Alex.

Almost the entire way back to the house, Rainn and I walked in silence. I simply walked and tried to breathe, feeling like a stake had been driven into me. Every inhale sent a sharp pain through my ribs. I couldn't believe that Sebastian could play such a cruel game with me. I trusted him, considered him my ally, but it turns out he was just manipulating me. I feel betrayed and deceived.

The conversation with Rainn shattered the fragile foundation I had built over the past three months. My mind was empty, and I longed to be back home in Savoyar. With this turn of events, even the supervised walks wouldn't provide an opportunity for me to gather information about my parents. Am I at a dead end? No, I won't give up. I just need time, and I will find a way out. It has just been... such a long day.

We were nearing Lady Price's house, and I felt like I could barely take a breath. It was as if my lungs were being squeezed. I grabbed Rainn's hand.

Rainn looked at me with concern. "Alex! What's wrong? What happened?"

I began to collapse onto the ground, clutching my throat. Everything went dark before my eyes, as if I were underwater, and I heard Rainn's voice calling out. He caught me under his arm and hurried towards the house. "Sebastian! Quickly, Sebastian!"

Rainn kept shouting: "Sebastian! We need help, urgently!"

_________________________________

Sebastian, who was pacing in the dining room, noticed that Rainn and Alex were running late for dinner. He was angry at Lady Price for her actions. Lost in his thoughts, he didn't immediately hear Rainn.

"Sebastian! Quickly! We need help!" Rainn shouted.

Hearing Rainn's cry, Sebastian rushed out of the house towards him. He saw Alex clutching her throat and collapsing to the ground. Instantly, he understood that the situation was serious. The girl was pale and seemed unable to breathe.

Sebastian flew over to Daniel, his voice filled with concern. "What happened? Hurry, lift her up! Into the house, right away!"

Rainn wasted no time and carried Alex up to the second floor. Sebastian followed closely behind, anxiously observing the state of Lady Price.

They quickly brought Alex into a room and laid her on the bed. Lady Price, who had heard the commotion, hurried over to them as well.

Lady Price peered over Sebastian's shoulder, her voice filled with worry. "What happened? What's wrong with her?"

Sebastian didn't immediately realize what could have caused the Duchess to be in such a condition. But when he sensed remnants of his own magic, he clutched his head. He looked at Rainn and said bitterly, "The search enchantment must have triggered the protection on the territory. Alex's reserve is depleted due to the backlash."

Lady Price, not fully understanding him, could only watch and fidget with her skirt. "What can we do, Sebastian? The girl can barely breathe."

Sebastian and Rainn exchanged concerned glances. They knew something Lady Price didn't – the backlash couldn't be reversed. Alex didn't possess her own magic. Power transfer for replenishing reserves could only be done between relatives, spouses, or lovers. There was only one option remaining, but Sebastian hesitated and tried to come up with another solution.

Seeing the hesitation in the mages' faces, Lady Price growled at the prince, "Do something, Sebastian! You can help her, can't you?"

The prince looked at his shocked friend and the anxious woman, and with an icy tone, he replied, "I will try, Nena. Please, leave us."

Sebastian sighed. He knew how to help the girl, but it would come with consequences, especially for himself. The situation had taken an unexpected turn, one he couldn't have foreseen.

What would happen if he refused to save the Keeper? After considering all the possible consequences of such a choice, he pushed the thought away – no, too much damage would be done. If she perished in his caretaker's house, Christoph de Forest would not let it slide. He might not start a war, but blood would undoubtedly be spilled. The king's reaction to the prince's insubordination was hard to imagine, and it wouldn't end well.

And he felt sorry for the girl too. He and Rainn hadn't anticipated the backlash when hastily setting up the protection. He had made a foolish mistake, and one must answer for their errors and excessive self-assurance. Sebastian knew that the ancestral artifact was the only possible solution with minimal losses.

He removed the ring from his finger, placed it on Alex's hand, and recited the spell. The decision was made.

Bending over the girl, time was of the essence; the ritual needed to be completed.

Sebastian softly called the Keeper, "Alex, open your eyes, come on, little Duchess. You must look at me."

With the back of his hand, he gently caressed Alex's cheek.

The girl was barely breathing, but the artifact had already started to take effect, and Alex weakly opened her eyes.

In a feeble voice, she whispered, "Sebastian?"

____________________________________

Alex.

My mind was foggy, and it seemed like I had blacked out. I was lying in my room on the bed, with Sebastian leaning over me, holding my hand. I felt pain all over my body, as if I were being pierced by a million invisible needles. My head was throbbing, and everything was spinning.

I could hear Sebastian calling me, but it was difficult to open my eyes. I couldn't focus. With great effort, I managed to look at the concerned prince.

He was staring at my face intently and demanding. He continued to grip my hand tightly. "Sebastian? What's happening?" I whispered.

Sebastian leaned closer, lifting my chin. He still didn't let go of my hand, and he spoke in almost a whisper, "Good, now look at me. Don't black out, we need to finish the ritual, and you'll feel better. Alex, just say 'Yes'." His gaze was filled with tension, and he was squeezing my hand almost painfully. Despite his attempts to soften his voice, there was a hint of anger in it. "Come on, my little Duchess, pull yourself together, say 'Yes,' and it'll get easier."

