Episode 5 : Jealousy

The moment Kairo’s hand enclosed around hers, Zafira felt a shift in the atmosphere. The grand ballroom, with its glittering chandeliers and murmuring guests, faded into a blur. All that remained was the weight of his palm against hers, the deliberate way he pulled her closer onto the dance floor.

Zafira had danced with many men before—wealthy aristocrats, powerful businessmen, men who thought they could own her with a touch. But this was different.

Kairo didn’t just hold her.

He commanded her.

The music swelled, a hauntingly slow waltz, and he led her with effortless precision. His grip was firm but not forceful, his touch deceptively gentle. Yet beneath it all, Zafira could sense the control. The silent dominance.

This was a game to him. A test.

And she refused to lose.

"You’re surprisingly good at this," she murmured, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze.

Kairo smirked, his dark eyes glinting. "I don’t do anything unless I’m good at it."

She scoffed lightly, allowing him to twirl her before pulling her back against his chest. Their bodies aligned perfectly, the warmth of his presence making her far too aware of how close they were.

"And yet, you still agreed to dance with a woman you barely know," she countered.

His smirk deepened. "Who says I barely know you?"

Her stomach clenched, but she didn’t let it show.

He was playing with her. Testing her.

She needed to stay in control.

Zafira let out a soft chuckle, feigning amusement. "If you knew me, Valenciaga, you’d know I’m not easily impressed."

Kairo leaned in slightly, his breath brushing against her ear. "I don’t need to impress you, princesa. I just need to figure you out."

Zafira’s pulse jumped, but she masked it with a smirk. "Good luck with that."

He let out a low chuckle. "I like a challenge."

Their movements never faltered, perfectly in sync as they glided across the floor. Around them, guests watched with curiosity, some whispering, others simply observing the unspoken tension crackling between them.

Zafira knew what this looked like. A flirtation. A game of power wrapped in the illusion of a dance.

But it was more than that.

Kairo was dangerous—not just because of who he was, but because of how quickly he had honed in on her. How easily he sensed the change in her.

She had to be careful.

She had to—

"You seem different," Kairo said suddenly, his voice quieter now.

Zafira stiffened, but she forced herself to stay composed. "Do I?"

He studied her, his grip subtly tightening as they moved. "You do."

Damn it.

She needed to redirect this conversation. Fast.

With a soft smile, she tilted her head. "You’re imagining things."

Kairo’s gaze didn’t waver. "Maybe." Then, after a pause, he added, "Or maybe you’re not who you were before."

A chill ran down her spine.

Was it possible he suspected the truth?

No. Impossible. He couldn’t know.

This was just another one of his games.

And she refused to be his pawn.

So, she leaned in slightly, her lips curving as she whispered, "You’re overthinking, mi amor."

His eyes darkened. For the first time, he hesitated, as if taken aback by her boldness.

Good.

Before he could recover, the song ended, and she took the opportunity to step away, releasing his hand and offering him a coy smile. "Thanks for the dance."

Kairo’s gaze remained locked onto hers, unreadable. But before he could say anything—

"Zafira," a deep voice called.

She turned, finding Cypher watching them.

His silver eyes were unreadable, his posture relaxed yet calculated.

And yet… she could sense something beneath the surface.

Possessiveness.

Irritation.

Jealousy.

Interesting.

"Enjoying yourself?" Cypher asked, his gaze flickering to Kairo.

Kairo smirked. "Very."

Zafira didn’t miss the way Cypher’s jaw clenched.

For a brief moment, something unspoken passed between them. A silent battle for dominance.

And Zafira was caught in the middle.

Cypher extended a hand toward her. "Let’s go."

It wasn’t a request. It was a demand.

A test.

If she took his hand, she was choosing Cypher. If she hesitated, it would only fuel Kairo’s amusement.

Zafira smiled and placed her fingers lightly in Cypher’s grasp. "Of course."

His grip was firm as he led her away, his pace unhurried yet purposeful. She could feel the weight of Kairo’s gaze on her back, but she didn’t turn.

She had won this round.

But the game was far from over.

---

A Dangerous Warning

The moment they were alone on the balcony, Cypher released her hand and turned to face her.

His expression was unreadable, but Zafira knew him too well.

He was angry.

"Do you know what you’re doing?" he asked quietly.

She met his gaze, feigning innocence. "Dancing?"

Cypher’s jaw tightened. "With him?"

Zafira let out a soft laugh. "Why do you care?"

Something flickered in his silver eyes. Something dark. "Because Kairo doesn’t dance without a reason."

Her smirk didn’t waver. "Neither do I."

Cypher stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "Stay away from him."

Zafira tilted her head. "And if I don’t?"

His gaze darkened. "Then I’ll make you."

A thrill shot through her, but she refused to let him see it.

Instead, she simply smiled, stepping even closer until they were nearly chest to chest. "You seem jealous, Cypher."

His lips parted slightly, but he didn’t deny it.

Good.

Zafira traced a slow line down his lapel, her voice soft yet taunting. "You had your chance. You chose to betray me."

Something in his eyes flickered—an emotion she couldn’t quite place. Regret? Possession?

She didn’t care.

Because this time, she was in control.

And she wasn’t going to let Cypher—or anyone else—dictate her fate.

Before he could say another word, she turned and walked away, leaving him standing there, watching.

Because the game had just begun.

And Zafira Caelum?

She was going to win.

TO BE CONTINUED...

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***