Content Warning:

This arc contains depictions of toxic relationships, emotional abuse, manipulation, cycles of abuse, drugging (love potions/ spells), physical torment, and psychological trauma, implied sexual content, Please proceed with caution if these themes may be triggering for you. Your well-being comes first.


The evening of the following day, Anagan was led to the royal gardens by a servant, who did not offer an explanation for the unusual invitation. The gardens had always been beautiful, but tonight they were transformed into a scene of fairy-tale splendor.

Glowing lanterns hung from the trees, casting a soft, golden light over an array of roses and lilies that seemed to bloom with an almost ethereal quality. At the center of the garden stood a table covered in a lavish array of fine foods and delicate wines. The air was filled with the gentle sound of a string quartet playing in the distance.

As Anagan approached, he saw Ogron standing by the table, dressed in a regal outfit that emphasized his commanding presence. His eyes were bright with an intensity that Anagan couldn't quite place.

"Anagan, my love," Ogron greeted, his voice warm and inviting. "I wanted to show you how much you mean to me. I know things have been difficult, and I've been remiss in showing you just how deeply I care."

Anagan's heart skipped a beat, feeling a mix of awe and apprehension. "This is... incredible, Ogron. But why all this?"

Ogron took Anagan's hand gently, leading him to the table. "Because you deserve the very best, Anagan. I want you to know that despite the misunderstandings and challenges, you are the most important person in my life. I've arranged this evening to remind you of my commitment to you."

The grand display of affection seemed almost overwhelming. Ogron pulled out a chair for Anagan and helped him sit, his touch lingering on Anagan's back as he did so. The extravagant setting and Ogron's soft-spoken words made Anagan's doubts and anxieties feel trivial in comparison.

As the evening wore on, Ogron lavished Anagan with praise, his words and gestures both tender and intense. He recounted all the ways Anagan had touched his life and expressed his gratitude with a fervor that seemed genuine.

Towards the end of the night, Ogron presented Anagan with a beautiful, intricately carved box. Inside was a delicate pendant, the centerpiece of which was a rare gem that caught the light with a mesmerizing glow. "This is for you," Ogron said softly. "To symbolize my everlasting commitment and love."

Anagan's breath caught in his throat as he accepted the pendant , feeling a mix of admiration and confusion. The grandeur of the gesture was undeniable, and for a moment, he questioned whether his feelings of discomfort and unease were truly justified.

The night seemed to be a blur. The romantic gesture had been both overwhelming and beautiful, and he couldn't help but wonder if maybe he had been too quick to judge Ogron's intentions. The sincerity in the king's eyes and the effort he had put into the evening made Anagan question whether he had been overreacting.

But deep down, Anagan couldn't shake the feeling that something still wasn't quite right. The grandeur of the gesture had brought a fleeting sense of reassurance, but the lingering doubts about control and manipulation remained, simmering beneath the surface.

——————-

Anagan awoke with a throbbing headache, the remnants of last night's festivities still echoing in his mind. He found himself sprawled across the king's bed, the luxurious sheets tangled around him. Squinting against the morning light, he saw Ogron seated at a nearby desk, working on some documents with an air of practiced detachment.

"Ugh," Anagan groaned, rubbing his temples. He sooner realized he was not wearing any clothes beneath the sheets,"Did we... do anything last night?"

Ogron glanced up from his papers, a hint of annoyance flashing across his face. "No, Ana , we did not. However, I did have to deal with you kicking me off the bed and berating me for being too 'hot' in this 'emotional hell hole.' Not to mention, I had to prevent you from wandering the halls —naked."

Anagan winced, a flush of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "I'm so sorry. I had no idea—"

Ogron's stern expression softened slightly, and for a brief moment, genuine amusement flickered in his eyes. "Well, it was quite a spectacle. I'm not sure if you remember, but you even tried to serenade the statues in the hall."

Anagan's face reddened further, and he managed a sheepish smile. "I really didn't mean to cause trouble."

"No harm done, Solarian Wine is very strong," Ogron said, his tone slightly warmer. "But I hope you're feeling better now."

Anagan nodded, wincing as the motion intensified his headache. "Yes, just a slight headache. Nothing too terrible."

"Good," Ogron said, his expression turning serious. "I wanted to let you know that the Black Circle has found another member. If you're up for it, we can go to Earth tomorrow to retrieve him."

A wave of unease washed over Anagan. The thought of someone new joining their circle in the castle stirred a mix of worry and jealousy within him. He had been struggling with his own feelings, and suddenly the idea of another member felt like an encroachment on his own place in Ogron's life.

He hesitated, his emotions tangled and conflicting. "I... I see. I suppose we should meet him. But—"

Ogron cut him off with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Anagan. You're very much a part of this, and I value what we have."

Anagan forced a nod, trying to mask the swirl of emotions within him. He felt a deep pang of jealousy at the thought of another person in the castle, another potential rival for Ogron's attention. But he couldn't argue; the mission was important to Ogron.