The Extra's Rise-Chapter 252: Prelude to Second Mission (2)

Seraphina stared blankly at the distant horizon, but she wasn’t really looking at anything. The world around her felt muted, muffled, as if she were standing behind a thick sheet of glass.

’Is he… leaving me too?’

The thought settled in her chest, an unbearable weight pressing down on her ribs, making it hard to breathe.

Her life had been built on cold expectations and rigid duty. A princess born into perfection, given everything she could ever need—except love.

Her mother had once cradled her in warmth, had brushed fingers through her hair, whispered words that made her feel safe.

And then, one day, that warmth was gone.

Replaced by silence. By distance. By a father who saw her not as a daughter, but as a symbol, an heir to be sculpted into something untouchable, unbreakable.

Seraphina had learned to endure. She had learned to swallow the loneliness, to stand perfectly poised, to never show that her heart was nothing more than an empty, aching wound.

She had convinced herself that she didn’t need love. That it was an illusion. A weakness.

Until Arthur.

Arthur, who had cracked through her cold walls without hesitation.

Arthur, who had reached out his hand and, without expecting anything in return, stayed.

Arthur, who had risked everything for her, not because she was a princess, not because she was powerful, but because she was her.

And she—she had clung to him like a lifeline, so desperate for his warmth that she had gripped too tightly.

And now I can’t even love him without wanting to possess him.

Her hands curled into fists, her nails biting into her skin.

’Is this why he’s slipping away?’

She had thought she was strong. That she had conquered her loneliness. That with Arthur by her side, she was whole.

But the truth was bitter, sharp as a blade pressed against her throat.

She was still that little girl, reaching for hands that would never hold her.

’I’m losing him.’

The realization made her stomach churn, nausea rising in her throat.

Arthur had chosen Rose tonight. Not her.

And it wasn’t just about a dance.

It was proof that she wasn’t enough.

Seraphina’s breath came unsteady, her fingers trembling as she tried to keep herself from falling apart.

’No. No, I won’t lose him.’

She had been given everything in life except for love.

Now that she had found it, she refused to let it slip through her fingers.

But how?

If she tightened her grip, would he resent her? If she let go, would he leave?

What was she supposed to do?

She felt something hot drip onto her hands.

Tears.

Seraphina Zenith, the unshakable ice princess, was crying.

Her breathing turned uneven, and she pressed her hands to her face, trying to stop herself from shattering completely.

’Arthur, tell me what I need to do.’

Because for the first time in her life, Seraphina was truly, deeply afraid.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Cecilia was silent.

She didn’t glare. She didn’t curse. She didn’t even smirk.

She just stood there, staring at the spot where Arthur had been, an unfamiliar tightness gripping her throat.

She wasn’t used to this feeling.

This loss of control.

Arthur was supposed to be hers.

At first, he had been nothing more than an interesting toy, an amusing distraction from the dull monotony of perfect noble life.

He was different from the men she was used to—those pathetic little creatures who either groveled at her feet or cowered before her presence.

Arthur didn’t do either.

He defied her. Smirked at her. Challenged her.

He made her laugh.

Cecilia had never expected to want someone before. She had played with people, twisted them around her fingers, but Arthur was different.

At first, she thought she was just entertained.

Then she realized she was intrigued.

And before she knew it, she had fallen.

She hadn’t even realized it until it was too late. Until she started craving his attention. Until every stolen moment, every teasing remark, every flicker of those blue eyes sent something wild and possessive clawing inside of her.

Arthur had become an addiction.

And Cecilia Slatemark never lost.

But now?

Now, for the first time, she felt like she was losing.

Her nails dug into her palms, but she barely noticed.

He had chosen Rose first.

Rose.

That quiet, sweet, boring girl who didn’t scheme, didn’t seduce, didn’t fight for him the way she and the other princesses did.

And yet… he had picked her.

That thought sent something ugly twisting in Cecilia’s chest.

’Why?’

Had she been too bold? Too obvious? Had she scared him? No, that wasn’t it. Arthur wasn’t the type to be scared.

Then why?

Had she become too desperate?

Cecilia Slatemark, desperate?

The idea would have made her laugh if it weren’t so damn true.

She was desperate.

Because the thought of Arthur slipping through her fingers, of someone else having his undivided love, made her feel sick.

It was worse than jealousy. It was an unbearable, all-consuming ache.

She had fought for him. She had thrown away every ounce of dignity she was supposed to have as a noble princess, just for the chance to have him.

