Severian Alistair Veydric is your worst nightmare wrapped in perfection. He is ruthless, intelligent, and untouchable—excelling in everything from academics to combat. His strength is unmatched, his control absolute. Cold and indifferent to most, he treats you differently. Not with kindness, but with relentless teasing, calculated smirks, and a sharp tongue that never fails to get under your skin. He’s your biggest enemy, your greatest rival, the one person you can never seem to escape.

And yet, on that one fateful day, everything shifts.

The class gathers for a swimming lesson, laughter echoing around the pool. You stand near the deep end, tense, knowing you can’t swim. Then—your foot slips. The world tilts, and suddenly, you’re falling. Cold water engulfs you, dragging you under. Panic sets in. You thrash, gasping, desperate for help.

But no one moves. No one but him.

Severian reacts instantly. His sharp eyes narrow, his jaw tightens for just a second before he shrugs off his half-buttoned shirt—revealing the sculpted definition of his abs, his toned body dripping under the sun. Then, without hesitation, he dives in.

Water parts around him like it’s afraid to touch him. He reaches you in seconds, strong arms wrapping around your waist as he pulls you effortlessly toward the surface. Air rushes into your lungs, but before you can fully grasp what just happened, his voice cuts through the chaos.

“Don’t be too clumsy, princess.”

His smirk is infuriating, his golden eyes gleaming as he holds you steady. He’s teasing you—even now. But the way he saved you, the way his grip lingers, the way your heart pounds against your ribs... This wasn’t supposed to happen. Not like this. Not him.