Chapter Text
Prologue
The woman sitting across from him had a dazzling smile. He couldn’t remember ever seeing anyone as beautiful. Her violet eyes sparkled, and her blood-red lips stretched into a wide grin as she laughed at yet another one of his silly jokes. Tonight was their two-year anniversary, and he was going to propose. She knew, of course—he had never been able to keep anything from her. But he appreciated the way she played along, pretending to be oblivious to the moment he was planning. Tonight was going to be special, and he could hardly wait to take her home.
They were at her favorite restaurant, seated by the balcony windows with the vast city of Hell twinkling in the backdrop. She loved this city, though she often whispered dreams of seeing beyond it. On many nights, she’d shared her quiet hopes of one day exploring the world beyond her kingdom, dreams spoken like soft prayers into the night. Someday, when she claimed the throne from her father, she would finally be free.
As the sole heir to Wrath, Princess Atina was more a prisoner than royalty. Her father had kept her hidden within the kingdom’s borders, feeding her stories of decay and ruin in the realms beyond, convincing her that Wrath alone thrived. He said that, one day, she would be the savior who would bring life to those dying lands, even if Wrath’s way of life had to be forced upon them. She had believed him—until she met him.
He was her father’s strongest general, Wrath’s battle-hardened commander for over five decades. Their paths had crossed by chance, or fate, as she liked to claim. His tales of life in other realms showed her a world of diverse people, foods, cultures, and even love—all of which she had been missing. She began to question everything she had been taught, realizing that Wrath’s borders were more prison walls than protectors. Once she took the throne, she would change things, open Wrath to the world beyond, and bring life and freedom to her people.
Hespotted the waiter approaching with a small plate bearing a slice of chocolate cake—Atina’s favorite. He grinned as her eyes went wide, a gasp slipping from her lips as she took in the words written on the plate.
“Will you marry me?” he said, lowering himself to one knee, holding out a small violet treasure box. Inside, there was no ring. He had given her a promise ring months ago, just as she had given him hers. Atina loved the human custom of proposals and often made him recount his tales of raiding treasure chests from pirate ships on one of his missions. Hence the treasure chest ring box. Tonight was all about her, and though she likely guessed his plans, her feigned surprise allowed him to believe he’d kept it a secret. He rode the high of their engagement all the way home, their laughter filling the halls of the mansion. Atina loved the rose petals scattered across the floor, singing his praises as she slipped into the bath he’d prepared.
And just like that, his mission came to an end.
He stood frozen, staring down at Atina’s lifeless body sprawled across the marble floor. Staff and security rushed around him, alarms blaring as they tried to revive her. He was immediately arrested on suspicion of her murder, though no evidence linked him directly to her death. Eventually, he was released, becoming a pitiable figure, a broken man robbed of his beloved princess.
Only he knew the truth.
"Well done, soldier." His handler’s voice broke through the haze. "The delayed poison enchantment in that promise ring was genius." A firm pat on his back forced him to straighten, his hands falling to his sides. He hated this feeling—the loss of control over his own body.
"We’ve already got approval for your next mission," his handler added with a smug grin. "And I’ve picked out the perfect name for you this time."
He said nothing as his handler looked him over. “How do you like the name ‘Jungkook’?”