SERAPHINA

What was that noise? Why were people running, shouting?

I furrowed my brow as I pried my eyes open—but only darkness greeted me. I waved my hand in front of my face, straining to see anything at all. Nothing. Just endless black.

“W-What happened?” I whispered to the empty air.

My head throbbed, every muscle in my body aching. I tried to sit up, but my limbs felt heavy as lead.

Oh god—am I dead? Did I get hit by a car or something? I racked my brain, trying to piece together the last thing I remembered. Car? What was I even doing before this?

I touched my forehead, then my eyes—they were open, I could feel it. So why was everything so dark?

Slowly, fragments of memory clicked into place. The old woman. The knife. The van.

Right. I fought with Mama this morning—she told me to drop out of school, but I left anyway. I was walking to campus when I saw them drag her into the van, saw the blade slice through her shirt. I didn’t think twice—I just ran to help her.

What came after? I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to reach for more.

Then it hit me.

“He sprayed something in my eyes!” I cried out, jolting upright in the bed.

My heart hammered against my ribs as panic set in. I spun my head from side to side, hands scrambling at the sheets. Still nothing but black.

The realization crashed down on me like a tidal wave.

“Am I… am I blind? Did I lose my sight?” My voice cracked, barely audible even to myself. A weight settled deep in my chest, stealing the strength from my limbs.

I sobbed, hot tears tracking down my cheeks. Blind? I’m blind?

What would I do now? How would I finish school? How would I ever work to make something of myself?

Fear coiled tight in my gut. They’ll hate me even more now.

If they resented me when I could see, what would they do now that I was blind?

I drew a shaky breath, forcing myself to calm down. That’s when I heard a door open and close somewhere nearby—but no one spoke.

“H-Hello? Is anyone there?” I called out.

After a moment, a soft clearing of the throat. “I take it you’ve realized your condition, Miss Mortez?” The voice was calm, professional—likely a doctor or nurse.

“Am I really blind?” I asked, my hands trembling in my lap.

“For the time being, yes. But there’s good news—it isn’t permanent. We expect your sight to return fully within a year, possibly sooner.”

Within a year. I let out a small breath of relief, but the worry lingered. A whole year without seeing… who would care for me?

“W-What about the woman I saved? Is she okay?”

There was a pause before she answered. “You’re worried about her even now?” A hint of warmth in her laugh. “She’s stable. Recovering well.”

I felt a little lighter knowing she was safe. The doctor explained more about my condition—why my vision was gone, what treatment would look like—but none of it stuck. My mind was fixed on one thing: how my family would react.

“Would you like us to contact your family, Ms. Mortez? We can have someone call them for you.”

I froze. “I… I don’t know their numbers by heart.” I hated how small my voice sounded.

“I see. We’ll find a way to—” The door slammed open so hard the frame rattled.

“Seraphina!”

My breath caught. Mama.

“Ma’am, please—you can’t just burst in like—”

“M-Mama?” I cut the doctor off, relief and dread warring in my chest. “How did you find me? I was so scared—”

A sharp slap across my cheek cut me off. I cried out, clutching my face as numbness spread through my skin. I didn’t know where to look—there was nothing to see.

“Damn you! You were useless enough before—now you’re blind and completely worthless!” She shouted, her voice echoing off the walls.

“Mama, I didn’t mean for this to happen—”

Another slap, harder this time. My head spun.

“You’ve never brought anything but bad luck to this family! Why did I even bother having you?!”

Her words sliced deeper than any physical pain. I could hear her arguing with the doctor, her voice sharp and angry. Nothing new there—Mama was never easy to reason with when she was upset. I asked the doctor to let her stay, my voice quiet and defeated.

The air in the room felt thick enough to swallow. Without sight, my hearing and sense of touch were sharper than ever—I could feel every shift in the mattress, every breath Mama took. I sat hunched against the headboard, waiting for her to speak.

“Your Aunt Aning had to come to the house before I even knew you were here, you fool!” She snapped. “What are we supposed to do with you now?”

“I don’t know, Mama. I don’t know.” My shoulders slumped.

I was so close to graduating. Now everything’s gone. Even if my sight came back, would it really? Nothing was ever certain.

