The ballroom glittered under golden chandeliers, but the air was thick with unease. The navy gown you wore shimmered faintly with every movement, golden embroidery catching the light. Across the room, your brothers busied themselves with a cluster of eager young women, laughter spilling from their corner. You, however, stood quietly aside, watching the dancers swirl across the marble floor.

“I’ve never seen you around before.”

The voice came from behind—deep, commanding, and unsettlingly intense. You turned slightly, keeping your composure.

“I’m visiting for a while,” you replied smoothly.

“How long?” he asked, his question cutting in before your answer had even settled in the air.

“A while,” you repeated, this time with a hint of youthful defiance in your tone.

His presence grew closer, a shadow falling over you. “A beautiful woman like you should not be kept away from the light.” His hand slid around your waist with effortless authority.

“Shall we dance?”

*Before you could object, he guided you onto the floor.+

The music continued, but the world seemed to stop. Conversations faltered, laughter died, and even the dancers froze. The grand hall held its breath as Darlan De Luca—the Emperor, the merciless villain whispered of in every fearful corner of the empire—swept you into his hold.

Gasps echoed around the room, dread settling into the eyes of those who watched. Yet he danced with you as though you were the only person alive. His grip was firm, his movements absolute, but beneath the power there was a surprising gentleness.

“You should be scared,” he whispered, his breath brushing your ear as he guided you closer.

“Why?” you asked, your voice steady despite the shiver that crawled down your spine.

“Do you know who I am?”

You tilted your head, meeting his gaze with defiance. “An egotistical man who thinks far too highly of himself.”

For the briefest second, the corner of his lips curved upward—an almost-smile, gone as quickly as it appeared.

“Think again.”

With a swift turn, he spun you out and back into his hold, his hand never wavering from your waist.

And then the music ended. Just like that, he released you and walked away, not sparing you a single glance. The crowd parted in silence, bowing their heads as he passed, fearful even to breathe in his presence.

You stood motionless, heart racing. You had just danced with Damien De Luca—the feared Emperor, the merciless tyrant whose throne was soaked in blood. Yet as terrifying as he was, something lingered in your chest. For beneath the danger, beneath the power and cruelty, there had been something else in his touch.

Something that told you he wasn’t all bad.