raff shook me violently. Assuming I would only face him if I returned to Calyx had been a grave mistake. He was a man who could find me whenever he pleased, a realization that terrified me. Although Terkan dismissed the likelihood of Raff returning so easily, anxiety haunted me even as I tried to resume my daily life. [Celeste] "I want to learn magic. Or Spacetime Magic, if normal magic is impossible." Learning magic felt like my only escape from

I felt the blade press deeper against my neck, slicing slightly as blood trickled down. It didn't bring real pain. It was hardly comparable to the wound Raff had inflicted on my arm before he fled. Terkan glanced briefly at my neck and remained completely still. As the chilling aura around him grew even colder, the man holding me tightened his grip. [Intruder] "Fall back!" At the repeated threat, Terkan finally took a step—not backward, but forward toward me. He pulled black

I left Batizo's bedchamber as if I had been chased out. Treating someone who had cared for him through the night with such coldness left me angry and humiliated. Coldness didn't even cover it. He had shouted at me to leave. The servants waiting outside cast cautious glances toward the bedchamber. They had clearly overheard his outburst, so I hurried away. I had not stayed by his side just to force a thank you out of him. Still, a simple word of gratitude was not too much to a

Everything transpired in an instant. Attendants swarmed the room and carried Batizo to his bedchamber, and I followed close behind. When word of the collapse arrived, Terkan and the physician entered to examine Batizo's condition. While my startled heart hammered violently, Terkan and the others moved with calm, swift precision. The physician's expression remained composed during the examination, suggesting no immediate danger. [Physician] "Severe exhaustion has accumulated.

Only five days remained until the engagement ceremony. My nightly lessons with Terkan moved at a slow, deliberate pace. One day focused on my neck, the next on my left shoulder, followed by my right. As long as he managed the lesson properly, I had no complaints about his timing. Whether Batizo had warned him or he had decided on his own, Terkan left no visible marks after that night. Not even on areas covered by clothing. His caution was clear. The hazy gaze and rough breath

My body froze the moment Batizo's expression shifted. I had never seen such a terrifying glare on his face. His unblinking eyes tracked me like a predator cornering prey, as if he intended to devour me whole. Did he find out about the masquerade? No other explanation made sense. I tried to think of an excuse, but my mind went completely blank. Should I confess first? No, that is a bad idea. I decided to keep quiet until he spoke. I gripped my gown until my knuckles turned whi

[Terkan] "It felt suffocating." He unbuttoned his coat, then loosened the shirt beneath it. Click. Click. The sound of buttons coming undone echoed with unusual clarity in the quiet room. He kept his gaze locked on me the entire time. It was entirely different from the glare he gave me at the observatory yesterday morning. This look held something far stranger, far deeper. Facing his unmasked, intense gaze made my heart race wildly, but I forced my expression to remain calm.

Because Terkan had business with Batizo, he offered only a slight bow before taking his leave. I had no desire to talk to him, so his early departure came as a relief. Time moved quickly, and evening arrived soon enough. It was time for dinner with Batizo. I had already betrayed my tense expression during our brief encounter earlier, so the thought of sitting through an entire meal with him felt overwhelming. I decided to hide my feelings behind a polite smile while I wrestle

I stepped into the carriage and turned to Elizaveta. [Celeste] "Is it safe?" Excitement mingled with a quiet thread of anxiety in my chest. A masquerade guaranteed that my face and identity would stay hidden, but the same rule applied to everyone else. That uncertainty made me nervous. [Elizaveta] "It operates on a strict membership system, so unworthy guests can't enter." Her reassuring words eased my mind. I turned the mask over in my hands and admired its smooth, delicate

His gaze was sharp enough to pierce right through me. We stood so close our noses nearly touched, leaving me breathless. I wanted to push him away, but my hands lacked the strength. Still, confirming his words took priority. What had Batizo commanded him to instruct? [Celeste] "Education for... the wedding night?" I questioned him, doubting my own ears. [Terkan] "Education for the wedding night following the upcoming engagement ceremony." The wedding night following the engag

Preparations for the engagement ceremony progressed steadily. Aside from fitting the gown for that day, my daily routine remained unchanged. However, I took a rest day to preserve my health. A slight shift also occurred. While I used to share dinner with Terkan, I spent that time with Batizo following the ball. Why he suddenly initiated this remained unclear. Initially uncomfortable, swallowing food proved difficult, yet over time it grew manageable. Though Batizo's stern fea

The morning of the ball arrived in a flurry of activity. Servants hurried about their assigned duties to prepare for the evening's event. I was equally occupied. Beginning with a bath, maids slathered a sweet-scented skin treatment across my entire body, including my face. Donning the gown stripped of most of its frills, styling my hair, and applying makeup demanded hours. Just sitting still through the ordeal left my neck stiff and sore. As preparations finished shortly befo