Silence stretched between us. Then she spoke, and her words shattered what little hope I had left.

“I’ve made my decision. I’m selling you to Don Tiago. You’re no use to us like this.”

“Mama! I’m not something you can just sell!” I cried out, my hands fisting in the sheets.

She smacked my leg hard. “And what else are we supposed to do? You can’t go to school, you can’t work—you’ll just drain us dry. We should be focusing on Hera, not cleaning up your messes!”

My chest tightened until I could barely breathe. How could she give me away so easily? What had I ever done to make her hate me this much?

“At least when we sell you to the governor, we’ll get paid. You’ll finally be good for something—and you’ll live comfortably in his home!”

Fear pricked at my skin. Governor Tiago… the stories I’d heard made my stomach turn. Before I could think, the world faded to black once more.

“Sera! Are you ready yet? Hurry up—Hera’s going to fix your face so you don’t look so miserable.”

I dropped my head, my fingers wrapped around the wooden cane I’d been given. Two days had passed since I’d lost my sight. Papa had been furious when he found out—exactly what I’d expected.

“I’m done,” I said, my voice flat as I sat on the edge of my bed. I heard footsteps approaching, then Hera’s voice, high and sharp.

“Ugh! Why did you have to go and get yourself blinded? Now you’re going to be some pervert governor’s plaything.” She grabbed my face, her fingers cold as she dabbed at my cheeks with something.

I said nothing. My heart was already in pieces—what more could she do to hurt me?

“Ah well. Thanks in advance for the money, though! Looks like we’ll finally get out of this dump. Guess you are the breadwinner after all.”

Still, I stayed quiet. I dressed slowly, letting them guide me out of the house when they said the governor was here.

“What’s wrong with you?! Why are you crying?!” Mama hissed, pinching my side hard.

Who wouldn’t cry when their own family is selling them? But I bit back the words, letting her pull me forward.

“Stop it! You’re making yourself look worse!” Hera complained from beside me.

I was almost grateful I couldn’t see—grateful I wouldn’t have to look at the governor’s face, or see the greed in my family’s eyes.

“Gov!” Mama called out brightly.

“Oh, Mrs. Mortez! Is this your daughter?” The voice was slick, oily—even through the darkness, I could picture his leering smile.

How do I get away from this man?

“Yes, sir! Isn’t she beautiful?” Mama trilled.

“Beautiful indeed! Perfect, just perfect!”

“Are you happy now, Mama?” I heard myself say, my voice barely a whisper.

She pinched me again, and I let out a hollow laugh.

What else could I expect from people who’ve treated me like a stranger my whole life?

I listened as they haggled, then felt a hand wrap around my arm—warm, but firm enough to make my skin crawl.

“You’re a lovely girl, sweetheart,” he murmured in my ear.

I didn’t respond, letting him lead me toward what I assumed was his car. But before I could take another step, a voice cut through the air—deep, cold, and commanding.

“Negotiating human trafficking… is that allowed in your circles, Gov Tiago?”

Even I froze at the sound. The hand on my arm tightened with panic.

“V-Vitale! What are you doing here?!” The governor’s voice shook.

Vitale? Who is that?

“I’m here for Seraphina Mortez. And it seems you’re holding her.”

The governor shoved me away so fast I stumbled, nearly falling. Strong arms caught me before I hit the ground, pulling me close against a solid chest. His scent—something clean and woodsy—filled my lungs.

“W-What do you want with me?” I asked, my hands gripping his shoulders.

“Not now. We’ll talk later. Just stay still and come with me.” His voice was low, hypnotic—impossible to resist.

“W-Wait! She’s my daughter—” Papa stammered.

“How much did the governor offer you?” The man cut him off, his tone sharp.

“H-Huh?”

“I won’t ask again.”

“Five thousand dollar.”

Five thousand dollar. I wasn’t surprised they’d been swayed so easily.

“I’ll pay triple that amount. In exchange, you will forget Seraphina Mortez was ever your daughter. You’ll have no right to claim her as family. And if you ever try to contact her again…” He paused, and the silence that followed was more terrifying than any threat.

“You’ll all be dead.”