I had no idea what was happening, but I felt my consciousness fading with each passing second. Struggling to part my lips, I whispered, "Yes," and closed my eyes again, feeling myself being carried away into darkness once more.

Just a second later, I felt warm breath on my lips, and unfamiliar warm lips pressed against mine.

It was different from the first time – a simple touch had turned into gentle movements. Sebastian was kissing me, with light and weightless motions. First at the corner of my mouth, then he captured my lower lip, as if urging me to respond. I parted my lips, feeling the ability to breathe returning, and took a sharp breath. Our breaths mingled. I felt Sebastian's tongue enter my mouth, as if savoring the taste of me. His movements were smooth and unhurried, lacking passion. He explored me with his hands, holding onto the back of my head, not allowing me to break the kiss or pull away.

I could taste Sebastian, perhaps he had drunk a mint infusion before the kiss. Clumsily responding to his movements, I felt Sebastian smile slightly. After a few minutes, he kissed me at the corner of my mouth, pulled away, and traced my lower lip with his thumb.

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My eyes were still closed. I didn't see the expression on the prince's face in that moment. Perhaps it was due to weakness, which kept me pinned to the bed, unable to move, or maybe it was fear. I was afraid to see the coldness in him again, to realize that it was just another game. Unexpected tenderness from the prince, even if it was a game, I wanted to prolong that moment and savor the illusion.

"Look at me," Sebastian whispered, his voice slightly husky. "My little princess, look at me," he said more demandingly.

I could feel my heart pounding and my body trembling. It was scary to look at Sebastian after what had happened and what I had learned from Rain. But I still opened my eyes.

Sebastian was sitting on the bed, still holding onto one of my hands. He was looking at me intently, studying my reaction, while maintaining a calm demeanor.

"What's happening, Sebastian?" I asked anxiously, trying to discern traces of tenderness in his darkened eyes. My hand trembled in his firm grip.

Sebastian sighed helplessly. "Saving you again, Princess," he snorted at his own thoughts and smiled sadly. "You know what a hereditary artifact is, I assume," he said, lifting my right hand that he had been holding all this time.

There, on my index finger, was a ring with a lava-colored stone. My eyes widened in surprise, and I looked questioningly at Sebastian. "But why?"

Sebastian smiled bitterly. "The backlash from the search spell. We miscalculated a bit when setting up the protection with Rein. We didn't consider that your reserve, as a Keeper, would be depleted. We had a choice, Princess – either leave you to die or put THIS on your lovely little finger," he pointed to the ring, "and perform the ritual. As you can see, you're alive. By the way, we haven't finished yet," Sebastian released my hand and walked over to the table, where a decanter of water stood.

He filled two glasses and emptied his own while I tried to recall everything about hereditary artifacts and figure out which ritual he was referring to. One thought kept buzzing in my head, preventing me from focusing: "Why do you call me Princess?" I couldn't help but ask.

Sebastian absentmindedly twirled his empty glass in his hand and placed the second one next to me. "Too bad it's not whiskey," he muttered to himself, placing his glass on the table.

"Princess, well, probably because the Duchess is no longer your title. You're wearing my ring, Alex, and I performed the ritual. Does that tell you something? Come on, Princess, don't disappoint me. Are you really so poorly educated?" He almost mocked me, and the word "Princess" from Sebastian's lips felt like an insult.

I could feel the bitterness rising in my throat. His words and mocking tone wounded me to the core. I looked at the ring and touched it with my finger, feeling the coldness of the metal.

"Sebastian, I don't know what you mean. Ritual? What have you done?" My voice sounded weak, barely audible.

Sebastian sat down in a chair and wearily rubbed his temples. "I connected my source with yours. Now you can use my reserve, draw my power through the artifact," he said with the same mocking tone, studying my reaction.

I sighed. I could handle that, but why was the prince so angry? I stopped examining the ring and looked at him. "Is that all? But that doesn't explain your remark about my STATUS and your hereditary artifact..."

Sebastian didn't let me finish. He abruptly stood up and approached me. His eyes were filled with anger and bitterness, and his face contorted in a malicious grin.

He leaned in closer as if he wanted to kiss me, but his presence terrified me to the core. I scooted back on the bed and pressed myself against the headboard. Sebastian's face came closer, and he pressed my shoulders against the bed.

Sebastian hissed in my face, emphasizing each word, "A hereditary artifact is worn only by members of the princess's family. As you can see, IT'S ON YOU," he hissed at me, emphasizing each word.

My eyes widened in shock. I was a member of the de Forest family, but that was only possible if... Apparently, my suspicion didn't go unnoticed.

Sebastian sneered, "Yes, YEES, you're now ALMOST my wife. The artifact is worn after the engagement. It seems you're truly my BRIDE, congratulations. Is that what you wanted to hear? And it seems you liked the kiss, I hope it's everything you've dreamt of." He inhaled, trying to calm himself, and stepped away from the bed.

