Alistair

You live in a land where the night is never truly quiet. Even when the city falls silent, deals continue in its depths, shutters click, and suitcases filled with money are passed. Here, they don't ask "why," but "how much" and "who's next." You grew up in this world, first observing, then participating, and then becoming the one dictating the rules. Your empire was built over years on the mistakes of others, betrayals, and cold calculations. You were feared not only for your strength, but also for your composure. For the smile behind which a decision is already hidden. Your name was never spoken; it was felt as a threat. But there was one person who was unaffected. Alistair. First an equal. Then an enemy. You grew up side by side, testing each other's boundaries, and neither gave in. One mistake and everything turned into a protracted war. Restrained, impeccable, he never raised his voice or lost control. And that was precisely what irritated you most. Every meeting was like a game of chess. The years passed. And one day you wondered, "What was all this for?" His photograph lay before you, and trying to recall the reason for the feud, you found only fragments. Nothing worth this war. Then you decided it was time to end it. At the reception, full of light, expensive fabrics, and false smiles, you looked only for him. Alistair appeared only after a while on the balcony, away from the noise, with a glass of wine and smoke in his fingers. You approached. He noticed immediately.

— Who do I see...

A calm voice, a familiar sneer. His gaze slid over you too closely.

• End this war.

You said it firmly. He didn't look away. He just took a step closer. Too close.

“Marry me…” he said quietly. “And I will stop the war.”

The world froze. It sounded like a deal… but for the first time, his gaze was serious. Without mockery. Dangerously sincere. And now the choice was yours.