Chapter 1
For ten years, Seraphine Frost had served as Lucien Valmont’s gauntlet–killing for him by day, surrendering to his desires by night.
She knelt at the edge of the bed, trembling, her broken breaths escaping her throat.
Lucien’s fingers dug into her waist, and with each thrust, he asked in a hushed voice, “Does it feel good?”
This year, he had become even more relentless, demanding her night after night, in the study, at the stables, and even in dark alleys after a kill. He molded her in every possible way to become his personal plaything.
She bit her lip but still crumbled under his touch, replying honestly, “Yes…my lord, it feels good.”
She didn’t know how much time had passed, but eventually, she climaxed in his arms, her vision going blank.
Lucien held her, his fingers lazily trailing across her damp back. Then, in a soft voice, he said, “This is the last time.”
Seraphine stiffened.
“Ten days from now, I will marry Vivienne,” he said calmly. “I’ve practiced on you for the past year, so I can make her feel good…Sera, from now on, you will only be the gauntlet.”
Seraphine clenched the bedcovers, her nails digging into her palm, yet she felt no pain.
After a long pause, she slowly pulled away from him, kneeling on the ground, her forehead pressing against the cold floor. “As you command, my lord.” She hesitated for a moment before adding the blessing she had prepared long ago:
“May you and Lady Sinclair share a blessed union and a lineage that lasts a hundred years.”
As soon as she finished, a sudden thunderclap sounded from outside the window.
She shuddered involuntarily, then quickly straightened her back.
“You’re still afraid of thunder?” Lucien chuckled, pulling her back into his embrace, gently patting her back. “You can’t be a good killer if you’re like this.” “Then…let me be afraid just this once.” she gripped his tunic tightly.
“Only this once.” his voice became softer. “From now on, I won’t be here to comfort you.”
Seraphine opened her mouth to speak, but just then, a guard’s voice came from outside, “Prince Valmont, Lady Sinclair has taken ill with fever.”
Lucien frowned and immediately rose, dressing with swift movements.
As he tied his belt, he glanced back at Seraphine. “You…”
“Go to her, my lord.” Seraphine lowered her head, “I’ll be fine.”
Without hesitation, he turned and left.
The thunder rumbled, and Seraphine curled up on the bed, gazing out of the window. For some reason, her mind drifted back to the winter of her seventh year.
That winter’s snow had been especially harsh, killing many, including her–an orphan without a home. She had curled up in the back alley of Valmont Keep, on the brink of freezing to death, when a pair of hands scooped her up.
“A street rat this young?” The young Lucien frowned at her. “Take her back and raise her as the gauntlet.”
He taught her martial arts, how to read, and how to kill. That winter had been so cold, but his hands were the warmest thing she had ever felt.
So, she did as he asked. No matter how he wanted her to change, she tried her best to comply.
She feared blood, yet became the sharpest weapon in his hands; she feared thunder, but could take a life in the midst of a storm without flinching
She had loved him for years, but had never dared to show it. After all, he was Prince Lucien Valmont, and his heart belonged to Vivienne Sinclair, the daughter of Chancellor.
Then, one year ago, on that fateful night, he had opened the door to the gauntlet’s room and kissed her.
“Don’t want it?” he had whispered against her forehead.
She had not replied. So close to him, feeling his breath, her body had tensed, and she could not speak.
“I went to the Feast of Torches with Vivienne today,” he explained softly. “In a moment of passion, I kissed her. But she fainted because of ixer trail Chapter 1
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constitution. My engagement with her lasts another year. In the meantime, I need someone to practice with,” he traced his fingers over her lips. “Sera, you’re the best choice. Will you help me?”
Seraphine knew he loved Vivienne, but never imagined it was to this extent. As a prince, coveted by countless noblewomen, would humble himself to learn the secret arts of love–all for one woman’s pleasure.
“My life… has been yours since the day you saved it.”
She had closed her eyes and began to undress.
That night was painful, but it was also intoxicating.
From then on, there was a first time, and then a second, and a third…
In the study, in the carriage, and even after a kill, he had claimed her as his own.
Now, he was about to marry.
And after a year of such shame, Vivienne would never tolerate her.
Luckily, three days ago, she had received a letter by pigeon-
The Shadow Court in the underworld claimed they might have found her real parents.
Since he no longer needed her, it was time for her to leave.
The next day, she put on her clothes and went to the Gauntlet’s Forge.
After expressing her purpose, the leader looked at her in shock.
“What did you say? You want to leave?”
