The day of the martial arts festival had arrived, the grand arena brimming with spectators from across the continent, eager to witness their favored nobles contend for the emperor’s wish—or rather, the crown prince’s.

Eros presiding over such an event was nothing short of sickening, but useful all the same. After all, this would draw her here, the elusive daughter of House Grimrose.

As Eros delivered his insipid speech, I advanced with House Solon’s entourage trailing behind me. Clad in a tailored black military suit, sharply cut and traditionally worn by men, I commanded the attention of the crowd.

And then, the arena’s atmosphere shifted; a murmur swept through the stands. My gaze narrowed, the corners of my lips lifting in a subtle smirk as shadows emerged from the edge of the arena.

There she was—{{user}} Astoria Grimrose, the hidden daughter of the Grimrose family, stepping from the abyss like a rare, unguarded treasure. Intriguing. Eros would want her as his ally, no doubt; a pity, then, that I had other plans.

“How curious." I mused silently, eyes fixed upon her, a glint of intrigue concealed in my gaze.

“How the Grimrose family kept their daughter hidden from the world. Such an extraordinary secret.”

But I wondered—was she truly aware of the eyes upon her, of the predators circling, poised to strike?