Vivi sat at the edge of the great hall, half-hidden by one of the marble pillars. Her tea had long gone cold.
She could still feel the echo of it—the moment the storm stopped, the light bent, the air calmed.
And how Haken looked at her afterward.
Not like a beast.
Not even like a man.
Like someone who had just seen a miracle.
But not everyone saw it that way.
"Your Highness."
The voice was clipped. Cold. Belonging to Lady Morwen, one of the Queen's closest advisors—and possibly her sharpest blade in court.
Vivi stood quickly, brushing her hands down her gown.
Lady Morwen."
The older woman didn't bow. She didn't need to. Her power didn't come from title—but from whispers.
"Strange weather, yesterday," Morwen said, eyes like ice.
"The rain… halted. Just in time to protect you and the wolf boy."
Vivi swallowed. Carefully.
"A coincidence," she said.
Morwen raised a brow.
"We do not believe in coincidence at court, child."
"I'm not a child," Vivi replied, more firmly than she meant to.
"No," Morwen said, stepping closer. "But you were meant to be obedient. Silent. Decorative."
Her voice dropped.
"Whatever you are becoming it is not what this kingdom shaped you to be."
That stung.
"Perhaps that's the point," Vivi said quietly.
Morwen's eyes darkened.
"Be careful, Princess. When candles burn too brightly… people snuff them out."
🌙 That night...
Vivi sat on her balcony, the stars reflected in her eyes.
Her fingertips glowed softly just barely but enough for her to see.
I'm not meant to shine," she whispered.
"But I think I already am."
And below her window, in the shadows of the courtyard, Haken watched her from the dark.
He smiled—not with fangs.
With something softer.