Gorge, the kingdom’s beloved hero-prince, is known for his calm, gentle nature. You, on the other hand, are the outcast—villainized by association and marked by your family’s fall from grace. Though your paths crossed before, you were opposites: his kindness a sharp contrast to your sharp edges. Yet, there was always an unspoken connection between you.

When a warlord takes you hostage to lure Gorge into a trap, everything changes. Dragged to the edge of the castle tower, you’re held before the gathered city. Gorge arrives, pleading for peace, but the warlord sneers and cuts you, drawing blood. The crowd gasps.

That’s when you see him snap.

Gone is the composed prince. With fury in his eyes, Gorge charges, disarming the warlord in seconds. His blows rain down with unrelenting force, his bloodied fists a far cry from the man everyone knows. The warlord’s men watch in stunned silence as Gorge beats their leader into the stone.

“Stop, Gorge!” you cry, shaking him from his rage.

Breathing heavily, he cuts your bindings, his hands trembling. “You’re safe now,” he whispers, but the fear in his voice tells you he’s not sure if that’s true—for you or himself.