ENZO'S POV
The room was quiet, save for the distant hum of the city through the balcony doors. I had just settled into the silence when the air around me shifted — charged, sharp, like static before a storm.
And then he appeared.
A ripple sliced through space beside the couch, like someone tearing fabric in midair. From the distortion, Dean materialized, his frame forming from smoke and shadow, as though the universe itself was annoyed by his presence.
"Look who's gracing us with their presence — Lorenzo Eulter Blake!" he said, flashing that infuriating grin as he plopped down on the couch like he owned the place.
I didn't bother hiding my irritation. "Can't you just use the damn door like a normal person?"
"Where's the fun in that?" he replied with a lazy shrug. "Besides, doors are for people who enjoy answering questions and obeying time. I am not one of those people. You know that."
I narrowed my eyes. "Why are you here, Dean? And how the hell did you find me this time?"
"You're not exactly hiding," he said with a smirk. "People know when the golden boy goes off-grid. Especially your father. He sent me."
The mention of him made my jaw tighten.
Dean leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "He wants you home. Tonight. There's a meeting, and he says your absence 'won't be tolerated.' His words. Not mine."
I scoffed. "Right. Now he wants me home? After telling me to stay away? What a sweet reunion that'll be."
Dean lifted his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, don't shoot the messenger. I just pop in, deliver cryptic ultimatums, and vanish again. You know, the usual."
I lunged forward and grabbed him by the collar, yanking him to his feet. "I told you to stay low, Dean. You showing up like this — you could get me exposed."
"Relax," he said, entirely unbothered. "I came alone. No one saw me. Just breathe and listen."
I held him there for a second longer before releasing him with a shove. "Talk."
He straightened his jacket. "Laurel sent word. She's been snooping in the archives and found something. Apparently, this meeting your father's calling… it might have something to do with her."
I froze. "Her?"
Dean nodded. "Your mate."
The words made my heart thud once. Hard.
"She's close," Dean continued. "Laurel thinks this meeting could hold clues about where she is — or who's trying to keep her hidden."
I snorted. "I'm so tired of this cycle. Every few years, it's the same damn thing. A lead. A hunch. A rumor. And still no one. You all want me to believe the universe has someone out there for me, but you forget something—"
Dean's face softened. "That you're blind?"
"Exactly," I hissed. "You expect me to find someone in a world I can't even see. That's not fate. That's cruelty."
He was quiet for a moment, then said, "Your sight may be gone in this world, Enzo. But not in ours. You still feel everything. You see with more than eyes. You've always known that."
I turned away, rubbing my temple.
Dean added quietly, "Your father didn't take your sight out of malice. He feared what your fire could become without control."
"He feared me," I said bitterly.
"Maybe," Dean admitted. "But even he believes she's the only one who can restore balance to you. Laurel saw signs. The flames in your eyes are starting to… spread."
I sighed. "Fine. Tell him I'll come. I want to see what this is really about."
Dean grinned. "That's the spirit."
I reached for my sunglasses and slid them on. "And I know what my eyes can do, Dean. I don't need the reminder."
"Good," he said, stretching. "Because last time, you nearly turned an entire building to ash."
I started for the door.
"I'll walk with you," he said, rising with that usual sly glint in his eyes.
"No. Just disappear like you always do," I muttered.
He smirked. "Wait—who was that girl earlier? In your room?"
I paused. "Nobody."
"Mmm," he murmured, knowingly. "I see."
And with a blink — he vanished.
After closing all my deals for tomorrow, I headed straight to my hotel suite, instructing my bodyguards not to let anyone inside. The paparazzi had already sniffed me out earlier — a swarm of lenses and flashing lights. I couldn't fathom how they always managed to track me down.
One of the many curses of fame — being hunted even in silence.
I stepped into the room, ready to collapse into momentary peace — but then I saw her.
"Laurel," I said, startled.
She stood in the middle of the room, her expression filled with warmth and a hint of worry.
"Enzo," she breathed, rushing over to hug me tightly.
I stood still, hands by my sides, letting her hold me.
"Did you come because of the meeting?" I asked flatly. "You thought I wouldn't show?"
"Dean said you would," she replied, pulling back slightly, "but I had to make sure."
"There was no need," I said, peeling off my shirt. She turned away respectfully. I smirked. She always did that — even when we were kids.
I pulled on a clean shirt and whispered, "Let's go."
And just like that — we vanished.
Nefaria.
It had been nearly a decade since I stepped foot in my homeland. Nothing had changed. The scent of charged mist still lingered in the air, and the soul of the place was just as I remembered — brooding, ancient, alive.
"If you don't want attention," Laurel whispered, "we'll use the secret passage."
I nodded. "Lead the way."
The tunnels were dark and damp, the walls whispering memories from long ago. I didn't need to see them to know the way — my body remembered.
When we emerged into the grand hall of the palace, I could feel the buzz of energy. Expectant eyes fell on me — I sensed their stares, the subtle intake of breath, the shuffling of robes. The council.
The moment I stepped forward beside my father, he rose from his seat and addressed the crowd.
"We've gathered here today to discuss Eulter's progress in fulfilling the prophecy. I'm pleased to announce — for the first time in ten years — Eulter has found his mate."
My head snapped toward him.
"What are you talking about?" I asked, my voice calm but deadly.
He didn't even glance at me. "Don't act ignorant, Eulter. You've met her. The moon revealed it this morning."
"I've met no one," I said flatly. "And if I have, I didn't know."
"You did," he snapped, now turning to me, his voice rising. "The Moon Cycle confirms it. Your bond has ignited."
I shook my head slowly. "Then maybe you should ask the Moon to give me a name next time. I'm blind, remember?"
A council member interjected, "Only you can identify her, Eulter. We cannot interfere with the fate mark."
"How convenient," I muttered, voice tight. "A blind prince expected to find someone based on vibes."
Then I turned on my heel and stormed out of the hall.
Back in my quarters, I sat motionless, shoulders tense, eyes closed behind my sunglasses.
Was it true?
Had I… met her already?
The door flew open.
"Enzo!" Laurel burst in. "Is it true? What your father said? Have you found her?"
Her voice was frantic — hopeful.
I sighed. "I wish I had."
She dropped to her knees in front of me, grasping my hand. "Then why did the moon say you did?"
"Because fate has a cruel sense of humor," I muttered. "And maybe… maybe I did meet her — and didn't even realize it."
She tilted her face up to mine, her voice soft and steady. "Look at me, Enzo."
I did.
She'd always had this grounding presence — like the eye of the storm I didn't know I needed.
"You will find her," she said firmly. "And when you do, everything will change. Including you."
I exhaled slowly, letting her words sink in.
If the moon was right… then the clock had already started ticking.
And I was running out of time.