Chapter 5

The first light of dawn crept through the small, dusty windows of the hunting lodge, casting a soft glow over the room. The air was still, heavy with the remnants of their passion, as Seraphina lay nestled in Alexander’s arms, her head resting on his chest. The night had been a blur of heated kisses, whispered confessions, and overwhelming desire. She had never imagined she could feel so much, want so much. Her body still hummed with the memory of his touch, the way he had made her feel—cherished, wanted, and utterly consumed.

But now, as the soft rays of sunlight filtered into the room, reality began to seep back in. Seraphina stirred, her heart racing as she replayed the events of the night. The world outside the walls of the hunting lodge seemed distant, but she knew it wouldn’t stay that way for long. Soon, she would have to return to her life—to the expectations of society, her family, and the looming shadow of Lord Camden. And what then? What would happen now that she had crossed a line she could never uncross?

Alexander’s arms tightened around her, and she glanced up at him, finding him already awake, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. His expression was unreadable, his jaw clenched as though he were lost in thought. The sight of him, so strong and yet so vulnerable, made her heart ache.

“Good morning,” she whispered, her voice tentative.

His gaze shifted down to meet hers, and for a moment, the tension in his face softened. “Good morning,” he replied, his voice deep and rough with sleep. His hand gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering as if he didn’t want to let her go.

For a brief, precious moment, everything felt perfect—like they were the only two people in the world, free from the constraints of society. But then, as if sensing the weight of her thoughts, Alexander’s expression darkened.

“We should not have done this,” he said quietly, his voice filled with regret.

Seraphina’s heart sank at his words, but she refused to let the regret consume her. “Don’t say that,” she whispered, propping herself up on her elbow to look at him more closely. “I don’t regret a single moment.”

His eyes softened, and he reached up to cup her cheek, his thumb tracing the curve of her jaw. “I don’t either, but…” He paused, his gaze dark and conflicted. “It changes everything. The world we live in, Seraphina—it’s cruel, unforgiving. We’ve crossed a line, and there will be consequences.”

“I knew the risks when I came here,” she said firmly. “I made my choice, and I’d make it again.”

Alexander closed his eyes for a moment, his hand dropping to his side as he sighed. “You may not care now, but once society gets its claws into you, once the gossip and the whispers start… it will ruin you.”

“Then let them talk,” Seraphina replied, her voice fierce. “I don’t care what they say.”

“But your family will,” Alexander countered, his tone grim. “Your father, your mother… and Lord Camden.”

The mention of Camden made her stomach twist. She had almost forgotten about him in the whirlwind of passion that had overtaken her. Lord Camden had been nothing but polite, always proper, always respectful. But the truth was, she didn’t love him. She never had, and after last night, she couldn’t pretend anymore.

“I’ll deal with Camden,” she said softly, though the weight of the words pressed down on her. “I cannot marry him, not now.”

Alexander sat up, his expression turning serious. “You must understand what you’re saying, Seraphina. Rejecting Camden could cause a scandal of its own. If you refuse him, people will talk, and they’ll wonder why. They’ll ask questions—questions about you, about me.”

“I don’t care about the scandal,” she said, her voice trembling but resolute. “I care about us. Don’t you?”

His eyes flickered with emotion, and for a moment, she thought he might relent. But then he looked away, his jaw tight. “It doesn’t matter what I want,” he said quietly. “The life you’re walking into with me… it’s not the life you deserve. You deserve stability, a family, respect. I can give you none of that.”

Seraphina reached out and took his hand, her grip firm. “You don’t get to decide what I deserve. I want you, Alexander. That’s all that matters.”

For a long moment, neither of them spoke, the air thick with tension. Alexander’s gaze bore into hers, filled with longing and torment in equal measure. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but before he could, the sound of hooves approaching the lodge broke the silence.

Seraphina’s heart leapt into her throat. Someone was coming.

Alexander stood immediately, his entire demeanor shifting. The easy, tender way he had held her moments ago was replaced by a rigid, commanding presence. He moved toward the window, peeking through the curtains, his brow furrowed in concern.

“It’s Camden,” he muttered under his breath.

Seraphina’s blood ran cold. Lord Camden? Here?

“How—how could he know?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Alexander turned to her, his face set in grim determination. “He must have followed you. It’s the only explanation.”

Panic surged through her as the sound of Camden’s voice echoed from outside the lodge. He was shouting orders to his men, demanding that they search the area. Seraphina’s mind raced, the gravity of the situation settling in. If Camden found them here together, it would mean complete ruin—not just for her, but for Alexander too.

“What do we do?” she asked, her voice shaking.

Alexander crossed the room in a few quick strides, taking her by the shoulders. “You need to leave. Now. There’s a back door—it leads into the woods. Take your horse and ride. Don’t stop until you’re far away from here.”

“What about you?” she asked, her heart pounding.

“I’ll deal with Camden,” he replied, his tone cold and final. “But you can’t be seen here, Seraphina. Go.”

She hesitated for only a moment before nodding, her throat tight with fear and regret. She couldn’t bear the thought of leaving him, not after everything they had shared. But she knew there was no other choice.

“I’ll come back,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “I promise.”

Alexander’s eyes softened for just a moment, and he cupped her face in his hands, pressing a brief, fierce kiss to her lips. “Go,” he whispered against her mouth.

With one last look at him, Seraphina turned and fled through the back door, her heart hammering in her chest. She raced to her horse, mounting quickly and urging the animal forward. The woods closed in around her as she rode, the sound of Camden’s voice fading into the distance.

Tears stung her eyes as the reality of what had just happened washed over her. She had shared something precious with Alexander, something that could never be undone. But now, it seemed as though the world was conspiring to tear them apart.

And as she rode away, her mind was filled with a single, unshakable thought: She would not give up on him. Not now. Not ever.