Bound by Sin and Light

Lisa didn't sleep that night.

Every time she closed her eyes, she could feel him—his touch, his breath, the way his voice curled around her like smoke. She hated it. She hated him.

And yet...

The next morning, as she stood in front of her mirror, her lips still tingled with the memory of their kiss.

No. She wouldn't let him win.

Lisa squared her shoulders, forcing steel into her spine. Today, she would remind Jungkook exactly who he was dealing with.

The Royal Council Hall

Lisa arrived late on purpose.

She knew Jungkook would be there, along with the council members from both their kingdoms. Today was their first official meeting as a betrothed couple.

The thought made her stomach twist.

As she entered the hall, all eyes turned to her—including his.

Jungkook sat at the far end of the long table, his posture lazy yet regal. His black wings were folded neatly behind him, his fingers drumming idly against the polished wood.

But his eyes—those dark, knowing eyes—were locked only on her.

Lisa ignored him, taking her seat beside her brother, Taehyung, the Crown Prince of the Angels. He gave her a small nod, his expression unreadable.

"Now that we are all here," one of the elders began, "we may discuss the terms of this alliance."

Lisa clenched her fists under the table. Alliance. That's all this was supposed to be. A political arrangement to prevent war.

So why did it feel like a battlefield?

Jungkook leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm. "Before we begin," he drawled, "I'd like to request a change in the engagement contract."

Lisa's head snapped toward him. What is he up to now?

The elder frowned. "A change, Your Highness?"

Jungkook smirked, his gaze flicking to Lisa before he spoke. "Yes. I'd like to invoke the Mating Clause."

Silence crashed over the room.

Lisa froze.

The Mating Clause.

It was an ancient rule—one that only fated mates could invoke. It meant that their bond would be recognized not just politically, but soul-deep. It was binding, irreversible.

Lisa shot to her feet. "Absolutely not."

Jungkook arched a brow, looking infuriatingly pleased. "Why not, princess? Afraid you won't be able to resist me?"

Lisa saw red. "You bastard—"

"Lisa."

Taehyung's calm voice cut through her fury. She turned to her brother, who was watching her carefully.

"This is a serious request," Taehyung said, his tone unreadable. "Are you certain, Prince Jungkook?"

Jungkook didn't hesitate. "Absolutely."

Lisa gritted her teeth. He was doing this on purpose.

He wanted her bound to him. He wanted her to have no way out.

Lisa inhaled sharply, forcing her voice to remain calm. "If you think I will ever accept that, you're delusional."

Jungkook's smirk deepened. "We'll see."

The meeting continued, but Lisa barely heard a word.

She was too busy planning.

If Jungkook wanted to play dirty, fine.

But two could play this game.

And Lisa had every intention of winning.