The Do-Over System:My Beloved is the Villain! - Chapter 23

Chapter 23: Lucian’s Visit

Meanwhile, far from the emotional whirlwind Aeliana was experiencing, Lucian arrived at a secluded manor deep in the shadowy forests of his domain. The sprawling estate belonged to Lady Selinthra Duskveil, a powerful vampire noble known for her sharp tongue, wit, and unsettling beauty. Her invitation had been unexpected but intriguing, citing urgent matters of demonkin politics.

Lucian stepped out of his dark carriage, his crimson cape billowing in the chill wind. The air here carried a faint sweetness, tinged with the metallic scent of blood—a subtle hallmark of Selinthra’s territory. As he approached the grand doors of the manor, they opened before he could knock, revealing Selinthra herself.

“Ah, Lord Lucian,” she purred, her voice honeyed and low. Her golden eyes glinted like a predator’s as she swept into a graceful bow, her midnight gown hugging her curves in a way that felt deliberately suggestive. “How very delightful to see you gracing my humble abode, Demon Lord Lucian.”

Lucian inclined his head politely. “Lady Selinthra. Your invitation was… intriguing.”

“Only intriguing?

Selinthra led him to a sitting room where a fire crackled warmly. She poured two glasses of wine from a crystal decanter, handing one to Lucian.

“To alliances,” she said, raising her glass.

Lucian’s gaze narrowed slightly as he sipped. “You mentioned urgent matters. What is it you wish to discuss?”

Selinthra leaned back, twirling her glass lazily. “Oh, always so serious. Can’t a lady invite a friend for a drink without suspicion?”

“You and I both know you rarely act without purpose,” Lucian replied coolly.

Selinthra chuckled, the sound low and sultry. “True. But before we get to business, there’s something else I’ve been… curious about.”

She stood, moving closer to him, her movements deliberate and feline. “It’s rare to see you so preoccupied, Lucian. News travels fast in our circles, and word of your engagement to the Elven Princess has reached even my ears.”

Lucian tensed, though his expression remained unreadable. “And?”

“And I must confess,” she continued, trailing a finger along the edge of his shoulder armor, “I find it… perplexing. A demon lord tied to the light? It’s unnatural, don’t you think?”

He stepped back, his tone sharp. “What I think is none of your concern.”

Selinthra’s smile didn’t falter. Instead, she closed the distance between them again, her hands brushing lightly against his chest. “But it is, my lord. I’ve always admired your strength, your ambition. And now, to see you… tethered.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I can offer you something far more satisfying.”

Lucian’s eyes darkened, his patience wearing thin. “Selinthra, I came here for diplomacy, not this.”

She leaned in closer, her breath warm against his ear. “Oh, but diplomacy can take many forms.”

Before she could press her lips to his, Lucian caught her wrist in an iron grip, his crimson eyes blazing. “Enough,” he growled, his voice echoing with authority.

Selinthra flinched, her seductive mask slipping for a moment.

Lucian released her, stepping back. “What Aeliana and I share is none of your business. I won’t betray her trust for a fleeting indulgence.”

Selinthra’s eyes narrowed, but she forced a smile. “Very well. Consider this my mistake, then. I only sought to remind you of the… options available to you.”

Selinthra’s smile turned brittle. “Of course. Forgive me, my lord. It won’t happen again.”

As he stepped back into his carriage, his thoughts drifted to Aeliana.

As Lucian settled into his carriage, relieved to have resisted Selinthra’s advances, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the vampire noble wasn’t done with her schemes. Selinthra Duskveil was not one to take rejection lightly, and her cunning mind always sought leverage where brute force failed.

Back in her lavish manor, Selinthra stood by the window, watching the carriage disappear into the shadows of the forest. Her golden eyes glinted with a dangerous mix of frustration and determination.

“You may be loyal to your little elf princess now,” she muttered, swirling the wine in her glass, “but everyone has their limits. And I always get what I want.”

Selinthra made her way to a locked cabinet, pulling out a velvet-bound journal. Inside were her meticulously kept records—secrets, alliances, debts owed, and favors granted. It was her arsenal, her weapon against those who underestimated her.

She flipped through the pages until she reached the one labeled. A slow, predatory smile spread across her face as her finger traced the lines of an old but potent secret: the identity of the assassin who had once tried to kill Lucian and another identity that has direct legitimate claim to rise to power against Lucian himself.

“Ah, yes,” she whispered. “You buried this, didn’t you? But I didn’t. And I know exactly who ordered the hit.”

Selinthra had uncovered evidence long ago that the attempt on Lucian’s life wasn’t just the work of a rogue faction but had ties to an influential demon noble family—one that Lucian still relied on for political support. The knowledge was explosive, a potential threat to his reign if revealed.

Her lips curved into a triumphant smirk. You’ll find it much harder to resist me when the alternative is chaos in your precious kingdom.

A few days later, Lucian found himself summoned to Selinthra’s estate once more. The letter had been vague but carried an urgent tone, referencing critical information about a potential threat to his rule.

When he arrived, Selinthra greeted him with her usual sultry charm, but there was an unmistakable glint of triumph in her eyes.

“Lord Lucian,” she purred, gesturing for him to sit. “I’m so glad you could come. We have… much to discuss.”

“I hope this isn’t another one of your games,” Lucian said coldly, his patience already thin.

“Oh, no games,” she said, sliding a sealed envelope across the table. “Just a truth you may have overlooked.”

Lucian opened the envelope cautiously. Inside was a document detailing the assassination attempt that had nearly ended his life years ago.

. “The noble family implicated in this has been one of your staunchest supporters, hasn’t it? Imagine the fallout if this were to be made public.”

Lucian’s crimson eyes narrowed. “What do you want, Selinthra?”

. So, what will it be, Lucian? Will you indulge me, or will you risk it all for your precious princess?”

Lucian’s heart burned with fury and frustration. He thought of Aeliana—her laughter, her determination, her trust in him. He couldn’t let Selinthra destroy what they were building together, but he also couldn’t give in to her demands without betraying everything he stood for.

For now, he said nothing, his silence the only shield he could raise against her venomous smile.