Mine To Keep

The first time Aurelia Sylvaine Montgaille laid eyes on Nyx Margaux Krausse, it was with indifference. The second time, with curiosity. The third-something closer to possession.

It wasn't supposed to be like this.

She had been given a task: watch over Nyx, ensure she did not become a threat. A simple request, spoken in the clipped, measured tones of her father's voice. And Aurelia, who had never once faltered under the weight of expectation, had agreed without hesitation.

But then Nyx arrived, and nothing about her was simple.

She did not move like a girl who had been placed into Montrevalis Academy as an afterthought. She did not bow her head in deference to the legacy that surrounded her. She did not shrink beneath the weight of names older than empires.

She simply watched.

As if she were waiting.

As if she were testing them all.

Aurelia should have left it at that. Should have reported back that the bastard daughter of Lucien Krausse was insignificant. But something about the way Nyx held herself-aloof yet calculated, detached yet entirely present-made it impossible to look away.

It started as a study, an analysis of how she operated. The way she tilted her head when someone thought they were being clever, the way her gaze lingered on the windows as though she were searching for a way out.

Aurelia had seen people unravel before. She had caused it more times than she could count.

But Nyx was different.

She did not fray at the edges.

She let herself be pulled-slowly, deliberately-but only by choice.

Aurelia felt it the moment their game began. The first time she took something from Nyx without her noticing. A conversation redirected, a whisper planted, a hand around her wrist just a second too long. The first time Nyx let it happen.

She should have stopped.

But by the time Aurelia realized it wasn't just about control anymore, she was already too deep.

By the time she realized Nyx was watching her, too, it was already far too late.