Thorns of the midnight rose

Thorns of the midnight rose

Espada

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In the opulent kingdom of Vynthera, Lady Seraphine Caldris is a woman of unmatched beauty and cunning intellect. Born into a noble family, she is admired for her grace but feared for her sharp tongue and even sharper wit. Beneath her polished exterior, however, lies a secret: Seraphine is the true heir to the throne, a truth hidden after her parents were betrayed and murdered by the scheming Duke Alaric-the man she was once betrothed to. The betrayal shattered Seraphine's heart, but it did not break her. Masking her fury behind an elegant facade, she weaves her way through Vynthera's glittering court, hiding her pain behind a confident and dominant demeanor. Her sharp arrogance and alluring presence make her both irresistible and intimidating. She plays the long game, quietly building alliances with those disillusioned by the Duke's tyrannical rule. When a mysterious assassin, Cassian, attempts to take her life under Alaric's orders, Seraphine does the unexpected-she spares him. Intrigued by her courage and ambition, Cassian offers his deadly skills in exchange for her protection and a chance at revenge of his own. Their partnership is fraught with tension; Cassian is as infuriatingly cocky as he is skilled, and the sparks between them threaten to ignite something Seraphine cannot afford to feel. As Seraphine edges closer to her revenge, she discovers that the Duke's betrayal runs deeper than she ever imagined. Alaric has uncovered the Midnight Rose, a cursed artifact said to grant immortality at the cost of its wielder's soul. If he succeeds in unlocking its power, Seraphine's plans-and the kingdom-will be lost. Caught in a web of deceit, mystery, and forbidden desires, Seraphine must risk everything to expose Alaric and reclaim her throne. But as secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, she begins to question who she can trust-including Cassian, whose own past may hold the key to the Duke's downfall or her ultimate destruction.

Chapter 1 The Mask of Elegance

The grand ballroom of Vynthera Palace glittered like a jewel in the soft glow of a thousand chandeliers. Nobles in their finest silks and jewels danced, drank, and laughed, their voices merging into a harmonious cacophony of wealth and power. Yet none shone brighter than Lady Seraphine Caldris.

She stood near the marble staircase, her emerald gown clinging to her slender frame like a second skin. Her raven-black hair was swept into an elaborate bun, a single diamond pin glinting like a shard of ice. Her piercing gray eyes scanned the crowd with practiced ease, taking in every whispered conversation, every sidelong glance.

Tonight, she wasn't merely a noblewoman. She was a predator among prey, cloaked in the guise of a gracious hostess.

"Lady Seraphine," purred a voice at her elbow. She turned, her lips curving into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. Duke Alaric, her former betrothed, stood before her. His presence was a shadow she could never escape.

"Your Grace," she replied, her voice smooth as velvet. "How kind of you to attend tonight's celebration."

"Would I miss a chance to see the most radiant woman in Vynthera?" His smile was charming, but Seraphine saw the malice lurking beneath. He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Still playing the perfect noblewoman, I see. One would think you've forgotten the past."

Her smile tightened. "I assure you, I forget nothing, Your Grace."

As Alaric moved away to mingle with the other guests, Seraphine's fingers tightened around the stem of her wine glass. He was testing her, as always, reminding her of his power. But he didn't know the fire simmering beneath her composed exterior. Not yet.

"Not enjoying the party, my lady?"

The voice startled her, its low, rich tone cutting through her thoughts. She turned to see a man she didn't recognize-tall, broad-shouldered, with dark hair and a dangerous smirk. His clothes were simple but finely tailored, and his piercing blue eyes held a spark of mischief.

"Enjoyment is a luxury," she said coolly, masking her intrigue. "Who are you, and why are you here uninvited?"

He chuckled softly, unbothered by her icy demeanor. "Cassian. Let's just say I'm here on business. Though I must admit, the sight of you makes the evening far more interesting."

Her eyes narrowed, but before she could respond, a sudden commotion near the grand doors drew everyone's attention. A servant stumbled in, blood staining his uniform.

"Assassins!" he gasped, collapsing to the floor.

Panic erupted in the room, nobles screaming and scrambling for safety. Seraphine's heart raced, not with fear, but with cold, calculated purpose. She turned back to the stranger, her voice low and commanding.

"If you're here on business, Cassian, I suggest you prove yourself useful. Follow me."

Without waiting for a response, she swept through the chaos, her mind already strategizing. Tonight had been meant for observation, but fate had other plans. If assassins were involved, then someone-likely Alaric-was making their move.

And so would she.

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Chapters
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Thorns of the midnight rose
1

Chapter 1 The Mask of Elegance

24/11/2024

2

Chapter 2 A Blade in the Shadows

24/11/2024

3

Chapter 3 Threads of Deception

24/11/2024

4

Chapter 4 A Duel of Wills

24/11/2024

5

Chapter 5 Whispers in the Shadows

24/11/2024

6

Chapter 6 Shadows in the Glass

24/11/2024

7

Chapter 7 A Deal with Shadows

24/11/2024

8

Chapter 8 The Gilded Serpent

24/11/2024

9

Chapter 9 A Shadow in the Moonlight

24/11/2024

10

Chapter 10 The Edge of Betrayal

24/11/2024

11

Chapter 11 The Shadows we cast

27/12/2024

12

Chapter 12 A Game of Shadows

28/12/2024

13

Chapter 13 Into the Thorn's Nest

28/12/2024

14

Chapter 14 Whispers of a Darker Truth

30/12/2024

15

Chapter 15 The Bait and the Trap

30/12/2024

16

Chapter 16 Shadows in the Night

31/12/2024

17

Chapter 17 Betrayal in Bloom

01/01/2025

18

Chapter 18 Shadows of Doubt

02/01/2025

19

Chapter 19 The Alliance of the Shadows

03/01/2025

20

Chapter 20 A Dance with Deception

04/01/2025

21

Chapter 21 Echoes of Treachery

05/01/2025

22

Chapter 22 Shadows of the Forgotten

07/01/2025

23

Chapter 23 The Silent Betrayal

07/01/2025

24

Chapter 24 The Web of Deceit

09/01/2025

25

Chapter 25 Shattered Bonds

10/01/2025

26

Chapter 26 Shadows of Deception

11/01/2025

27

Chapter 27 The Gathering Storm

12/01/2025

28

Chapter 28 Echoes of the Ravine

13/01/2025

29

Chapter 29 The Cursed Labyrinth

14/01/2025

30

Chapter 30 The Herald's Warning

15/01/2025

31

Chapter 31 The Shadow of Betrayal

16/01/2025

32

Chapter 32 Secrets in the Dark

17/01/2025

33

Chapter 33 The Bridge of Broken Promises

19/01/2025

34

Chapter 34 The Eye of the Storm

21/01/2025

35

Chapter 35 Shadows within Shadow

21/01/2025

36

Chapter 36 Echoes of Destiny

22/01/2025

37

Chapter 37 A Glimpse into the Abyss

24/01/2025

38

Chapter 38 Shadows in the Veil

25/01/2025

39

Chapter 39 Echoes of the Past

26/01/2025