Chapter 61 - The Heroine’s First Step Toward Darkness
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The atmosphere was heavy inside the grand throne room.
Evelyn stood in the center—her body tense, her heart pounding.
Before her, Leonhardt sat lazily on his throne, golden eyes piercing into her very soul.
Beside him, Celestia lounged gracefully, her mischievous smile never fading.
And around them—the Valtara Family stood in silent anticipation.
Leonhardt's father, Duke Alistair Valtara, watched with amusement. His mother, Duchess Selene Valtara, had a knowing smirk on her lips.
They had seen this before.
The moment when a proud enemy crumbled before their heir.
Evelyn's fingertips trembled.
She had already lowered her head in surrender on the battlefield.
But now—she was truly standing on the edge.
Would she step forward... or resist once more?
Leonhardt's voice broke the silence.
"Evelyn Astralis."
She flinched.
"Do you still wish to deny it?"
Her throat felt dry.
"D-Deny what...?" she asked weakly.
Leonhardt leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand.
"That you are already mine."
Evelyn's breath hitched.
"N-No... I-I..."
Celestia sighed dramatically.
"Still in denial, huh?" She tilted her head, her voice laced with mockery. "Even after all this, you still think you belong to that pathetic excuse of a hero?"
Evelyn clenched her fists.
She wanted to protest—to say she still loved Rael.
But...
The image of Rael's hollow eyes flashed through her mind.
He had given up.
On himself.
On her.
Her heart ached.
And worst of all—
She couldn't stop thinking about Leonhardt's touch.
His kiss.
His dominance.
Her body betrayed her.
Celestia grinned, seeing her hesitation.
"Oh~? It looks like she's starting to understand~"
Leonhardt chuckled.
He stood up from his throne—his powerful presence looming over Evelyn.
Slowly, he reached out...
And touched her cheek.
Evelyn froze.
The warmth of his palm sent shivers down her spine.
His voice dropped into a dark whisper.
"Say it."
Evelyn's knees weakened.
She bit her lip. "I... I..."
Leonhardt's fingers trailed down her jawline.
"Say that you belong to me."
Evelyn's entire body tensed.
Her heart pounded so loudly, she thought it might burst.
She shouldn't say it.
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She couldn't say it.
And yet—
Her lips parted.
"...I..."
Celestia's eyes sparkled with excitement.
The Valtara Family watched in anticipation.
Even Leonhardt's beast, Ironhorn, the Indomitable Rhino, let out a deep snort, as if sensing its master's victory.
And then—
Evelyn closed her eyes.
And whispered the words that sealed her fate.
"I... belong to you."