Enthralled by Shadows: The Forbidden Love of the Devil Prince

The Threshold of the Dark

L-O-V-E. These four letters encompass a word of tremendous power and vulnerability, encapsulating a vast array of emotions and experiences. Love has the potential to elevate us to the heights of strength and fortitude or plunge us into the depths of weakness and fragility. It is a concept that holds different meanings for each individual; for some, love remains merely a hollow word devoid of true sentiment, while for others, it becomes their entire world, an all-encompassing force known as "my love." As for myself, I have yet to immerse myself in this enigmatic beauty, for love, though cherished by many, has eluded my grasp.

One person in my life, however, has an intimate connection with this word. Her name is Alicia, a friend who cherishes love as though it were a drug, intoxicating and addictive. With her layers of dirty blonde hair, which enhance its volume as they cascade upon her shoulders, and her signature black choker adorning a plain-colored t-shirt and ripped jeans, she exudes a distinct beauty. Alicia's boyfriend, Brandon, is a member of our school's esteemed basketball team. Their bond predates my acquaintance with Alicia, and together they epitomize the "perfect campus couple," possessing not only physical attractiveness but also a sense of style and charisma.

Our shared journey commenced within the hallowed halls of Royal High University, an institution built for the affluent and a bastion of class distinctions that persist even after centuries. However, exceptions exist, as evidenced by scholarship students like myself. Despite its emphasis on wealth and privilege, the university's rich history and commitment to education have captivated my attention. Initially a stranger to both the city and the university, I found solace in Alicia's generous assistance. Contrary to my initial impression of her as a typical wealthy brat, she proved to be a sweet and genuine soul, guiding me through the intricacies of the city and our esteemed university. With time, Alicia became my closest companion in this unfamiliar environment.

As an ardent reader, my affinity for historical books has long held sway over my interests. The sheer beauty embedded within their pages never fails to mesmerize me. The university library, a grand edifice, holds a prominent place in my heart. Its expansive collection houses books spanning various genres, each with a significant repertoire. The library's wooden floors, adorned with exquisite carpets, combine harmoniously with the ornate chandeliers suspended from the ceiling, creating an ambiance of elegance. It is within this sanctum that I found myself perusing the shelves in search of a particular tome-the "History of the Peloponnesian War," a testament to ancient Greece's fascinating past. While looking through the shelf I came across a book. It had a black cover decorated beautiful with golden and red borders. I was going to open it when my attention was abruptly seized by an unexpected voice, jolting me out of my thoughts. Startled, I mentally recoiled at the suddenness of the interruption. It was Alicia, sporting a mischievous grin that hinted at something she was eager to share. My curiosity piqued, I directed my focus towards her. "Zara!" she exclaimed, the excitement in her voice palpable. "I have something for you-a surprise." My brow furrowed inquisitively as I awaited further explanation.

Alicia's next words caught me completely off guard: "I've arranged a blind date for you, babe." My eyes widened in astonishment. "Wait, what?" I managed to utter, barely comprehending the unexpected turn of events. "This guy, he's from a neighboring university. He's charming, plays basketball like Brandon, and I thought we could be the basketball couple together!" Alicia's voice brimmed with enthusiasm, prompting a giggle to escape my lips. However, apprehension gnawed at the back of my mind. My past experiences with dating had proven tumultuous, unraveling into disappointment and heartache once I unveiled the depths of my history. Fear gripped me, threatening to dissuade me from taking this leap of faith. Nonetheless, Alicia, fully aware of my past and consistently supportive, urged me to explore blind dates as a means to find a normal relationship, akin to those enjoyed by other students. And so, the internal battle between caution and curiosity began.