I froze for a few seconds but regained the ability to speak. My surprise turned into anger. Just like the prince, I slowly repeated his words, standing up from the bed, "I NEVER ASKED FOR THIS! YOU brought me here! YOU performed the ritual! YOU set up the protection that caused the backlash! And after all that, you blame ME?!! For what and in what? For messing up your plans? Allowing myself to be kissed? And NO, I didn't like it. You're colder than a statue and even more emotionless than you!" It was strange, but the weakness and fog in my mind receded, and I only felt anger.

Anger at the situation itself, at Sebastian for binding us and daring to accuse me. I approached him, spitting out each word, fear retreating.

For the first time since the closing of the Rift, I felt strong.

All the grievances towards Sebastian came crashing down on me like an avalanche. The cards, the game with my emotions, the desire to lock me in, the kiss for the sake of a ritual, and now these accusations. No, enough is enough.

As I approached Sebastian, I looked into his eyes, expecting to see the same mocking or angry expression. To my surprise, he looked at me with a calm gaze, as if he had already regained his composure. My words seemed to have no effect on him.

With a calm gaze, Prince Sebastian placed his hand on my waist and pulled me closer. His other hand gently grasped the back of my head.

Surprised, I lost my train of thought. "Sebastian, what are you..." I didn't have a chance to finish my sentence.

Sebastian ran his fingers through my hair. "It's time to complete the ritual. Feel my source, concentrate, and draw the power. Come on," he said, his voice firm and commanding. His fingers continued to massage the back of my head. His words sounded like an order, clear, loud, and authoritative.

There was something unpredictable and mysterious in his eyes that made me succumb to his power. Despite everything I had learned and experienced, his touch still evoked strange sensations within me.

I focused and felt the surge of energy connecting me to Sebastian's magical source. Gradually, I began to draw that power into myself, allowing it to flow into every cell of my body.

The sensations were unfamiliar and exhilarating, sending shivers down my spine and a peculiar feeling, as if a tight knot was forming in the pit of my stomach, radiating pleasant warmth.

As the energy permeated me, excitement coursed through my body. I felt a strong, almost irresistible attraction towards Sebastian. Judging by his accelerated breathing and dilated pupils, he felt it too.

Involuntarily arching my back and pressing myself closer to him, I couldn't hold back a moan from the wave of desire that washed over me. "Sebastian!" He still held me by the waist and caressed the back of my head with his fingers, his grip noticeably tightening. For a moment after my moan, he froze and closed his eyes. His body trembled as if a surge passed through him.

When he opened his eyes, they no longer held their usual calmness. They now reflected excitement and desire. Sebastian, hesitating for a moment, finally made his decision and leaned in closer to me. Our lips met in a kiss, and in that moment, the whole world disappeared around us.

Our kiss was filled with passion and desire, as if we had both been waiting for this moment for a long time. My hands delicately wrapped around his neck, moving upwards and tangling in his thick locks of hair. Sebastian responded by gently stroking my back, pulling me closer to him. His other hand firmly grasped the back of my head, as if he wanted to keep me in place and not allow the passionate kiss to end.

There was a complete surrender between us, as if Sebastian was asserting his dominance and seeking to possess me. I couldn't hold back a moan, which only fueled his passion even more. Somehow, almost imperceptibly, we found ourselves on the bed, but now Sebastian loomed over me, propping himself up on his elbow.

Leaning over me, he whispered directly onto my lips, "Ice statue, you say," and then he kissed me again, pressing himself closer. Sebastian's hand either pulled me towards him or roamed over my body, causing me to arch further from the overwhelming desire.

After another moan, Sebastian broke the kiss and slowly trailed his lips along my neck, leaving hot kisses and traces of passion in his wake. There was no longer tenderness in his touches; they burned, simultaneously giving pleasure and pain. I drew strength from him, and with each passing second, it awakened an almost primal desire within us, sweeping away all prohibitions and decorum.

When Sebastian parted my legs with his knee, I could feel his arousal. It sobered me up, and I severed the connection with his source. It was time to stop. "Stop, Sebastian," I gasped, still breathless from the lingering desire. I placed my hand on Sebastian's shoulder, trying to get his attention. Sebastian froze for a few seconds, resting his forehead against my shoulder, as if realizing what had just happened.

"Did I hurt you?" the prince asked, his voice still low and his breath uneven.

"No," I wanted to look into his face, but I didn't get a chance.

He gently moved aside, not lifting his head, and his disheveled hair fell over his eyes, covering his face. Sebastian continued to rest on his elbows, lowering his head and pressing his forehead against the bed. His breathing became erratic, as if he was trying to calm himself or contemplating what to do next.

Raising myself slightly, I lightly touched his shoulder. "Sebastian?" He flinched under my touch but didn't turn around. "Are you alright? Maybe we should..." I trailed off, keeping my hand on his shoulder, trying to meet his gaze.

Sebastian jerked abruptly in response to my movement, sitting up on the bed and turning his back to me. "I made a mistake. I need some time. I'm sorry," his voice sounded muffled.

Before I could fully comprehend the meaning of his words, Sebastian stood up and left the room without even glancing at me.