Chapter 1 The invitation

Chapter 1: The Invitation

POV: Sienna

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I never believed in fate.

Not until the letter arrived-sealed in black wax, pressed with a crest I didn't recognize, and smelling faintly of pine and danger.

I stared at it like it might bite me.

Miss Sienna Rowe,

You have been selected for the Valen Initiative-an exclusive opportunity reserved for only one soul per generation...

It went on and on with fancy words I barely processed, but it came with one thing that wasn't confusing at all: a full scholarship to one of the most prestigious creative programs in the country, and a paid residence in a penthouse I couldn't even afford to dream about.

It felt... wrong. But it also felt like a miracle.

Because miracles are usually wrapped in poison, aren't they?

I didn't know that then. Not fully. Not until I stood in the gilded lobby of Valen Tower, staring up at the obsidian glass building that scraped the sky like it wanted to stab heaven itself.

"Miss Rowe?"

I turned to the voice and found a tall man in a sleek black suit, his face sharp and unreadable.

"I'm Grant. Mr. Valen's personal assistant. He's waiting."

I blinked. "He wants to meet me... now?"

Grant's lips twitched-almost a smile, but colder. "He always wants to meet his investments. Personally."

I followed him into an elevator lined with mirrors that reflected pieces of me I barely recognized anymore-hollow cheeks, anxious eyes, a girl pretending not to be terrified.

By the time we reached the top floor, my heart was pounding so loud I could hear it echoing off the marble.

And then I saw him.

Kade Valen.

He didn't look like a man. He looked like a warning dressed in tailored perfection-tall, broad-shouldered, with eyes so pale they looked like winter. He didn't smile. Didn't offer a handshake.

He just watched me, like he already knew everything.

"Sienna Rowe." His voice was smooth but dark, like velvet soaked in something dangerous. "You're exactly what I expected."

I opened my mouth to reply, but I couldn't speak. Not because I was shy-but because I felt it.

That strange pull.

Like gravity had shifted, and it was coming from him.

"You'll stay here," he said, motioning toward a hallway. "My staff will see to your needs. But there are rules."

He stepped closer. Too close.

"No entering the west wing. No wandering at night. And most importantly..." He paused, gaze cutting through me. "Don't fall in love with me, Miss Rowe. It never ends well."

My chest tightened. My lips parted. "Excuse me?"

He turned and walked away without waiting for a response.

And just like that, my fate was sealed-not with a kiss, but with a warning.

And God help me, I already knew I wouldn't listen.

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