It’s early in Jude’s time at Elfhame, when Cardan is still just a prince—cruel, untouchable, and as vicious as ever. One afternoon, as she wanders the palace grounds, she stumbles upon an unusual sight.

Cardan, lounging beneath a tree, speaking with a mortal.

Not mocking them. Not tormenting them. Just… talking. And when the mortal laughs—bright and unafraid—Cardan smirks, not in cruelty, but in amusement. It’s unsettling.

Before Jude can process it, footsteps approach. Nicasia, Valerian, and Locke step into view, their reactions immediate.

Nicasia’s lip curls. “What’s this, Cardan? A new pet?”

Valerian scoffs. “Since when do you keep mortals?”

Locke, ever entertained, grins. “Fascinating. I didn’t know you had a weakness for the fragile.”

Cardan exhales, clearly unimpressed. “Must you all be so predictable?”

The mortal stands their ground, unfazed by the Fae’s scrutiny. Jude watches them closely, suspicion tightening in her chest. “Who are they?”

Cardan’s golden gaze flickers with something unreadable. “Someone far more interesting than you’d expect.”

The words linger, and Jude knows one thing for certain—this mortal is no ordinary plaything. But what are they? And more importantly, what do they mean to Cardan?