Hellbound Heart

The Reigns castle sat on a rugged hill overlooking the city of Quesa. It was a colossal six story structure in the shape of two huge cuboids that were connected by a bridge at a straight angle and covered by two adjacent high gable roofs. The snow-covered mountains that could be seen rising majestically behind the castle just made the view all the more magical in her eyes.

The past few days, Elle had already began seriously studying the city of Quesa and this country. She had found out that the Reigns Castle had stood on that same hill for centuries, and that the royal family had religiously buried their ancestors under that hill.

She had seen a photo of this castle before but now that she was seeing it with her own two eyes, she could not help but feel something peculiar. That something magical and mysterious she had been feeling since the moment she stepped into this country seemed to become even stronger now as their car entered the castle's complex through the symmetrical gatehouse flanked by two stair towers.

When the car stopped at the vast courtyard, Elle felt her heart thud hard within her.

"Don't worry. They already know that the wedding's already over." Sebastian's calm voice sounded from beside her. "So, you don't need to bother about explaining it."

Elle could not help but crease her brows at him. "You already gave them an explanation on why we had gotten married so suddenly? Would you mind telling me what excuse you used on them so our stories will match? I believe that they will still question me about it."

"I didn't give any explanation. I just said that this is our decision. They won't pry you about this matter, Izabelle. That I can assure you." He sounded so confident and sure about it that Elle had no choice but to believe him and stop asking about the matter. She could only hoped that the ladies would not corner her later on and try to dig more information out of her.

The sight of the entire castle being sprinkled with numerous decorative chimneys and ornamental turrets, and the court front with colorful frescos while the court-side gable was crowned with a black-colored dragon mural, made Elle pause in her steps. The mysterious feeling escalated once again. The thought that this feeling seemed as though she had just arrived in a fictional world had her shaking her head in disbelief and wanting to laugh out aloud. What was going on with her? She really needed to stop overthinking because her feelings and thoughts were really starting to become more and more ridiculous!

Sebastian offered her his hand and when Elle accepted it, he intertwined their hands together as though it was a natural thing for them to be so touchy-feely. She guessed it was necessary as they needed to portray the loving and passionate relationship that they had which would justify their sudden registration of marriage. She decided to not say anything as she understood that this was him already starting their act, trying to ignore the feel of his large hand entwined with hers that was more than just a little bit distracting.

"Relax," his velvety deep voice echoed softly into her ears as they walked forward hand in hand. "You have nothing to be nervous about."

Elle just gave him a nod. And once they both entered the main door, Elle halted at the people who were already gathered there, seemingly anticipating their arrival.

All eyes went to her. Their faces smiling, and she could see no pretense in them as she looked from one pair of eyes to another. They all looked at her like they were genuinely pleased. Each one of them were extremely beautiful people oozing with an unsettling elegance.

"Welcome to the Reign family, Izabelle," an older woman around the same age as King Rudy approached her first. She had seen her in the picture. This was the current reigning queen. King Rudy's wife, Queen Lana of Viscarria. Her mother-in-law.

Lana embraced Elle in a welcoming hug. And then, the others came to her. Two princesses approached her after Queen Lana. Their names were Rena and Minerva. Both had blond hair and brown eyes, just like the queen.

"Nice to meet you, Sister-in-law, I'm Kyle." The handsome man who was obviously one of the Reign's princes, just going by the color of his eyes and his aura, shook hands with her. He had a face of a male superstar and such charming and gentle smile.

After gracefully greeting Prince Kyle back, another man stepped forward. She knew him. He's the famous businessman and CEO of Quin Corporation, Skyler Quin Reign. He's also the second oldest prince of this kingdom.

Just like Kyle, Prince Skyker had that princely kind of attraction which was befitting a perfect prince on a white horse. It was so opposite and unlike Sebastian's villainous and fallen-angel type of male beauty.

"Hello Izabelle, so glad you're finally here. Meet my wife, Kelly." Skyler flashed Izabelle such a warm sisterly smile as he introduced her to Kelly.

Kelly was a sophisticated lady exuding an aura of an alpha woman. She had seen her in interviews before so she already know that Prince Skyler's wife was also a powerful businesswoman. These couple too exudes elegance but for some reason she didn't feel that indescribable presence around them. She didn't know how to explain it but these couple feel more just like her, when compared to the rest of the family.

"I see why Sebastian has fallen in love you at first sight, Princess Izabelle." Kelly giggled when a familiar voice echoed.

"Izabelle!" Elle's gaze widened before it flew to the man approaching them. It was Alexander.

When her eyes fell to the woman next to him, Elle just stood there for a while, unable to pull her gaze away as she stared at her. She must be Alexander's wife, right?

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A/N: Thank you for waiting.

p.s. to all Hellbounders, Hellbound With You is now completed.