The cold wind blew gently over the hills of northern England. Windmere Castle stood tall, its grey stone walls glowing in the soft golden light of the setting sun. It was a quiet place, old and full of secrets, but today it was alive with music, flowers, and hundreds of guests.
It was the wedding of the year — a grand event where powerful people came together. Expensive cars lined the long road to the castle. Guests walked across red carpets, dressed in suits and sparkling gowns. Laughter and soft music filled the air. Champagne glasses clinked, and the smell of roses and fine perfume floated in the breeze.
Inside the castle, crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling. The ballroom was decorated in white and gold. A large stage stood at the front, where a famous singer played the piano. Candles flickered everywhere, giving the old castle a warm and dreamy feeling.
A tall man stood alone near one of the tall windows. His name was Aaryan Raizada. He wore a black suit made from the finest fabric in London. His sharp jawline, dark eyes, and calm face made him look like a man who always got what he wanted. Most people knew him as the CEO of Raizada Industries — a billionaire, powerful and feared.
But today, Aaryan was quiet. He didn't smile or laugh. He didn't care much for weddings. He didn't believe in love.
He held a glass of whiskey in his hand and watched the guests dance. His mind was far away, thinking of his next business deal. The castle was beautiful, yes, but it reminded him of his past — of his family, his bloodline, and the dark stories no one else knew.
Suddenly, his eyes caught something — or rather, someone.
She had just entered the ballroom through the back door, following the florist's team. Her dress was simple — a soft cream-coloured gown that looked borrowed. Her shoes were flat and a little worn. She looked out of place among the rich and polished guests. But there was something about her that made Aaryan look twice.
She moved quietly, her eyes wide as she took in the castle's beauty. Her long dark hair fell over her shoulders, and her skin glowed in the candlelight. She didn't try to be noticed, but somehow, she was the only person he could see.
He didn't know her name.
He didn't know she had grown up in a quiet orphanage outside Oxford.
He didn't know she had strange dreams of fire and forests since she was a child.
And he didn't know that her blood carried the final piece of a curse written centuries ago — a curse that began with a bloody dagger and an oath of revenge.
But his heart… noticed her.
For a moment, the music faded in his ears. The noise of the party became distant. The air felt heavy, as if the room held its breath.
He turned away quickly, frowning at himself. He didn't like feelings. Feelings were dangerous.
Especially for a man like him — born into a family that had made a deadly promise long ago.
A promise written in blood.
An oath that said: "When love finds the blood of the Raizadas, one must kill or die."
And somewhere in the crowd, the girl with soft eyes and a forgotten past was about to awaken that ancient curse — without even knowing it.
The wedding carried on. Music played, glasses were raised, and no one noticed the storm that had just begun.
Except him.
And her.
Even though they hadn't met yet…
Their souls had.