Luca raised his hand over Eva, his eyes slowly closing as his magic flowed outward. The air thickened. Shadows trembled.

  Through the spell, he began to see her memories—.

  Eyan stood beside the bed, unmoving, watching Luca’s face closely.

  Suddenly, Luca gasped. His eyes flew open. He yanked his hand back as if burned and stumbled, collapsing onto the floor.

  “Luca—!” Eyan rushed to him. “What happened?”

  Luca covered his face with shaking hands, his entire body trembling.

  “I can’t…” he choked. “I can’t watch it…”

  Eyan grabbed him by the shoulders, panic flooding his voice.

  “Luca, tell me. What did you see?”

  Luca lifted his head, eyes red, voice broken. “Eyan… it’s cruel. What she went through—”

  He swallowed hard. “It was hell.”

  Eyan’s grip tightened. “Let me see it,” he said hoarsely. “I want to see it too.”

  Luca hesitated, staring into Eyan’s eyes—then nodded.

  He activated his magic again.

  This time, Eyan saw everything.

  Each memory crashed into him like a blade. Every scream. Every struggle. Every moment of fear.

  Eyan’s body shook with rage. His fingers clawed into the fabric of the bed, knuckles whitening as he fought the urge to destroy everything around him.

  And when the memories finally ended—

  He collapsed to the floor.

  Tears streamed down his face as his chest heaved violently.

  “Eva…” his voice broke. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Why did you hide your pain from me?”

  His hands trembled as he pressed his forehead to the floor.

  “I would have erased from this world before he ever tried to hurt you again.”

  He looked at her sleeping face, agony ripping through him.

  “You were always smiling in front of me… I never knew there was so much pain behind that smile.”

  His voice dropped to a whisper.

  “That’s why you flinched every time I got close… because of that monster.”.....“He broke you completely… and I was blind enough not to see it.”

  Sobbing, Eyan took Eva’s hand and pressed it to his forehead.

  “Please forgive me,” he whispered. “I failed you.”

  “Please… forgive me.”

  Luca slowly stood and placed a trembling hand on Eyan’s shoulder, tears pooling in his own eyes.

  “Eyan… get hold of yourself,” he said softly. “This isn’t your fault. Don’t blame yourself.”

  “How can I not?” Eyan cried.

  “I claimed to love her. I swore to protect her—yet I couldn’t even see her fear.”

  He cupped Eva’s face gently, despair consuming him.

  “If only I had the power… I would erase every memory of that bastard from her mind.”

  “But I can’t. I can’t even do that.”

  “I .” Luca said.

  Eyan froze and looked up at Luca.

  “…You can?”

  Luca nodded. “Yes. I’ve mastered a new spell. I can erase the memories of one specific person from mind.”

  Eyan grabbed Luca’s hand desperately. “Then do it,” he begged. “Erase him— Erase his name, his face— everything.”

  Luca inhaled deeply. “Alright.”

  He moved to Eva’s side, placed his hand gently on her head, and closed his eyes.

  Magic ignited. Slowly—one by one—Eva’s memories of Duke Malric Vane began to fade… and disappear.

  Luca slowly opened his eyes. The glow of magic faded from the room.

  “It’s done,” he said quietly. “Her memories of him are completely gone.”

  Eyan let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

  “Thank you, Luca,” he said, voice heavy with sincerity. “I’ll never forget this. I promise… I’ll repay you.”

  Luca raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk appearing.

  “Of course you will. You didn’t think this was free, did you?”

  Then his smile softened, but his gaze stayed sharp. “But how can I trust your word?”

  Eyan met his eyes without hesitation. “You have my word. I’ll give you anything you want—just ask, and it’s yours.”

  Luca’s smile widened. “Really?”

  “Really.”

  “Alright then,” Luca said lightly. “I’ll ask when I need something.”

  Eyan nodded once.

  “Then I should head back to the Magic Tower,” Luca added.

  “Okay.” Eyan said.

  Luca paused and glanced at Eva.

