Chapter 83 Caelum

• The memory of that kiss with Aria haunts me like an unrelenting shadow, clinging to my mind, invading every thought, every second of my days. I try to wash away the taste of her from my lips and my memory with alcohol, pouring drink after drink, hoping the intoxication might drown the storm of emotions she left in her wake. But nothing works. The burn of the liquor only fuels my anger, my frustration, making the sting of her rejection cut even deeper. Aria's refusal doesn’t just wound my pride and vanity—it slices through my chest like a cold blade, embedding itself in a heart I once believed was immune to such foolish sentiments.
• How dare she? How dare Aria refuse me, lecture me, deny what I offer? She, a human, dares to look me in the eye and say “no.” I am the king, the damn king, and I can have whoever I want, whenever I want—a lycan, an enchantress, or a human—they always fall at my feet. The power I wield makes people bow, yet Aria resists, defying everything I know, everything I’ve achieved.
• The annulment of my marriage to Seraphina feels like an endless torment. Every second I lose waiting for it to be finalized only feeds my impatience, my burning desire for Aria. To hell with honor, to hell with whatever notion of loyalty Alexander imagines exists between us. I want Aria for myself, and I will have her, one way or another.