Hazel’s POV The aroma of sizzling peppers and warm spices wrapped around me like a familiar hug as I stood beside my mother in our tiny kitchen. Morning sunlight streamed in through the cracked window, casting gold lines across the tiled floor. I stirred the pot in slow circles, letting the steam rise and brush against my cheeks. My mother hummed softly beside me, her hands moving with the grace of someone who had spent her entire life cooking for the people she loved. “You’re burning the stew, Hazel,” she teased gently. “I’m not!” I shot back, sticking my tongue out. “I’m perfecting it.” She laughed a bright, soft sound that always made me feel safe. Mom’s laughter was the kind of sound that made even the worst days feel bearable. She wasn’t rich, but she carried joy like a crown. Behind us, in the sitting room, my father sat in his faded armchair with his usual morning companion an old magazine and a cup of steaming coffee. His brows were drawn in concentration as he flipped a page

The sailor struggled at the front of the boat as he steered through the sea, which was slowly hardening into sheets of ice. The water that once danced in waves now cracked under us, turning white and sharp like broken glass. A cold wind brushed past, weaving through the wooden boards of the boat and cutting against my skin. The silence around us was loud too loud. It sat heavily between me, Adriel, and the other girl.That girl… what was her name again?I hadn’t asked. I should have asked earlier, but everything had happened too fast too suddenly for thoughts like that to stay in order.She sat quietly at the side of the boat, her eyes fixed on the horizon as if she had already accepted her death. It was that unsettling kind of quiet, the kind that made it seem like she would welcome her end if it came now, with open arm, then I forced myself to speak.“Um… sorry, what’s your name?” I asked, trying to sound gentle and concerned. At least for a little while, if this was all we had left,

[HAZEL'S POV]I woke up to the splash of water on my face as an evil looking maid stepped into the dungeon. “You fool. You think you were brought in here to sleep around like a lazy cat? Get your *ss up so you can get ready for the ceremony.” I stared at her in shock, anger flashing through me as I rose to my feet. I wiped some of the water from my face before fully opening my eyes to see a pale skinned woman who looked to be in her late thirties. “Follow me,” she said. I struggled to move my feet, which ached badly from the stress of the past few days. I followed behind her while the footsteps of two guards echoed behind me. My heart pounded vigorously in my chest. If today was the ceremony, then today was my death date. My thoughts drifted to Mahir and Adriel. Today was the end of the road for the three of us. Soon, we reached the end of the corridor and stopped in front of a small wooden door. Two other maids were already standing there, waiting for us, and I could not help but won

DRAVON’S POVNight fell on the kingdom in silence, but my mind was loud. I stood on the shadowed balcony of the palace, watching the prison yard below. Torches burned low. Guards walked slowly, tired and careless. Everything was set. Xavier appeared beside me without a sound. “You have five minutes,” he whispered. “The guards drinks are already mixed. Once they finish their rounds, they will sleep like stones.” I nodded. “Thanks, you've done alot” He breathed softly. “its okay I did what I should do for a brother” I looked at him. “This changes everything.” Xavier’s face hardened. “I know. That is why you must not fail.” He handed me a small glass container. “If anything goes wrong, break this. The smoke will confuse them long enough for you to escape.” I took it and put it into my cloak. “Thank you.” I said thanking him once again, he didn't know how much this meant to me, I had only spoken to him two nights ago, about this and he had carried out everything properly without hesitatio

HAZEL’S POVI woke up that morning to rays of sunlight slipping through the window as they hit my eyes. I struggled to keep them open as the light blinded me.Then my gaze shifted to him, lying shirtless on the couch. I stood up from the bed, pulling the blanket down as I walked toward him unconsciously, like I was under some kind of spell. He was still fast asleep, but I could not help staring at his perfectly carved face.His features were shaped with absolute perfection. Neatly arranged dark eyebrows, a pointed nose, and cherry-red lips that made my eyes linger for far too long. Then his long, silky black hair caught my attention. Gosh. This man was indeed beautiful.I lifted my hand to touch his hair, but he turned suddenly, making my breath cease. I did not want him to catch me hovering over him, so I hurried into the bathroom to bathe. When I was done, I came downstairs to look for the woman whose house had become our safe haven after our escape from Eldorado.I descended the st