.·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·. Chapter 3. The First Truth.·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·.

The echo of the music continued to vibrate in the room, but for Marlene, everything had become a game of glances. Dante and Max, two men as different as the sun and the moon, watched her intently. And between them, she felt like she was walking an invisible tightrope, fearing a false step.

[Kira: Be careful, human. This is the moment where one false step can define your path. You can’t trust both of them at once… yet.]

Kira watched, meowing softly as she analyzed her player’s reaction. It was clear that Marlene’s every decision would be critical to her survival and her ultimate destiny.

Marlene forced an elegant smile and decided to retreat to the balcony to get some air, feeling the night’s chill clear her mind and give her a small respite from the tension burning in her chest. Every thought was divided: Dante’s intensity and Max’s warmth made her doubt her own feelings and the strategies she should follow.

She wasn’t alone for long. Dante was the first to approach, with that silent, confident gait that always seemed to measure every movement of those around him.

“Miss Volkov,” his voice was low, more intimate than in the drawing room. “I confess that I’m rarely intrigued by anyone at these receptions… and yet, here I am speaking to you.”

He stopped a step away from her, close enough that the icy breeze couldn’t hide the warmth in his gaze, a warmth that seemed to pierce her skin.

[Kira: Breathe! The prince has just opened a window to his heart. If you reject him abruptly, you’ll trigger his distrust.]

Marlene responded cautiously, struggling to remain calm as her heart threatened to race.

“Perhaps because he’s used to everyone trying to impress him, Your Highness. I… I only speak to you sincerely.”

Her words seemed to strike a hidden note in Dante. His lips curved slightly, almost in silent thanks, and Marlene felt that, for a moment, everything around her disappeared. There was only the sensation that she could see into the prince’s soul.

But then, a firm and confident voice interrupted the intimacy.

“I’m sorry to interrupt,” said Max, appearing on the balcony threshold, immaculate in the moonlight, “but Miss Volkov had promised me a few minutes of her attention.”

The contrast was stark: Dante, dark and magnetic; Max, luminous and direct. And both of them, looking at her as if every answer could mean betrayal.

The system appeared:

[Unexpected Mission: Choose who to entrust your first truth to.]

Option 1: Dante Inovov. Reward: Affinity +10 with Dante.

Option 2: Max Smirnov. Reward: Trust +10 with Max.

[Kira: Choose well. Only one will receive a part of you tonight. If you hesitate too long, the system will decide for you… and it isn’t always fair.

Marlene felt a lump in her throat. She could make excuses, play along, or take a small step toward the truth in her heart. Her thoughts were a whirlwind. Each man represented something different: Dante, mystery and passion; Max, protection and security.

She turned first to Dante.

“Your Highness…” she began, but stopped. The intensity in his eyes was an ocean difficult to traverse, and for a moment she felt trapped in its depths.

Then she looked at Max.

“Knight Smirnov…” Her smile softened, remembering the nobility in his greeting, the warmth of his voice, and the silent trust he inspired.

[Kira: Now! Choose now: the mission, or the system will do it for you.]

Time stood still. The room, the music, the lights… everything disappeared into a heavy silence, as if the entire world awaited her decision. Marlene held her breath, aware that one false step could change everything.

And just as she was about to open her mouth, the system flashed even brighter.

[Emergent Mission Activated: Interference.]

An intruder has entered the hall. Imminent danger. Priority: Protect your identity.

A scream echoed from inside the palace. Guards ran, the music abruptly stopped, and the murmurs of the nobles mingled with the alarm. Dante and Max turned at the same time, instinctively assessing the threat. Marlene understood that the choice would have to wait; her first step toward personal truth had to be postponed while danger loomed over them.

The game wasn’t going to give her a break. Her heart pounded, and a mixture of fear and adrenaline surged through her body. Kira meowed softly, as if to say the challenge was just beginning. Marlene knew that every decision from now on would define not only her position in this world, but her destiny to return home.

And as the night wind brushed her face, she knew she had to stand firm: she couldn’t afford to make a mistake, not now when everything was at stake.

                                                                                                                      ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥to be continued˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