  “And what about you?” he asked. “Are you staying here, or going back to the palace?”

  “You still have guests waiting. You can leave if you want.”

  He continued calmly, “It’ll probably take two days for her to regain consciousness. I placed a sleeping spell so her body can rest.”

  “You can go. Just leave one of your wolves with her for protection.”

  Eyan’s gaze never left Eva.

  “No,” he said quietly. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  He stepped closer to the bed.

  “I’ll stay by her side until she opens her eyes.”

  Luca studied him for a moment, then nodded. “Alright. Then stay with her.”

  A portal of light opened behind him. “I’m going,” Luca said simply—and stepped through, vanishing as the portal closed.

  That night, Eyan did not sleep.

  He sat beside Eva, gently stroking her hair, his presence a silent guard.

  --------------------------------------------------------

  (Two days later)

  (Eva’s House — Evening)

  Eva’s eyes fluttered open slowly. Her vision blurred, then steadied. Pale evening light spilled through the window, painting the room in gold.

  She blinked, confused.

  “How long have I been sleeping…?”

  Sitting up, she glanced down at herself—and froze.

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Her dress was torn.

  “…Why is my dress all ripped?”

  She lifted a lock of her hair and sniffed it, her nose wrinkling instantly.

  “Ugh… my hair smells weird.”

  “It’s like I haven’t taken a bath for days…”

  Then a familiar thought rushed in.

  “Kyel must be back…”

  She slid off the bed and hurried out of the room, her steps light with relief.

  “Honey?” she called cheerfully. “Are you back?”

  She ran down the stairs—and stopped. Dinner was simmering on the stove.

  Her lips curved into a bright smile.

  “He’s back…”

  “Kyel?” she called, looking around. “Where are you—?”

  Before she could finish, the front door creaked open.

  Kyel stepped inside, arms full of groceries.

  “Honey!” Eva exclaimed.

  Kyel looked up—and his breath caught.

  “Eva…” His voice trembled. “You’re awake.”

  The groceries slipped from his hands and hit the floor. In two strides, he was rushing toward her, arms opening instinctively.

  “Princes—”

  “Stop.” Eva shouted.

  Kyel froze mid-step, arms still open.

  Eva backed away slightly.

  “Don’t come closer. Stay there.”

  Kyel’s brows knitted together, hurt flickering in his eyes. “Why, Eva? Let me hug you… it’s been so long. Don’t be like this.”

  She pouted faintly. “I want to hug you too, honey—but not now.”

  “First, I need to take a bath. I smell like a fish.”

  Kyel laughed softly and stepped forward anyway. “I don’t mind. Come here.”

  Eva immediately sat down on the floor, hugging her knees.

  “You don’t mind, but I do. So stay away.”

  Kyel sighed, then sat down in front of her, his voice gentler.

  “If I can’t hug you… then can I touch your face?”

  Eva smiled. “Oh, you can touch my face all you want.”

  Kyel lifted his hand and cupped her cheek carefully. His eyes lingered on her—soft, heavy with emotion.

  Eva tilted her head. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

  Kyel smiled, though his eyes shimmered. “I missed you… so much.”

  Eva reached out and held his hand.

  “I missed you too, honey.”

  Kyel exhaled slowly, steadying himself. “Now go take a bath,” he said lightly. “I want to hug you properly.”

  She nodded—then paused.

  “But before that… tell me something.”

  “Why do I smell like this? And why is my dress torn?”

  “I remember coming back from the emperor’s birthday. But the front door was already unlocked…”

  “So i thought you had returned, and I went looking for you.”

  Her brows furrowed.

  “After that… I don’t remember anything. You were at home right?”

  Kyel’s chest tightened—but his voice stayed calm. “Yes. I was already at home when you returned,” he said smoothly. “I opened the front door.”

  Eva blinked. “Why don’t I remember anything?”

  “You were sick,” Kyel replied gently. “You had a high fever all night.”

  “The medicine made you sleep for two days.”

