𝐀𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐌𝐀; ɢᴠ x ʜᴘ (𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐃)

𝟎𝟎𝟖; ᴅᴇsɪʀᴏᴜs

NORMALLY THE Winter Fete had always been a meaningless event for the Darkling, until he laid eyes on Judith Blackthorn. She was a vision of beauty, with hair the color of darkness and eyes that sparkled like emeralds.

He couldn't help but be drawn to her.

"You look rather young to be a mother." He remarked, admiring her appearance.

Judith raised an eyebrow and gave him a sly smile. "Looks can be deceiving." She replied, swirling the champagne flute in her hand.

The Darkling couldn't help but be intrigued by this woman. He knew there was more to her than met the eye. "What of your husband?" Be asked, hoping to learn more about her.

"Husband?" Judith laughed, a sound like tinkling bells. "I'm unwed."

The Darkling was surprised by her response. He had assumed that such a beautiful woman would surely have a husband. "Then Harrison's father?" He pressed, curious about the boy who was glaring at him across the ballroom.

"Harrison is adopted." Judith replied, her tone softening. "Though that doesn't make him any less mine."

The Darkling was struck by the tenderness in Judith's voice. Her words were like a symphony to his ears, each one striking a chord deep within him that he didn't know existed. He was entranced by her every movement, every gesture, and he knew that there was something special about this woman: He knew that he wanted to know her better, to learn all her secrets and unravel the mystery that she presented.

Without hesitation, he decided to stay by her side, to learn all her secrets and unravel the mystery that she presented. He hung on her every word, his eyes never leaving her face as they talked, laughed and danced the night away.

As the night wore on, the Darkling realized that he didn't want the evening to end. He wanted to stay with Judith forever, to bask in her warmth and unravel the secrets that she held close. But alas, the Winter Fete had to come to an end, and they had to part ways.

"Goodbye, Judith." The Darkling said, with a gaze that promised much more to come.

Judith looked at him, and everything about her shifted. Her voice became different, the warmth was gone replaced by a cold tone, her eyes sharp and dangerous as they met his.

"Goodbye, Aleksander."

The Darkling was taken aback.

How did she know his true name?

He was about to ask her when she turned around and started to walk away. He immediately went to grab her, but looked around and realized she was gone, nowhere to be seen.

'Who are you?' He thought, his eyes darkening dangerously. He knew that he had to find her, to uncover the mystery that she presented, and to learn the truth about the woman who had captured his attention.

As Judith searched for her son she she found upon Harrison in the west side of the grand palace, surrounded by the tranquil water gardens.

He was completely drunk, slumped against the garden's fountain with a bottle of wine in his hand. Judith stood tall and towered over him, looking down with a tired expression.

"Harrison." She said sternly. "This is unbecoming for you."

Harrison just grumbled in response, his words slurred by the alcohol.

"No." He huffed, his arms crossed as he looked up at her with teary eyes. "You left me by myself. You promised me to have our first dance together, but you danced with him instead." He complained, referring to the Darkling.