true intentions

As lumi left Edward approached Haru

Edward: adjusting his gloves, glancing at Haru "Sir, are you interested in that boy?"

Haru: leaning back in his chair, eyes cold "He's useful."

Edward: raising an eyebrow "For what exactly?"

Haru: smirking faintly "The curse."

Edward: pauses "You mean—"

Haru: interrupting, voice calm "He’ll be the sacrifice."

Edward: studying Haru's expression "Does he need to be willing?"

Haru: shrugging "Not necessarily. But it would make things easier."

Edward: chuckles "Then I assume you’ll make sure he’s willing?"

Haru: cold smile "Of course."

on the other side lumi went home

Mother: worriedly "Lumi, dear, how did it go?"

Lumi: smiling brightly "It went well, Mama! The Duke isn’t as scary as people say."

Father: frowning "You were with a man like him all day, and you’re smiling?"

Lumi: giggling "He’s not bad. He asks a lot of questions, though."

Mother: softly "Did he treat you well?"

Lumi: nods "Yes! He even agreed to let me stay in touch with you and… he’s thinking about letting me earn money myself."

Father: scoffing "Thinking? That’s not a yes."

Lumi: tilts head "But it’s not a no either."

Mother: sighs in relief "As long as you’re safe…"

Lumi: holding her hands "I am, Mama. I think… maybe this won’t be so bad after all."

His parents exchanged glances, still hesitant, but Lumi’s happy expression made it difficult to say anything more. He truly looked pleased.

To marry lumi Haru gave his parents a big amount saying it as tradition

Haru: coldly, handing over a heavy bag of gold "This is the bride price. A tradition."

Lumi’s Father: eyes widening, voice shaking "T-This much…?"

Haru: flatly "Consider it compensation. He belongs to me now."

Lumi’s Mother: clutching the bag, glancing at Lumi with teary eyes "Lumi, dear, are you sure…?"

Lumi: smiling softly "Mama, this will help us. It’s okay."

Lumi’s Father: hesitant "You really want to go through with this?"

Lumi: nodding "Yes. It’s my choice."

Haru: coolly "Then it’s settled. The wedding will be in three days. Prepare yourselves."

Lumi’s Mother: holding back tears "Take care of my son."

Haru: smirking slightly "Of course."

Lumi saw the relief on his parents’ faces as they held the money, their debt now nothing more than a bad memory. He convinced himself—this was the right choice.

In first two days lumi paid of the debt and bought a new house for his parents the money was just enough to buy a dress suited for haru's style

Mother: tearing up as she looks at the new house "Lumi… this is too much."

Lumi: smiling gently "It’s just enough. No more debt collectors, no more sleepless nights. You and Papa can finally rest."

Father: running his hands over the doorframe "A house… our own house." His voice is thick with emotion.

Mother: hugging Lumi tightly "My precious boy… you’ve done so much for us."

Lumi: softly "You did so much for me first."

—

On the last night before the wedding, Lumi stood in front of a mirror, adjusting the elegant outfit he had bought.

Lumi: murmuring to himself "This should be good enough for him…"

The fabric was refined, the cut sharp—something Haru would approve of. Lumi traced the delicate embroidery, feeling the weight of what was to come.

Lumi: soft sigh "Tomorrow… everything changes."

Lumi married Haru next day it was just a show off for many people

Priest: formally "Do you, Duke Haru, take Lumi as your lawfully wedded spouse?"

Haru: without hesitation, voice firm "I do."

Priest: turning to Lumi "And do you, Lumi, take Duke Haru as your lawfully wedded spouse?"

Lumi: glancing at the crowd, then at Haru, before softly smiling "I do."

The crowd erupted in polite applause. Nobles whispered among themselves, some envious, some mocking, others intrigued by the Duke’s unexpected choice.

Edward: leaning toward Haru, whispering "They all think you married him for amusement."

Haru: smirking, eyes on Lumi "Let them think what they want."

Lumi, standing beside him, felt the weight of all the stares but kept his posture straight. He was now Lumi, the Duchess—at least in name. The grand ceremony was nothing more than a performance, a dazzling show of wealth and power.

Lumi: softly, looking up at Haru "Is this what you wanted?"

Haru: glancing down at him, smirking "What I want comes after this."

Lumi didn’t know if he should be relieved or afraid.

That night lumi was expecting Haru to take his virginity as the first night of marriage

Lumi: blushing, heart pounding as Haru undressed him "I… I understand. It’s our first night…"

Haru: silent, his cold fingers unfastening Lumi’s bridal robes with practiced ease

Lumi closed his eyes, waiting for what came next—but instead of fully undressing him, Haru left the lower half untouched.

Lumi: confused, whispering "Haru…?"

Haru: holding up a small, ornate glass filled with a deep red liquid "Drink this."

Lumi: hesitant, looking at the liquid "What is it?"

Haru: firmly "Drink."

Lumi swallowed nervously but obeyed, the thick, strangely sweet liquid sliding down his throat. The moment it settled in his stomach, his body felt warm—too warm. His vision blurred slightly.

Lumi: breathing unevenly "I feel… strange…"

Before he could say more, Haru suddenly gripped his waist, tilting his head to expose his neck. Then—

Lumi: gasping in pain "H-Haru…!"

A sharp, searing sensation burned into his skin as Haru’s teeth sank deep into his neck. Lumi trembled, gripping Haru’s arms as he felt the unmistakable pull—Haru was drinking his blood.

Lumi: panting "W-Why…?"

Haru: muffled, voice dark "Be still."

Lumi’s body felt weak, heat pooling in his limbs, his mind clouded. Haru drank deeply, his grip unyielding, his presence overwhelming. And then—just as suddenly as it started—Haru pulled away, licking the wound as Lumi shuddered in his hold.

Lumi: voice weak "What… are you?"

Haru: smirking against his skin, voice dangerously low "You’ll find out soon enough."

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