I heard my family scrambling, their voices rising in panic. Then strong arms lifted me off my feet, and I wrapped my legs around his waist instinctively, clinging to his neck. As promised, I said nothing as he carried me to a car, setting me gently on soft leather seats.

“Stay here. I’ll handle the rest.” He closed the door, leaving me alone in the quiet darkness—wondering who this mysterious man was, and why he’d saved me from a fate I couldn’t bear to imagine.

THIRD PERSON'S POINT OF VIEW

“What do you even want with that girl?! She has nothing to offer you—why would you be willing to—” Sera’s mother’s words died in her throat as the stranger fixed her with a glare sharp enough to cut glass.

“Be quiet,” he said, his voice flat and cold as he tossed a briefcase onto the ground before them.

Confusion warred with greed in their eyes as they saw the mountain of cash inside. All concern for Sera vanished—money was all they’d ever wanted, and this man was giving them more than they’d dreamed of for their daughter.

The stranger glanced at the governor, who couldn’t meet his gaze—fear and nerves written all over his face. The governor knew exactly who this man was: a name famous in business and in the darker corners of the world. Dangerous. Way out of his league. Better to back off and let him have the girl.

Inside the car, Sera sat in total darkness, relying only on her ears, her sense of smell, and her touch to make sense of the world around her. The black void was still new—just yesterday she could see the vibrant colors of everything around her. Now, nothing remained but endless night.

She flinched as the car door opened and someone slid in beside her. Instinctively, she pressed herself against the far door, wrapping her arms around her knees. She had no way of knowing if this man meant her harm—if he wanted to hurt her, she’d be helpless to fight back.

“You’re safe now. I won’t hurt you.”

His voice was like ice, sending shivers down her spine. She stayed silent, too scared to speak.

“From what I understand, you’re blind—not mute, are you?”

“I’m not mute,” she blurted out before she could stop herself. She wanted to slap her forehead for reacting so quickly.

He let out a soft laugh—a sound that sent strange ripples through her body.

“Good. There’s no thrill in a toy that can’t make a sound.”

Her jaw dropped. She turned toward him, even though all she could see was darkness.

She couldn’t believe what she’d heard. The urge to throw herself out of the moving car was overwhelming.

“W-What—do you want my body too?!” She trembled, making the sign of the cross as the car pulled forward. “It’s wrong to force someone! That’s r*pe! I won’t sleep with anyone—blind doesn with anyone—blind doesn’t mean helpless! I can fight you—what’s so funny?!”

He laughed again, even as tears welled in her eyes, threatening to spill over.

“Hmm… really? But what if you’re my wife?” he teased, and she felt her temper flare hot enough to steam.

“Non-consent is r*pe, no matter who you are—husband, boyfriend, or—wait—wife?! What wife are you talking about?!” Terror seized her all over again. Did she just trade one nightmare for something worse?

He only laughed softly in reply, saying nothing more for the rest of the ride. He made no move to touch her or harm her, and exhaustion eventually pulled Sera into a deep sleep.

 —

The sky was dark by the time they reached their destination: a sprawling estate within Chateau de Taltal, one of the city’s most exclusive villages. The man stepped out of the car, his aura and gaze colder than ice—his striking emerald eyes impossible to miss, even in the dim light.

“Sir Lucian! The madam is inside—she’s been waiting for you.”

A guard rushed toward him, breathless.

“Tell her to wait a moment. I need to think.”

The guard nodded and disappeared into the massive mansion as Lucian leaned against the hood of his car, arms crossed, eyes closed.

This wasn’t the work he’d come to the Philippines for. How had he ended up playing hero and “hunting” for a woman?

Memories flooded back.

[FLASHBACK]

“Sir! The hospital is calling!”

Lucian’s brow furrowed as one of his men rushed over, holding his phone with a worried look. He couldn’t ignore it—not when his staff looked that panicked.

He peeled off his blood-stained gloves, tossed his baseball bat to the floor, and stepped over the bleeding man’s hand without a second glance. He pulled out his vape, took a hit, then answered the call.

[“Is this Mr. Vitale?”] a woman’s voice asked on the other end.

