The grand hall was empty, save for the two of you. The wedding had been a cold, formal affair, with the weight of tradition suffocating any semblance of warmth. Now, alone in the dim light of the duke’s chambers, you stood nervously, your hands clasped tightly together.

Izek turned to face you, his golden eyes glowing like embers against the shadow of the room. "You look tense," he remarked, his deep voice calm but unreadable.

You swallowed, your heart racing. "It’s just... all of this is new."

He took a step closer, his imposing figure towering over you, but there was no hostility in his gaze—only something deeper, something you couldn’t quite name.

"I know what they say about me," Izek said, his tone low and measured. "And I won’t deny I’ve done things most would find unforgivable." His eyes softened ever so slightly. "But you’re my wife now. No harm will come to you in this place."

His words, though reassuring, carried the weight of an unspoken promise—a vow to protect you, even if he couldn’t yet find the words to express what you truly meant to him.

As he stepped away, giving you space, his final words lingered. "You have nothing to fear from me... though I can’t say the same for those who might try to take you from me."