Varyon Zephyr
707 Words
Chapter 24
Camila’s pulse hammered in her ears.
She didn’t know how she managed to keep standing. As soon as the merchant—Lord Varyon Zephyr—stepped onto the stage, her blood turned to ice. His dark mask, his amber eyes glinting like a predator’s, his measured steps… and everything about him felt wrongly familiar.
Too familiar.
Her fingers trembled beneath the silk gloves.
“I need to leave,” she whispered, voice nearly lost to the chatter around them.
Adrian’s eyes sharpened. “Camila?”
His hand instinctively curled around her waist. “You’re paler than snow. What’s wrong?”
“I… I need air,” she murmured, swallowing back the panic clawing at her chest. She attempted to step back—but then—
A shadow blocked their path.
“Leaving so soon?”
The voice was calm, smooth… but beneath it simmered something ancient and dangerous.
Camila froze.
Lord Varyon Zephyr stood before them, smiling like he had been waiting centuries for this very moment.
He bowed lightly, eyes locked on her.
“Lady Camila… it seems fate finally allows us to meet.”
Her breath hitched.
Adrian stepped in front of her immediately, his presence a living shield.
“My lord,” he said with controlled courtesy, “my wife is not feeling well. If you’ll excuse us, I’ll take my pregnant wife home.”
Camila blinked—pregnant?!
Varyon’s smile stilled.
A dark, heavy silence fell around them.
Then—
“Is that so?” he murmured. His eyes lowered briefly to her stomach, then lifted again. “Congratulations… Duke Adrian.”
There was no warmth. No sincerity.
Only a silent warning.
And then quietly, almost playfully:
“But do take utmost care of your wife.” His gold eyes flicked to Camila. “You wouldn’t want someone else to… take responsibility for her well-being, would you?”
His voice was velvet over steel.
Adrian’s jaw flexed.
He stepped closer to Varyon, their shoulders almost brushing.
“My wife,” Adrian said slowly, “is mine to protect. No one else needs to concern themselves.”
Varyon’s smile deepened—too pleased.
“We shall see.”
Adrian’s grip tightened around Camila’s waist.
“We’re leaving,” he growled and practically swept her away before the merchant could say another word.
Camila didn’t breathe again until they were inside the carriage.
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Back at the Mansion
The doors had barely closed behind them before Camila stumbled away, heart pounding.
“Camila?” Adrian called, reaching for her.
But she was already running—straight into the bathroom.
She barely made it to the sink before she threw up, her body shaking violently. Her vision swam, and her breath came in short, painful gasps.
“Camila!” Adrian’s voice cracked as he rushed to her side.
He gathered her hair gently, holding her trembling shoulders, panic rising with every second.
“Talk to me. What’s wrong? Did he threaten you? Did he hurt you? Camila!”
She shook her head weakly, tears forming without her consent. Her knees gave out, and Adrian caught her before she hit the floor.
“Adrian…”
Her voice was faint. “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to worry you…”
“Stop apologizing.” His arms tightened around her. “You’re burning up.”
Camila tried to steady her breathing, but the room tilted—
Then darkness washed over her vision.
“Camila!” Adrian’s voice sounded far away.
Her body went limp in his arms.
He pulled her against his chest, shaking, terrified.
“Camila, look at me—open your eyes, please. Please…”
Her lashes fluttered, but she didn’t wake.
Adrian held her close, burying his face in her hair.
“I’m here,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “I’m here. I won’t let anyone take you from me… not him, not anyone.”
He scooped her into his arms and carried her to their bed, refusing to let go even for a moment.
As he brushed his fingers over her cheek, he silently swore—
Whatever Lord Varyon Zephyr knew, whatever he wanted, whatever danger he brought—
Adrian would burn the empire to ash before letting Camila face it alone.
- Writer
