The palace halls were colder at night.
Most nobles feared the dark, but I found comfort in it—no eyes, no whispers. Just silence and shadows. And tonight, I wanted both.
[Target located: Lady Sera. East Wing. Laundry Quarters.]
She was exactly where the system said she'd be—bent over a basin, sleeves soaked, scrubbing clothes that didn't belong to her.
Her silver-blonde hair clung to her damp neck, her cheeks flushed from labor. There was a softness to her—gentle, almost innocent. Pretty, in a quiet way.
She didn't notice me until I spoke.
"Sera."
She startled, eyes wide. "Y-Your Highness?" Her voice trembled. "I—I didn't think you ever came here."
"I don't," I said flatly. "Not until now."
She stared at me, confused but flattered. I could see it—how just my presence lit her up like a candle. It was almost pitiful.
"You… never even looked at me before," she said.
"I'm looking now."
[Affinity Level: Low. Emotional imprint detected. Lust potential: Compatible.]
I stepped closer. Her breathing changed.
"You were kind," I said simply. "When others weren't."
She blinked, uncertain. "I didn't do it for praise."
"I know. That's why it was useful."
She looked hurt. Briefly.
I didn't care.
[Bond Initiation Possible. Potential Trait: Healer's Grace.]
"Do you hate me, Sera?" I asked.
Her answer came too quickly. "No. I could never."
Pathetic.
But I brushed a wet strand of hair from her cheek anyway. She trembled like I'd blessed her.
"You're shaking."
"I—don't understand what's happening."
"You don't need to."
[Proceed to Physical Bond? Stat Boost and Lust Core Expansion Expected.]
I leaned in. "Do you want me to stop?"
"No," she breathed.
I kissed her.
She melted.
[Bond Initiation: Successful.]
[Trait Gained: Healer's Grace (Rank D) – Minor regeneration, stamina recovery boost.]
[Charisma +1 | Stamina +2 | Lust Energy Reserve: 15%]
[New Ability: Heartlink (Sera)]
Her hands clung to me like I was salvation.
"Call me Raiden," I whispered. "Just tonight."
She nodded, eyes glowing.
"They'll hate you if they find out," she said softly. "They'll say you stained royal blood."
I smirked. "Let them talk. I need something to stain."
She followed me willingly—obedient, eager. That was all I needed.
When we reached my chambers, I shut the door and turned to see her still standing there, fingers fiddling with her apron like a nervous pet.
Her lips were red from our kiss. Her eyes full of hope.
Foolish girl.
[Lust Level: Critical. Target fully receptive. Complete the bond physically?]
"Yes," I said aloud.
She blinked. "Talking to yourself again?"
I walked toward her slowly. "No. Just making a calculated decision."
She smiled like I'd just confessed a secret.
"I like this side of you."
"You like being wanted," I corrected.
My fingers traced her arm, and she gasped. Her skin burned under my touch.
"I won't force you," I said. "But I'm not waiting."
"I want this," she whispered. "I want you, Raiden."
Of course you do.
I laid her on the bed, undressing her like unwrapping a gift I didn't plan to keep. Her eyes never left mine, desperate for meaning I didn't give.
The first time I entered her, she cried out. I groaned, more from the system boost than the feeling.
[Lust Resonance Achieved. Syncing Traits… Boosting Physical Parameters.]
She clung to me, moaning my name like it meant something.
"Don't stop," she begged.
I didn't. Not until I drained every bit of energy I could from the bond.
[Lust Core: Activated.]
[Trait Unlocked – Maid's Devotion (Rank C): Temporary strength boost when defending bonded partner.]
[Lust Points Gained: +45]
[Vitality +3 | Endurance +2 | Libido +5]
[New Ability: Heat Pulse – Emits a short-range aura that weakens enemies and arouses bonded targets.]
Her climax shattered her. Mine anchored me deeper into the system. I rode that surge like it was a drug.
She was breathless, whispering something about me glowing. I didn't care.
We went again—slower, quieter. More for me than her. And when we were done, she curled up beside me like a good little prize.
"You're not worthless," she whispered. "You never were."
But she was wrong.
Because she still thought I wanted her.
[Note: Level 1 Lust Bond Formed. Emotional loyalty: High. Subject imprint complete.]
She slept peacefully.
I didn't.
I stared at the ceiling, the system purring with fresh power in my veins.
This wasn't love.
It was leverage.
And I was only getting started.
[System Notice: Lust Path – Tier 1 Unlocked. Next partner will unlock new skill branch. Ascension linked to L
ust Core and Beast Bloodline.]
I smirked.
"Bring me the next one."
Because Sera?
She was just my first taste.
And I had no intention of looking back.