Bound by the Dark Prince

Evelyn stood frozen as Kael's words hung between them like an unspoken vow. A bargain. The weight of it pressed down on her, thick with unseen consequences.

"What kind of bargain?" she asked, wary of the gleam in his silver eyes.

Kael took a slow step forward, the shadows around him shifting as if drawn to his presence. "You wish to leave?" he murmured. "Then you must prove your worth."

Her pulse quickened. "Prove my worth?"

He tilted his head, studying her like a predator would its prey. "There is a task you must complete. A test, if you will."

Evelyn clenched her fists. "And if I refuse?"

Kael's smirk deepened. "Then you will remain here. Forever."

A chill crawled down her spine. "What's the task?"

Kael turned, motioning for her to follow. "There is a creature lurking within my kingdom—a beast that has defied my rule for centuries. It has fed on the essence of my land, growing stronger with each passing year. You must hunt it."

Evelyn swallowed. "Hunt it? I'm no warrior."

His gaze darkened. "Then you will not survive."

Panic threatened to consume her, but she forced herself to stand firm. "And if I succeed?"

Kael's expression was unreadable. "Then you will have proven yourself worthy of my mercy."

Evelyn took a deep breath. She had no weapons, no knowledge of this land's creatures, but one thing was certain—she would not be trapped here forever.

"I'll do it," she said, her voice steadier than she felt.

Kael's smirk returned, and the torches flickered as if the shadows themselves had stirred.

"Then let the hunt begin."