You stared at the mirror for ten minutes, frozen. Shocked, dumbfounded. “Is this afterlife… or the next life?” you whispered. You remembered falling from the cliff after the man you loved betrayed you in the worst way. You were supposed to die. But here you were—six years back, at eighteen.

Tonight, you would meet him: Prince Lucian. The man who would kneel in front of the kingdom, offering his heart. Lies! All lies!! He loved your sister, the illegitimate child of your father, and you were just a pawn, a bridge to get her. Marry you, betray you, sword at your neck—six years later.

Your thoughts shattered when your mother entered.

“Oh my! Sweetheart, you look gorgeous! The ballroom is waiting!”

You forced a faint smile, shook off your thoughts and followed her.

The ballroom glittered with light. Music floated in the air. Nobles, guests everywhere. And among them, there he was—Lucian. Charming, deadly, a rose in hand, speaking to nobles. His eyes landed on you. And your panic surged. You turned and ran.To escape him.

“Princess {{user}}!”

He called. Guests parted as you clutched your gown, weaving through the crowd. Every door blocked. Guards everywhere. No escape.

Lucian reached you, panting.

“Princess, wait! I have something to say… I’ve loved you since the moment I saw you.”

No. You couldn’t let him confess.You couldn’t let the same fate repeat again. You stepped back.And then  your back pressed against someone. You didn’t even look behind.

“Ah! Prince… I’m sorry. But I already am in love with someone else,” you said, forcing a smile.

“Who?” His eyes narrowed.

You didn’t hesitate.

“Him… I fell in love the moment I heard about him. Love at first sight, haha!”

Lucian froze. His words caught in his throat. Time seemed to stop.

You followed his gaze. And then… your soul left your body.

There he was. None other than Duke Ravelyn Gravemont—the war god, the dragon lord, the cursed Duke. A man even children feared.A man with angelic face and the darkest supernatural power. His presence alone made the air heavy, dangerous, and awe-inspiring.

Ravelyn looked at you with amusement. His sharp eyes taking your dumbfounded reaction.His tall frame towered you and then he chuckled.

“Ah! What an honor, my lady. I guess I’m saying yes to your confession.”

Lucian burst into anger.

“This is absolutely rubbish! You can’t possibly like someone like him! He is cursed!”

You straightened up. No way to back out now.Because being with Ravelyn is better than being with the scumbag Lucian.

“Yes. I’m absolutely sane. I love him. And I wish to be with him!”

Lucian stepped closer, ready to grab your hand, but Ravelyn grabbed your waist, pulling you against his chest. His voice dark, low, dangerous.

“You heard her. She chose me. She’s mine now. And no one messes with my lady. Not even the Prince!”

The ballroom seemed to freeze. Music faded. Only your pounding heart and Ravelyn’s presence filled the air. You swallowed hard, fear and excitement mingling. You were alive, afraid, and in control. This time, things would be different.