When My Hundred-Year Love Turned to Ash

Kaelan wasn't alone. Sylvia was with him.

The fragile human girl was leaning weakly against his arm, as if she might collapse at any moment.

But it was what they were holding that truly blinded me: shopping bags and a key.

The golden key to a luxury apartment glittered in the moonlight.

The bags were full of home goods—I saw pillows, blankets, and human toiletries.

They looked like a couple moving into their first home.

And the poison from the Silver Bells still burned inside me.

"Rosa?" Kaelan frowned, his eyes landing on the suitcase behind me. "Where are you going?"

I didn't answer.

The stench of Sylvia’s cheap human perfume drifted off him, so sweet it made me sick.

"What is the meaning of this?"

My Aunt Elara’s magical projection shimmered into existence to see me off, materializing right in the middle of the confrontation. I cut her off before she could demand answers.

“Aunt Elara, the gifts from Mother have arrived. Don’t just leave them in the collection room. Enjoy them.”

I never once looked at Kaelan, but this time, he actually tried to explain.

“Rosalie, don't get the wrong idea. The area Sylvia was living in wasn’t safe. I just found her a more suitable place. I didn't realize it was so close to your aunt's old manor."

I still didn't look at him.

"Aunt Elara, you know about the family's arrangements, right?"

"Of course. The lord of the Obsidian Throne. Pure-blooded, immensely powerful." My aunt shot a look at Kaelan. "A thousand times better than some ungrateful traitor."

"Kaelan," Sylvia whimpered, her voice trembling. "I'm so tired. Can we go inside and rest?"

The moment she spoke, Kaelan's attention snapped back to her.

"Of course." His voice instantly softened. "You've had a rough night."

He scooped Sylvia up into his arms and ordered the guards, "Clear a path!"

Then he vanished, reappearing inside the manor's private elevator with her.

I noticed his bags held more than just home goods. There was specialty food and a medical kit for humans.

He even had nutritional supplements for her.

So thoughtful.

The moment the elevator doors closed, I felt a wave of liberation.

"Rosalie," my aunt's voice was laced with pain. "Are you really not going to fight for him?"

I watched the elevator light ascend, floor by floor.

"You saw his choice, Aunt Elara."

"But a century together—"

"His silence was the only answer I needed," I cut her off. "If he truly cared, he would be down here explaining himself, not upstairs comforting his human assistant."

My aunt sighed. "Perhaps you're right. This Damien… I've heard of him. Ancient bloodline. Power beyond measure."

"At least he won't make me wait a century."

The driver of the armored car signaled that it was time to leave.

I dragged my suitcase to the car without a backward glance.

Kaelan never came back down. Not even as the car pulled out of the manor gates.

Out of basic courtesy, I sent him a single text.

"I'll be gone for a few days. Don't wait up."

My phone buzzed almost instantly.

It wasn't a reply from Kaelan.

It was a picture. Kaelan, standing in a beautifully furnished apartment, personally adjusting the UV-blocking blinds on a window.

His expression was focused, his movements gentle, as if performing a sacred rite.

I was about to turn my phone off when another text came through from her.

"Lady Rosalie, please don't get the wrong idea! Mr. Kaelan is just helping me with a few small things. I'm only human, you know, I don't know how to do any of this myself. I really need the help…"

My fury churned. I thought of how I’d been separated from my parents for centuries. How just two days ago, I had pulled strings with my family to guarantee Kaelan the elders' support.

And now, Kaelan—the great leader who was supposedly too busy to do anything but lead his Covenant to glory—was adjusting blinds for his human assistant. It was laughable.

And humans aren't afraid of the sun. Unless he planned on staying there.

Before I could process it, my phone rang again.

Kaelan.

“Rosalie, what the hell is your problem today?” His voice was low and impatient. “Sylvia is a fragile human. What’s wrong with me finding her a safe place to live? The Covenant hasn't assigned her permanent housing yet. As the leader, shouldn't I look after the weak?”

“And what was that attitude at the anniversary? You gave me a cold shoulder, said you were sick, and just left. I haven't even dealt with you about that! And now you're throwing another tantrum?”

I could hear Sylvia’s pitiful sobs in the background. I finally understood her game.

A perfect performance.

The innocent, helpless victim in front of Kaelan; a deliberate provocateur to me. She was a completely different person.

I took a breath. I saw her petty game.

But I couldn't be bothered to defend myself.

“You’re right. It was my fault. I was just asking. You’re busy. I’m already in the car. Don’t worry, I didn’t wait.”