For 900 years, Lucien has ruled the dark realms, haunted by the loss of his bride. Feared by all, he's a force of destruction-until he learns a shocking truth: his bride has been reborn in the human world. Selena is a world-famous model and singer, living a life of luxury and power. Fierce and untouchable, she's nothing like the gentle woman Lucien remembers. When he confronts her, calling her his bride, she dismisses him as a crazed fan, sparking a fiery clash of wills. Determined to awaken her lost memories, Lucien steps into her world, but ancient forces rise to tear them apart. As their worlds collide, love and destiny battle against time, and Lucien must fight to reclaim the only soul that ever mattered. Can he bring Selena back to him, or has he lost her forever?
Chapter 1 Rogue spirit
Immortal Realms: Hell
Hell was exactly as its name promised-an endless abyss of darkness, where despair ruled and shadows whispered secrets of torment. Lucien sat on his jagged obsidian throne, a striking figure in the gloom. His dangerously handsome face seemed carved by shadows, and his black robes flowed like liquid night, amplifying his commanding aura.
Before him knelt a man-a wretched soul begging for mercy. Lucien's guards, the grims, toyed with him, savoring his cries. Each scream echoed through the infernal halls, a haunting melody feeding Lucien's dark satisfaction. The man was a broken shell, blood dripping from countless wounds. Once a powerful human trafficker, he now faced the consequences of his monstrous deeds.
Lucien's lips twisted into a smirk as he watched. "Throw him into the depths of Hell," he ordered, his deep voice cutting through the air. The grims obeyed without hesitation, dragging the man away as their cruel laughter mingled with his desperate pleas.
As the man's cries faded, Lucien leaned back on his throne, basking in the chaos. Here, in this shadowed realm, he was king and executioner. Even the darkest souls trembled before him.
---
Human World: New York City
Selena's Apartment
Selena's apartment radiated luxury. Its high ceilings and marble floors reflected a modern elegance, and every corner gleamed with meticulous care. Maids moved silently around her, their eyes lowered as they worked, mindful of her presence.
Selena descended the grand staircase, her heels clicking in perfect rhythm. Her dark, glossy hair fell in flawless waves, and her designer dress hugged her figure, a testament to the allure that captivated millions. Her assistant, Joy, met her at the base of the stairs, taking her handbag without a word and falling into step beside her.
"Good morning, ma'am," the maids murmured, their voices trembling. Selena's expression remained cold, her gaze fixed ahead as she walked toward the door.
A soft buzzing broke the silence. Selena froze.
"Ahhh!" Her scream echoed through the room as she jumped back, glaring at the tiny fly circling the chandelier. The intrusion shattered the carefully curated perfection of her space.
The maids sprang into action, flinging open windows and frantically waving the fly out. Their hands trembled under her sharp gaze. When the fly finally disappeared, they turned to her, dread written on their faces.
"Are you trying to kill me?" Selena's voice was ice.
"We're sorry, ma'am!" they stammered, bowing low.
"Fire them," she snapped, directing the order to Joy.
Joy sighed quietly. "Yes, ma'am."
One maid turned to Joy, panic in her eyes. "Please, Miss Joy... we'll lose everything."
Joy's face softened, but her tone remained firm. "I'm sorry. Miss Selena doesn't change her mind."
With a final, regretful glance, Joy followed Selena, her heart heavy with guilt.
*In the Car*
Selena leaned back in the leather seat, closing her eyes. Her world allowed no room for distractions, no imperfections.
"What's on my schedule?" she asked, not opening her eyes.
"Shooting with Fashion Nova at 1 p.m., and the family dinner at 6 p.m.," Joy replied.
"Cancel the dinner. I'm not going," Selena said flatly.
Joy hesitated. "Your grandfather insisted. He said it's important."
Selena's expression softened for a brief moment. "Fine," she said quietly. Her grandfather was the only one she couldn't ignore.
Plugging in her earbuds, Selena drowned out the world as the car sped through the city.
---
Lucien's Arrival
Lucien stepped into the human realm, his dark eyes scanning the city skyline. His black cloak billowed like living shadows, an extension of the darkness he commanded. Orion, one of his trusted grims, stood silently beside him, awaiting orders. They were here for one reason: to track down Jumo, a rogue spirit who had fled to the human world after causing chaos.
Lucien followed Jumo's faint energy trail to a nightclub throbbing with human indulgence. The smell of alcohol and sweat assaulted his senses as he entered. The crowd moved aside instinctively, drawn by his dark presence but unable to explain their fear.
His sharp gaze swept the room and locked onto Jumo in the VIP lounge. The spirit laughed loudly, oblivious to the predator closing in.
As Lucien approached, a bouncer stepped forward. "This is a VIP lounge. You can't-"
With a flick of his wrist, Lucien sent the man flying across the room. The bouncer crashed against the wall with a sickening thud. The club fell silent, panic spreading like wildfire.
"Ahhh!" A dancer screamed as people began fleeing, the atmosphere thick with terror.
Jumo's laughter died as he saw Lucien. His face went pale. "Lucien," he whispered, trembling. "I didn't think you'd... come."
Lucien's voice was low and deadly. "Did you really think you could escape me?"
Jumo scrambled back, his fear palpable. "Please... mercy..."
Lucien raised his hand, his fingers elongating into deadly claws. But just as he was about to strike, Jumo cried out, "Your bride... she's reborn!"
Lucien froze, his piercing gaze boring into Jumo. "What did you say?"
"She's here," Jumo whispered, trembling. "In the human realm."
Lucien's rage turned cold and sharp. His lost bride-alive again.