Dark Desire-Caught between duty and desire (englisch version

Chapter 10

I stood in the great hall of Zeus's palace, surrounded by gleaming marble and opulent tapestries depicting the victories of Olympus. Gold and jewels glittered everywhere, yet instead of grandeur, it felt like a heavy mantle threatening to suffocate me. Next to me stood my parents, Hades and Persephone, and Corvin, whose presence at least offered me some semblance of security. His gaze was fixed firmly on me, as if to remind me that he would be by my side through every step of this madness.

My heart pounded like a wild beast in my chest, and when the heavy double doors swung open, I felt my throat tighten. Zeus entered the room, followed by Lux. His eyes shone with self-satisfaction, a cold, calculating smile playing on his lips. Dressed in black, with a piercing gaze, he looked more like a predator that had finally cornered its prey. The way his eyes swept over me sent an unpleasant shiver down my spine.

"Well, what a surprising gathering," Zeus said, his voice laced with amusement. "To what do I owe this sudden change of heart, Hades?"

My father stepped forward, his shoulders squared and his gaze steely. "We've come to give our consent, Zeus. After careful consideration, we have decided that a marriage between our houses... is the right choice."

A brief silence fell over the room as Zeus studied us, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Oh? And why this sudden insight? You were all quite... defiant the last time I suggested an alliance."

"To be honest," my mother, Persephone, interjected, "the prospect of war convinced us. We want to preserve peace, for the good of our people and for our family. It would be foolish to stubbornly refuse if it meant risking a greater catastrophe."

Zeus's eyes gleamed with triumph, but his lips curled into a cold, expectant smile. "And Despia?" He looked straight at me, his gaze as sharp as a blade. "Have you finally realized that you have no choice?"

My stomach twisted, but I knew what was at stake. This was the part of the plan I despised the most—submitting, pretending I had finally yielded. It felt like a betrayal of myself. Yet, when I caught sight of Corvin from the corner of my eye, saw his tense jaw, his clenched fists at his sides, I felt a flicker of determination ignite within me.

"Yes," I said quietly, refusing to look away from Zeus's eyes. "I will comply. If that is the only way to secure peace... then I will do what is required of me."

Lux stepped forward, and I felt my entire body tense. He was now standing directly in front of me, his ice-blue eyes boring into mine, a smug smile playing on his lips. "So, you're finally ready to belong to me, my future bride?" He reached out as if to touch my face, but I instinctively recoiled.

"You should be grateful, Lux," came Corvin's cutting voice from the side. "Despias's decision only shows her resolve to do what is right for her people. But don't you dare mistake her willingness for weakness."

Lux turned slowly to face him, his eyes narrowed and full of disdain. "Ah, Corvin. Still the loyal hound at her side, I see? Well, don't worry. Soon enough, she'll learn where her true place is."

A low growl came from my father, but before the situation could escalate, Ares stepped forward. His massive form was imposing, and when he spoke, his deep voice echoed through the room. "Enough. We're here to negotiate and discuss the terms of the marriage, not to dredge up old feuds."

Zeus nodded slowly, as if weighing the words. "Very well. Then let's settle the details." He gestured to the center of the room, where a large table stood. "Sit. We shouldn't waste any more time."

I forced myself to move forward as everyone gathered around the table. Corvin sat directly beside me, his presence a quiet support that kept me steady. I felt the warmth of his hand lightly brush against my arm, a silent promise that I wasn't alone.

Zeus and Lux led the conversation, discussing the guest list, the ceremony, the union of our houses. Each word cut deeper into my heart as they outlined the details as if this were some joyous occasion and not a nightmare to which I was being forced to submit. I only half-listened, my thoughts drifting, until Zeus suddenly said, "And the wedding will take place in one week. As soon as possible."

One week. My heart stuttered. Only seven days to get through all of this, to put our plan into motion, to lure Lux into the trap.

"That's... very sudden," my mother interjected, her voice calm but tense.

"All the better," Lux interrupted sharply. "The sooner we're united, the sooner peace between our houses can be ensured."

My fingers clenched the fabric of my dress. Such a short time meant we had less time to perfect the plan. Less time to ensure that nothing went wrong. I felt panic rise in me, but Corvin's hand gently settled over mine under the table, and I took a deep breath.

"Very well," Hades said slowly, his gaze turning to me, piercing. "One week it is."

Zeus's smile widened further. "Perfect. Then let's begin the preparations."

Lux looked at me, a dark gleam in his eyes. "I can hardly wait to see you at the altar, Despia." The way he spoke my name sent a shiver down my spine.

But I forced myself to smile, even though it took everything I had. "I... look forward to it as well."

The lie tasted bitter on my tongue, but I held firm. Just seven more days. Seven days until this game of power, betrayal, and the fate of our future reached its climax.

I knew this was only the beginning. But I would fight—and I would win. No matter the cost.