  “Oh…” Eva nodded slowly. “That explains it.”

  Then she glanced at her torn dress again. “But why is it ripped?”

  Kyel cleared his throat.

  “I… ripped it,” he admitted. “You vomited on it.”

  “Oh.” She looked down at herself again, face scrunching in disgust.

  “That’s so gross.”

  “But if I vomited,” she asked thoughtfully, “couldn’t you have just… taken my dress off and changed me into something clean?”

  The room went silent.

  She looked up at him innocently.

  Kyel’s face turned red instantly.

  Realization hit Eva a second later.

  Her face burned too.

  “Oh—” She shot to her feet. “I—I should go take a bath first!”

  She bolted upstairs, leaving Kyel frozen in place.

  Kyel sat there, rubbing the back of his neck, ears glowing red.

  “I’m glad she doesn’t remember anything but…”

  He covered his mouth, mortified.

  “Why did she have to say that?”

  Clearing his throat, he stood up.

  “I should… prepare dinner.”

  --------------------------------------------------------

  (Fifteen minutes later)

  Eva returned after her bath, wearing her soft nightgown. Her hair was still damp, loose strands clinging to her cheeks and neck. She stopped in the doorway, eyes shining.

  A bright smile bloomed on her lips as she opened her arms wide.

  “Honey… come here!”

  Kyel looked up. Then a smile broke across his face, He hurried toward her and wrapped his arms tightly around her, pulling her close. Before she could react, he lifted her off the floor and spun her around.

  Eva burst into laughter, gripping his shoulders. “Kyel— stop! My head is spinning!”

  He laughed with her but finally set her down, though his arms stayed firmly around her waist.

  She tapped his arm weakly, still smiling. “Honey… you can stop now.”

  Instead, he hugged her even tighter. “No,” he murmured stubbornly. “Not yet. Let me hold you a little longer.”

  Her laughter faded into a breathless gasp. “I— I can’t breathe. You’re crushing me.”

  Kyel immediately pulled back, alarm flashing across his face.

  “Oh— I’m sorry!”

  Eva placed a hand over her chest and took a deep breath.

  “Ah… I can finally breathe.”

  “Did I hurt you?” he asked softly, guilt written all over his face.

  She looked up at him and shook her head.

  “No. I’m fine.”

  Then, as if nothing had happened, she tilted her head.

  “Is dinner ready?”

  He blinked, caught off guard.

  “Not yet. I need to make soup for you. I ran out of vegetables, that’s why I went to the market.”

  “Then let me help you,” she said cheerfully. “I’ll cut the vegetables.”

  Together, they walked into the kitchen.

  Eva picked up a knife and stared at the vegetables with determination. Moments later, frustration crept onto her face.

  “How do you even cut them this small?” she muttered.

  Kyel leaned against the counter behind her, arms folded, watching her struggle with an amused smile.

  Finally, he stepped closer. Standing behind her, he gently took her hands, guiding them.

  “You cut like this,” he said patiently.

  “Oh… let me try again.” She tried, failed, and sighed.

  “I still can’t do it.”

  He chuckled softly and took the knife from her hand. “Then let me do it instead.”

  He positioned himself close, his arms bracketing her as he began cutting the vegetables efficiently.

  Eva crossed her arms and watched, pouting.

  When he finished, he set the knife aside. “There. Done.”

  She sighed dramatically.

  “I can’t even do one thing properly. Ever since marrying you, I’ve forgotten how to cook. You made me lazy.”

  Kyel laughed and wrapped his arms around her from behind.

  “Are you regretting marrying me?”

  “Yes,” she replied instantly, though her smile betrayed her. “Very much.”

  “Well, that’s too bad,” he said lightly. “You’ll have to spend the rest of your life with me. You can’t throw me away.”

  She leaned back against him.

  “Yes… I can’t throw you away.”

  Kyel smiled for a long moment, simply holding her. The world felt quiet, warm, safe. They stayed like that, breathing each other in.

