Bound by the Mark of Lies (BL)
Chapter 91 - 86: The only one (2)

Chapter 91: Chapter 86: The only one (2)

Charles stood frozen in place, his breathing uneven, as Damian swirled his whiskey with casual ease, utterly unfazed. The weight of the unspoken threat tightened around him like a noose. Damian had drawn him into a trap, which he was now slowly and methodically tightening.

"Of course," Damian said, putting his glass down with a soft clink. "I am not an unreasonable man." His golden eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he leaned back into his chair. "You did barge into my chambers, after all. Such an act can hardly go without consequence. But I am merciful." He cocked his head slightly, his voice smooth as silk. "A solution is already in place."

Charles ground his teeth. "You merciful?" He spat. "We both know that’s not true unless you want something. So, Your Majesty, what exactly do you want?"

Damian’s smirk deepened. "You will take your new post in the palace tomorrow morning."

Charles’ whole body stiffened. "You can’t be serious."

"Oh, but I am." Damian’s voice remained calm, as if he were talking about the weather. "Consider it an appropriate punishment for your minor intrusion. And a gesture of goodwill, if you will. After all, Gabriel would rather see you serve under me than suffer the consequences of your... reckless decisions." His golden gaze burned with something darker. "Wouldn’t he?"

Charles felt his stomach churn. Damian did not just want control; he wanted to own him, to make it clear that no one, not even von Jaunez, could act against him without consequences. And now, due to his own impulsiveness, he had walked right into the lion’s den.

His hands tightened into fists at his sides, but he knew he had no choice. If he refused, Damian would make an example of him. And the worst part? Gabriel would beg for his life.

"Your uniform will be ready," Damian said, raising his glass in mock toast. "I’ll see you at first light, Charles."

Charles turned on his heel and walked away without saying anything, his entire body tensed with anger. The doors shut behind him with a resounding finality, but Damian barely spared them a glance.

He swirled his whiskey once more, letting the firelight dance across the amber liquid.

One more piece had fallen into place.

—

The next morning

Gabriel stirred awake, the warmth of the unfamiliar bedding dargging him back to consciousness. The room was dimly lit, heavy curtains filtering the early morning light, casting soft shadows across the ornate furniture. It took him a moment to register his surroundings: the high ceiling, the velvet canopy above, and the distinct scent in the air. This wasn’t his room.

His eyes widened slightly as memories flooded back—the previous night, the quiet tension, the moment his resolve had crumbled. The kiss.

Heat rose to his face as the scene replayed in his mind. He had been the one to reach out, to close the distance. And Damian... Damian had responded with surprising patience. He had deepened the kiss, slow and deliberate, as if savoring it. There had been no rush, no forcefulness, just a constant presence, a warmth that had wrapped around Gabriel like an unbreakable tether.

He swallowed, feeling his pulse quicken. He had never thought of Damian like this. The Emperor was known for his sharpness, unwavering determination, and control over everything and everyone. And yet, in that moment, he had been... gentle.

’Is this his true nature? Or he did it only for me?’ Gabriel wondered as he felt the ghost touch of his hands on his waist and back. He shuddered.

Gabriel exhaled sharply, trying to push the thought aside, but the warmth in his chest remained. He shifted under the sheets, realizing something else. He had rested—truly rested—without the weight of nightmares pressing on him, without the suffocating exhaustion that usually accompanied him when he awoke. His body felt lighter, and his mind seemed clearer than it had in years.

He knew exactly why.

’Damian.’

His pheromones and the ether, Gabriel could still feel traces of it in the air, woven into the very fabric of the room. It had kept him grounded and calmed him in ways that nothing else had. Damian was the only one who could calm him like this.

’I feel asleep in his arms, for fuck sake.’

That realization was scarier than the memory of the kiss itself.

Gabriel pressed his hand against his face, feeling the heat linger on his skin. This was dangerous. Whatever was going on between them was shifting, pulling him toward the unknown. And he wasn’t sure if he was ready for it.

’I can not be a coward now; I started it.’ He believed he was not the one to break his promises or dismiss his actions; rather, he always accepted responsibility for them. And today he would do the same.

He exhaled and ran his hand through his hair, putting the thoughts aside for the moment. He had other things to think about, like how he had awoken in a new room in the emperor’s palace, where everything had changed overnight.

Gabriel exhaled slowly and sat up, pressing his hands against the sheets. The air in the room was cool and carried the lingering scent of Damian’s pheromones, and despite his nervous thoughts, he felt... at ease. He took a moment to gather himself, his fingers briefly brushing against his lips before shaking the thought away. But it was there. He wanted more from Damian.

’I’m so greedy.’ He chuckled, shaking his head. ’I want him and everything he has.’ The contract would soon be broken, and he would not need the mark anymore, but something told him Damian would place his own, which didn’t bother him as much as he expected.

He looked around, his attention drawn to a silver bell neatly placed on the bedside table. A simple object, but one that made it clear: this was no ordinary guest room. It was a space meant for someone important. The realization sent a strange shiver down his spine.

Gabriel exhaled and reached for the silver bell on the bedside table; the soft chime echoed throughout the quiet room.