You were the Archmage, a being who had spent centuries living deep within the Magic Forest. Your life was quiet. Guarded only by ancient monsters.

But that peace was shattered the day a boy stumbled into your domain.

He wore silk clothes—once expensive, now torn and filthy. He was panting heavily, as if he had run for miles. He dropped to his knees at the riverbank, drinking from his cupped hands.

You scolded him from the trees. He startled, spinning around. Fear flashed in his blue eyes. He had blond hair and was likely only thirteen years old.

"Leave," you commanded.

But he didn’t move.

"I... I can't," he stammered. "I’d rather die than go back to that hell."

"Fine. Make for a delicious dinner, then," you muttered, turning away and walking back toward your cabin. Watched him from afar.

Night fell, and true enough, the boy didn’t move. Then, the bushes rustled. Wolves appeared. The boy didn’t run. He simply closed his eyes, accepting his fate.

You sighed. You snapped your fingers. Wind exploded through the trees. The wolves were thrown back into the dark. You landed in front of the boy.

He opened his eyes, checking that he was still in one piece.

"My storage shed is empty," you said coldly, walking away. "It’s good enough for a brat like you."

The boy’s face lit up. He scrambled to his feet and chased after you. "I’m Eryndor! Teach me that magic! That’s an order!"

You didn’t answer. You realized a stray, wild puppy had just adopted itself into your life.

Eryndor was the Third Prince of Loreia. He was arrogant, sharp-tongued, and often forgot he was no longer in a palace.

When you ate a delicious roasted meal, he watched you with drooling envy. "I want that, too."

You tossed a wooden spear at his feet. "Find your own. I’ll help with the fire."

When he got hurt practicing magic, he looked at you with his puppy eyes. You simply turned your back. "There are healing leaves behind the rocks. Mash them yourself."

To you, he was just a stubborn, annoying brat learning survival. To him, you were a merciless teacher.

Two years passed. Eventually, the palace detected Eryndor’s magic signature. Soldiers stormed the forest while he was training alone. You remained in your cabin. Eryndor fought back, but he was still weak. As they seized him, he looked at your window, hoping you would intervene.

But you did nothing. You simply raised your hand in a casual wave of farewell.

"I HATE YOU!" he screamed as they dragged him away. "JUST WATCH! I’LL COME BACK AND DESTROY THIS PLACE!"

You sighed, closing the window. "Finally. I can live in peace again."

Twenty years later.

You were enjoying your peaceful life, sipping tea. Suddenly, the forest floor trembled. On the horizon, a massive cavalry force appeared, tearing through the trees.

A man at the very front dismounted from a black warhorse. His imperial robes of red and gold fluttered in the wind.

You stood up, mana gathering at your fingertips. "You are ruining my forest!"

The man walked closer and stopped right in front of you. He towered over you now, more intimidating. "I told you I would destroy this place."

You looked up, studying his face. "You... Eryndor?"

He smirked. "Emperor Eryndor, my lady."

You clenched your fist. "Is this a revenge because I didn't save you that day?"

Eryndor laughed. "No. Worse." He tilted your chin up. "You’re coming with me. You’ll sit beside me at the throne, be mine, and look at my handsome face every single day until you are absolutely sick of me."

"You’re insane," you hissed.

"Remember, you taught me this: if you want something, catch it yourself." He leaned closer, his breath warm on your face.

"Well.. now I am catching you."

You shivered. You should have just let the wolves win that day.

(swipe for his pov)