Celestial Hearts💫🌹
CHAPTER ONE — AMARIS GREY
My heart pounds as I run.
How dare they betray me—after everything.
Rain crashes down, cold and heavy, as I turn and find him standing there. Sadness shadows his face, and a single tear slips down from those golden eyes, mixing with the rain. I know what he’s about to do. Rage burns in my chest, sharp and helpless.
This isn’t the end, I think—right before everything fades to black.
---
My alarm blares.
“Ugh,” I groan, dragging a pillow over my face. I am not a morning person.
But today was the day.
Tonight, I’d be going with my parents to the Treaty Ball—a grand gathering where humans and supernaturals come together under the illusion of unity. It’s the kind of event where every smile hides an agenda.
I wasn’t fond of crowds or small talk, but I did love dressing up. That was my small consolation.
Still, there’s this feeling—an unsettling weight I can’t shake. Anxiety? Maybe. But it feels… deeper, like something waiting just out of sight.
I try to push it away. I’ve got things I want to do, reasons to show up. One day, I’ll be an ambassador for the Committee—helping bridge the gap between humans and supernaturals, protecting those who can’t protect themselves. That dream is bigger than my fear.
The world I live in is… complicated. Supernaturals exist, though not every human knows. My parents do—they work closely with them, handling disputes and keeping both sides from tearing each other apart. There are entire hidden realms: lands of fairies, werewolves, vampires, and angelic guardians. You’d never know they were there unless you were invited in.
Most of our dealings are with werewolves. They fascinate me—their loyalty, their strength… their idea of “soulmates.” It’s beautiful in theory, fated love and all that, but I’m not sure how I feel about destiny deciding for me. Love should be chosen, shouldn’t it? Besides, I like my solitude. Being told who my heart belongs to sounds like a nightmare.
My phone buzzes, pulling me from my thoughts. It’s my mom, reminding me to be ready. The ball is being held in the Lycan Kingdom this year—a massive celebration for the Lycan King’s birthday.
I’ve never been there before.
Honestly? The idea of mingling with Lycans, Fae, and others makes my stomach twist. But at least I get to wear something pretty. That’s the one part of the night I’m looking forward to.
When I come downstairs, my parents are waiting in the kitchen, both looking too serious for comfort.
“Hey,” I say carefully. “What’s going on?”
Dad clears his throat. “Sweetheart, remember—don’t wander off on your own tonight. Stay close to your sister, Aria. Not everyone there will be friendly toward humans.”
I sigh. “I know, Dad. I’ll be fine, I promise.”
He nods, though his eyes still carry that quiet worry that never really leaves. I finish breakfast, then head back upstairs to distract myself before getting ready.
That heavy, restless feeling lingers.
It’s like the air is warning me.
Something’s going to happen tonight.
I pull my dress from the closet—a black, ankle-length lace gown that shimmers subtly under the light, paired with silver heels. Elegant, simple, and maybe just enough to make me feel braver.
After a shower, I start on my makeup. My reflection stares back from the tall mirror—dark curls falling past my shoulders, warm brown eyes, and skin that glows faintly under the soft light. I go for a golden-neutral look, a light shimmer on my eyes, and a red-tinted lip stain for confidence.
By the time I’m done, it’s six o’clock.
And ready or not, the night is waiting.
---
CHAPTER TWO — ELIAS EVANDER MALEK
Another night, another royal obligation.
The Treaty Ball.
Just hearing the name makes me want to disappear.
“Ready for tonight?” my younger brother Rael asked, lounging against my doorframe with his usual grin. “I can feel it. Tonight’s going to be special.”
I raised an eyebrow. “You say that every year.”
He shrugged. “And one of these times, I’ll be right.”
Rael was chaos wrapped in charm—reckless, loud, and annoyingly likable. I, unfortunately, was stuck being the responsible one.
Tonight’s gathering was one of our council’s formal events—a chance to remind everyone that peace still existed between our kinds. At least on the surface. Personally, I just hoped to get through it without anyone trying to introduce me to my “fated match.”
It’s not that I didn’t believe in the bond. I just… wasn’t looking for it. Not yet.
I caught my reflection in the mirror—gold-hazel eyes, dark hair, a face that mirrored my father’s more than I cared to admit. He was still king, still a presence that filled every room, still the shadow I was expected to live up to.
He wasn’t cruel—just strict. Duty over desire. Legacy over freedom.
And I, being the eldest, was meant to carry it all.
Once, decades ago, there was a war. Supernaturals and humans both suffered. It was started by a being who wanted vengeance—a hybrid powerful enough to tear realms apart. Their loss broke alliances and friendships, even within our family. No one speaks of them now.
Since then, the council has worked to keep the peace. And soon enough, that responsibility will fall to me.
No pressure.