  Then, without opening his eyes, Kyel spoke softly, his voice relaxed and absent-minded.

  “Princess… did you use a new bath oil today?”

  He squeezed gently, absentmindedly.

  “Your hands feel really soft today.”

  Eva stiffened. “…That’s not my hand, Kyel.”

  He frowned slightly, still unaware.

  “And,” she added, her voice suddenly small, “I’m not wearing my bra.”

  Kyel’s eyes snapped open.

  His gaze dropped to his hands.

  Both of them were—Touching her chest.

  Heat rushed violently to his face. He jerked back as if burned, stumbling a step backward.

  “I—I’m sorry!” he blurted out, panic flooding his voice. “I didn’t mean to— I swear it was a mistake!”

  Eva didn’t move. She didn’t speak.

  She didn’t even blink.

  The silence pressed down on him like a weight. Kyel peeked at her cautiously, his chest tight.

  “Eva…” he said quietly, his voice trembling. “I’m truly sorry. I didn’t mean to touch you there. Please… please don’t be mad at me.”

  Still nothing.

  His heart began to pound.

  “Eva,” he continued desperately, lowering himself slightly. “You can hit me. Yell at me. Do anything you want. Just— don’t stay still like this.”

  He swallowed hard.

  “Please look at me.”

  Eva suddenly turned around.

  Kyel flinched. “I—I won’t do it agai—”

  “Kyel,” she interrupted firmly, “do it again.”

  “…What?” He stared at her, completely stunned.

  She raised her hand and pointed to her chest. “Touch me here again.”

  His mind froze. “What…? But why…?”

  Her eyes were serious now—no teasing, no embarrassment.

  “Don’t ask questions. Just do it.”

  Kyel hesitated, then slowly shut his eyes. His hand trembled as he lifted it, every movement careful, restrained. He stepped closer, heart racing, and lightly touched the spot she indicated.

  His face burned red.

  “Should I… pull back now?”

  “No,” Eva said softly. “Squeeze a little.”

  His breath caught. “But… Eva—”

  “Just do it,” she said gently. “You have my permission.”

  He exhaled shakily and folded his fingers slightly, barely applying pressure.

  Eyes still shut, he whispered,

  “Is… is this much enough?”

  Suddenly, Eva jumped.

  Kyel’s eyes flew open in alarm.

  “What happened?!”

  She grabbed his shoulders, her face glowing with excitement and relief. “Honey,” she said breathlessly, “I don’t feel weird anymore.”

  “No chills. No trembling,” she continued quickly. “My body isn’t reacting strangely anymore when you touch me there.”

  She took his hands—firm, confident—and placed them against her arms, her waist, her back.

  “Look,” she said eagerly. “See? Nothing. My body isn’t shaking at all.”

  Kyel only stared at her.

  “You look confused,” she said softly. “Let me explain.”

  She took a breath. “I never told you this… but every time you came close to me—especially when you touched my sensitive spots—my body used to tremble on its own.”

  Her voice lowered, vulnerable.

  “That’s why I was afraid on our wedding night....And that night… when we shared our first kiss… when you kissed my neck… my body started shaking again.”

  She smiled faintly.

  “You didn’t notice. But it was always like that.”

  She paused. “Now that I think about it… I don’t even remember why it started.”

  Then her smile widened, bright and proud. “But look at me now. Nothing is happening.”

  Her eyes shimmered.

  “I’m fine. I finally beat it.”

  Kyel stared at her excited face then—

  He pulled her into a tight embrace, his chest rising unevenly. His eyes filled with tears.

  “Eva…” he whispered, voice breaking. “You did so well.”

  He stroked her hair slowly, reverently.

  “You beat it,” he said softly.

  “I’m of you… my love. I’m of you.”

  Eva hugged him back, her smile peaceful and full.

  In that quiet embrace, Eva finally found herself again—

  the girl who had once feared every touch because her innocence was stolen too young, now breathing freely, whole again, no longer broken by the past.

  --------------------------------------------------------