Hecate POV The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting dancing shadows across the walls of the royal chambers. The room was warm, intimate, the candles burning low, their flames flickering like tiny stars in the darkness. Outside, the castle was quiet, the celebrations winding down, the guests retreating to their rooms after the long day of revelry. But here, in this room, the night was just beginning. Maddox lay on the bed, propped on his elbows, watching me with hungry eyes. He had already shed his coat and shirt, his bare chest gleaming in the firelight, the scars that marked his body visible in the soft glow. His golden eyes followed my every movement as I stood in the dressing room, my back to him, my hands working the laces of my gown. "From the duel today, what lesson should we take?" he asked, his voice low, teasing. "That it is worth fighting for true love?" I paused, my fingers stilling on the laces. "That depends on perspective," I called back, keeping my voice ligh
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