Crimson Betrayal

Chapter 4: The Enemy's Warning

The DeLuca estate was silent in the dead of night, but Seraphina could find no rest. The weight of the engagement, the whispered conversations of betrayal, and the unexpected reappearance of Rafael Valenti all warred within her mind.

She stood on her balcony, her crimson engagement gown now replaced by a silk robe, letting the cool night air soothe her fevered thoughts. From here, she could see the city skyline, her kingdom, her prison. Somewhere out there, Rafe was moving in the shadows, fighting battles she wasn’t yet a part of.

Yet.

A rustling sound from below snapped her attention back. Her grip tightened on the balcony, railing as her eyes scanned the darkness. The estate was heavily guarded, and no one should be able to get this close unnoticed.

Then, out of the shadows, a figure emerged.

Rafe.

She inhaled sharply. How the hell had he gotten past security?

His face was partially obscured by the shadows, but she would recognize that stance anywhere, casual but ready, as if expecting a fight. He tilted his head up to meet her gaze.

"You're not easy to get to, princess." His voice was low, edged with amusement, but beneath it was something else, urgency.

Seraphina glanced back into her room, ensuring no one was near, before returning her gaze to him. "You're insane for coming here."

"Possibly," Rafe admitted. "But I didn't come for pleasantries. I came to warn you again."

She sighed, folding her arms. "You already told me the Morettis are up to something. What else is new?"

"This is bigger than just a power grab," Rafe said. "Adrian isn’t just using this marriage to secure an alliance. He’s using you as a shield."

Her heart skipped a beat, but she masked it with a cold glare. "Explain."

Rafe took a step closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "The Morettis and your father might be forming an alliance, but Adrian has his own agenda. He’s been making moves behind Vincent's back and deals with outside players, some of whom want your father dead. Once you're married, you'll be Adrian’s leverage. If he controls you, he controls your father. And if your father becomes a liability... well, I don’t have to spell it out for you, do I?"

A chill crept down Seraphina’s spine. She had suspected Adrian was dangerous, but this was something else entirely.

"And why should I believe you?" she asked, her voice tight.

Rafe let out a slow breath. "Because I’ve seen men like Adrian before. They don’t share power. They take it. And if you think for one second he’ll let you be anything more than a pawn, you’re fooling yourself."

Seraphina’s fingers curled around the edge of the railing. She hated that part of her belief.

Before she could respond, the sound of approaching footsteps from inside her room made her heart lurch. Someone was coming.

"Go," she hissed. "Now."

Rafe didn’t argue. With a final look, one that held unspoken words, he disappeared back into the shadows as quickly as he had come.

Just as he vanished, the door to her bedroom creaked open.

"Seraphina?"

She turned, her pulse still racing. Adrian stood in the doorway, dressed in his usual tailored suit despite the late hour. His dark eyes flickered with something unreadable as he stepped inside.

"You’re still awake." His voice was smooth, controlled.

Seraphina forced herself to remain calm. "Couldn’t sleep," she said simply. "Too many things on my mind."

Adrian moved closer, studying her. "That’s understandable. After all, our wedding is approaching quickly."

She swallowed the bile that rose in her throat. "Yes. It is."

He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face in what should have been a tender gesture, but it only made her stomach twist. "I know this isn’t easy for you," he murmured. "But in time, you’ll see this is what’s best for our families."

She managed a small, lifeless smile. "Of course."

Adrian studied her for another long moment, then leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss to her cheek. The touch felt more like a brand than affection.

"Get some rest," he murmured against her skin. "Big days ahead."

And with that, he left, the door clicking softly behind him.

Seraphina let out a shaky breath, gripping the railing so tightly her knuckles turned white.

Adrian thought he had won.

But if Rafe was right, and this marriage was just another move in Adrian’s power game, then she had a choice to make.

She could remain the obedient daughter, the perfect fiancée.

Or she could fight back.

One thing was certain, she wouldn’t be a pawn in Adrian Moretti’s game.

Not anymore.