"Long time no see, Sister Freya!"

Charles quickly recovered from his initial surprise, masking his reaction with a calm expression. Despite his composed facade, his body seemed to instinctively reject Freya’s presence—an unconscious reflex from years of torment.

Freya stepped closer, leaning in to whisper in his ear. Her soft, melodic voice dripped with mischief. As she pressed lightly against him, she let her warm breath graze his skin.

Then, in a motion too quick for anyone to notice, her pink tongue flicked against his earlobe.

"Speak your mind, little brother."

Before Charles could react, Freya drew back with a soft chuckle, turning to saunter away with poise. The image of her graceful exit belied the devilish nature hidden beneath her angelic smile.

Charles sighed, wiping his ear with a handkerchief. This woman never changes.

"Charles!"

The voice interrupted his thoughts, bringing a flash of irritation to his otherwise calm demeanor. Charles turned to find his older half-brother, Okogie, walking toward him with a glass of wine and a polite smile.

Okogie's smile didn’t reach his eyes.

"Long time no see, Charles," Okogie began, offering his glass for a toast. "I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to meet you."

Charles forced a smile and tapped his glass against Okogie's. "I had no idea you’d be here. What brings you?"

Okogie's grin faltered, and he stepped aside to reveal a striking woman behind him.

"This is Miss Tina Turing," Okogie said, his voice slightly strained. "She’s been eager to meet you."

Charles shifted his gaze to Tina. Her wild appearance was unlike anyone else at the event—her golden waves flowed untamed, and her revealing attire displayed both confidence and power. Her shorts and cropped top, coupled with an air of effortless authority, made her seem untouchable.

He quickly averted his gaze, lowering his head in a show of respect.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Master Charles," Tiye said, her deep voice laced with amusement. She stepped forward and extended her hand.

Charles accepted it, only to find himself pulled into her firm embrace. Her strength was surprising—far greater than any noblewoman he’d met.

Tina leaned close to his ear, her golden hair cascading over his shoulder like a curtain.

Her voice was a low whisper, just for him:

"Tomorrow night, my place. Don’t make me come looking for you."

Before Charles could respond, her teeth sank gently into his earlobe, leaving a sharp sting that made him wince.

Tina pulled away with a smirk, licking the faint trace of blood off her lips. Without another word, she turned and strode away, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.

"Lumbia, we need to talk," Charles said as he dragged his friend to the edge of the ballroom.

Lumbia, who had been enjoying the attention of several girls, protested with a grin. "What’s the rush, Charles? I was just—"

"Stop playing around," Charles interrupted. "Who is Tina Turing?"

Lumbia’s expression shifted from playful to serious. He studied Charles intently.

"Did she threaten you?"

Charles recounted the encounter in detail.

Lumbia sighed, crossing his arms. "Listen, Charles, Tina Turing isn’t someone to mess with. She’s from a special branch of my family—someone even the head of the Turing household respects. If she’s set her sights on you, there’s no easy way out."

"You're saying I should just go along with her?"

Lumbia smirked. "Well, it wouldn’t hurt to play along. She’s beautiful, strong, and... well, you’d be lucky to have her interest."

Charles scowled. "Not helpful, Lumbia."

"You don’t have many options," Lumbia said with a shrug. "Whatever she wants, give it to her—if only to save yourself."

Charles was still grappling with Lumbia’s words when a calm voice addressed him.

"Charles West, I presume?"

Turning, Charles found himself face-to-face with a silver-haired man dressed in regal attire. Beside him stood a silver-haired girl who radiated elegance and grace.

Charles immediately recognized them.

"Your Highness Winters Lucifer VII," Charles greeted with a bow. "I am honored to meet you."

Winters offered a warm smile, extending a hand. "No need for formalities. I’ve heard a lot about you, Charles—our academy’s rising star with 50% blue blood concentration. I hope we can be friends."

Charles clasped the prince’s hand firmly. "It would be my privilege, Your Highness."

Winters turned to the girl beside him. "Introduce yourself, sister."

The silver-haired girl’s expression was cold as she reluctantly extended her hand.

"Vivienne Lucifer VII," she said curtly.

Charles took her hand with a polite smile. "An honor to meet you, Princess Vivienne. I hope we can work well together as tablemates."

For a moment, Vivienne’s composure cracked, her cheeks faintly coloring. Winters raised an eyebrow at the interaction but said nothing, leading them both into the banquet hall.

As the doors swung open, the crowded room fell silent. All eyes turned to Winters, Vivienne, and Charles.

"Welcome, everyone!" Winters announced with a bright smile. "Please, enjoy today’s banquet!"

The crowd erupted into polite applause, and the room buzzed with conversation once more. Charles, however, couldn’t shake the weight of Tina’s threat—or the feeling that this banquet was only the beginning of his troubles.