And yet, Rose had won.

No, not won. That was the worst part.

Arthur still loved her.

He still wanted her.

But he had pushed her away.

That rejection burned more than anything else.

Because Arthur wasn’t a fool. He knew what he meant to her. He knew how deeply she was consumed by him.

And still, he had chosen someone else first.

Did that mean she wasn’t enough?

Cecilia never wasn’t enough. She was the most desired woman in the Empire. Men begged for her attention, families schemed for their sons to marry her, and yet…

None of it mattered.

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Because the only man she wanted was the one who was slipping through her grasp.

A tremor ran through her fingers.

For the first time in her life, Cecilia felt small.

Weak.

She hated it.

She clenched her jaw, forcing the emotions down.

Cecilia moved with purpose, her steps light but unhesitating as she made her way through the gardens. The moonlight bathed the path in silver, the scent of roses lingering in the cool night air. She could sense him.

And Rose.

Her fingers curled into her palm as she kept walking.

Then she saw them.

Arthur and Rose, wrapped in each other’s arms, dancing as if the world around them didn’t exist. Their laughter was soft, their whispers too quiet to hear, but the sight of them alone was enough to make something tighten in Cecilia’s chest.

Then, the kiss.

She stopped.

Her breath caught for just a fraction of a second before she forced herself to keep moving, her steps measured, deliberate. Rose noticed her first, giving Arthur’s hand one last squeeze before stepping back.

Cecilia didn’t take her eyes off him.

"Arthur," she said, voice softer than usual.

He turned, his azure eyes flickering with something unreadable before settling on her.

"Cecilia."

She hesitated, just for a moment. Then, she exhaled. "I’m sorry."

Arthur’s brows raised slightly, but his expression remained calm. He glanced at Rose.

"Rose, I need to talk to Cecilia alone."

Rose gave a small, knowing smile before stepping away, disappearing down the garden path.

Arthur turned his full attention to her. "You’re apologizing?"

"Yes," Cecilia nodded, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "For how I acted. For pushing you. For treating you like something to be won rather than someone to be loved."

Arthur studied her, his expression unreadable. "And?"

Cecilia swallowed. "And… I can’t help it," she admitted. "I want you. I need you. But I shouldn’t try to own you."

Arthur exhaled, something in his shoulders relaxing just slightly.

"Good," he said simply.

For a second, silence settled between them, the tension less charged, more… fragile.

Then, Cecilia pursed her lips.

"Then…" she hesitated before squaring her shoulders, a smirk flickering across her lips. "If you want… you can touch them. As an apology gift."

Arthur blinked.

His entire brain seemed to stutter. "What."

Cecilia folded her arms, her smirk deepening. "Come on, I know you do."

Arthur exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. "Cecilia—"

"You’re a guy," she interrupted, tilting her head. "And you like me. What’s the issue?"

Arthur closed his eyes for a long moment before looking at her again, azure eyes sharp and steady.

"The issue," he said, voice flat, "is that I am not a pervert."

Cecilia’s lips twitched. "Debatable."

Arthur groaned. "Cecilia."

She held his gaze for a moment longer before sighing, dropping the teasing edge.

"Fine," she said, softer this time. "I just… I don’t know how to do this properly, Arthur."

He stilled.

Cecilia turned away slightly, arms still folded as she stared up at the moon. "I meant what I said. I want you to be happy. I just… I don’t know how to deal with this." She motioned vaguely between them. "With us."

Arthur was silent for a moment before stepping closer.

"Then we’ll figure it out," he said simply.

Cecilia let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

A small, almost imperceptible smile ghosted her lips. "You’re way too soft, you know that?"

Arthur snorted. "I have to be, with you."

She rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. Instead, she took a step forward, closing the distance between them.

Then, without warning, she leaned up and kissed his lips.

Arthur blinked.

Cecilia smirked.

"There," she said. "Now we’re even."

Arthur sighed, shaking his head, but there was the ghost of a smile tugging at his lips.

Cecilia stepped back, hands on her hips. "I’ll stop pushing so much. But I’m not giving up. I still want you." Your next chapter is on novelbuddy

Arthur met her gaze, steady and unshaken.

"I know."

Cecilia tilted her head, eyes gleaming.

"And one day, Arthur…" She leaned in slightly, voice dropping to a whisper. "You will want me just as much as I want you."

Then, with a swirl of crimson mana, she turned and walked away, her laughter lingering in the air long after she had disappeared into the night.

’If it’s for Arthur, I don’t mind.’