Lucian exhaled slowly. “Yeah. What does Ferrer Hospital want?” He spoke coldly, gesturing for his men to clean up the mess around them.

[“Sir… your grandmother—”]

He hung up without another word, striding out of the room and toward his car. He slammed his hand on the steering wheel as he started the engine.

“Damn it, old woman!” he growled, pressing his foot to the gas. Worry for his grandmother—the only family he had left—burned hot in his chest.

 —

“Ma’am, please calm down! You’ll hurt yourself!”

Lucian could hear nurses’ panicked shouts before he even entered the room. Of course his grandmother was causing a scene—she’d always been stubborn as stone.

But relief washed over him when he saw her. She was alive, and seemingly unharmed.

“What’s all the fuss about, old woman?” he called out as he walked in, and every eye turned to him. His emerald eyes, sharp nose, perfect jawline, full lips, and dark wolf-cut hair drew attention wherever he went—along with the heavy, cold presence that surrounded him.

Everyone felt the weight of his gaze… except for one person. His grandmother, still in a hospital gown despite her injuries, threw a pillow at his head.

He caught it easily. “What now? Why are you in here?” He walked to the chair beside her bed, then glanced at the nurses and nodded for them to leave. His grandmother quieted once he sat down.

He leaned back, studying her pale face.

“This is about that again, isn’t it?” he asked.

She didn’t answer, staring at the ceiling with a sad look in her eyes.

“L… I was kidnapped again,” she said softly. “But a woman saved me.”

He raised an eyebrow, listening.

“She was beautiful—like an angel, inside and out. She helped me even though she didn’t know me. And in the end… she lost her sight because of it.”

Lucian’s face hardened at the last part. He noticed her voice was thick with tears—tears that were now streaming down her cheeks.

He muttered a curse under his breath, standing to pull her into a gentle embrace, rubbing her back.

“Stop crying. You’re not a child.”

She sobbed harder. “W-What will happen to her? The nurses said her own mother treated her like dirt here yesterday…”

He clicked his tongue. “This isn’t a fairy tale… maybe it’s not as bad as you think—”

She knew him well enough to see past his gruff words. He acted like he didn’t care, but he always did. She was the only person he’d ever show softness to.

After a few minutes, she calmed down. He was peeling an apple when she spoke again.

“Find her, L,” she said, her voice firm with authority.

He laughed lightly at the shift in her expression. “Finally back to your usual self?”

She shot him a glare. “I haven’t cried like that in years. But I mean it—find her for me, my boy.”

“Why should I? I’m busy,” he said coldly, earning an even colder look in return.

“Oh really? Fine then—I’ll ban you from setting foot in the Philippines ever again—”

“What’s the point of finding her?” he cut in.

She smiled. “I want to repay her kindness. If I have all this wealth and can’t even thank the person who saved my life… what good is it?”

“You’re wasting your time. You should go back to Italy for your fashion show.”

She cackled. “Idiot—do you see this stab wound in my side? I’m not going anywhere.”

He had to admit she was right. His grandmother was infuriating.

“Enough of this. Did you take care of the ones who did this?”

“Of course I did. Who do you think I am?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “I own a hundred franchises, I’m a world-famous billionaire—I bet everything I have, and reporters are lining up for my statement.”

Lucian said nothing, but her next words caught his full attention.

“Find her… and marry her, L. Make it your grandmother’s last wish.”

 —

And so he had. At first, he’d only planned to find the woman to silence his grandmother’s pleas—marriage was never part of the deal. But seeing Sera up close… she was breathtaking. Even with her eyes closed, her beauty left him stunned. He’d changed his mind in an instant, deciding to give his grandmother exactly what she wanted.

Lucian had always been a sucker for beautiful women—a notorious playboy. Who would have guessed a blind girl from the provinces would affect him this deeply?

A man of his status, known across the globe… drawn to someone he’d just met?

A slow smile spread across his face as he looked at Sera, still sleeping soundly inside the car.

“Hmm? What’s with that smile?”

He turned to see his associate approaching. “Get me a lawyer and a ready-made marriage contract.”

His eyes drifted to Sera’s full, pink lips, visible through the car window.

“I’m getting married. Damn it.”