ITOHRLL| PROLOGUE

 Prologue

“The stars in the sky, even the moon itself, cannot compare to the Duke’s beauty…”

“Hmm.”

At the sudden faint groan, Elle glanced subtly at Kalen. 

His complexion had turned much paler than before, cold sweat gleaming on his forehead.

 He carefully set the letter down.

“Are you feeling unwell?”

“Oh, no.”

“Your face looks very pale.”

“Let’s… take a moment to rest.”

“Yes.”

It was strange how someone who had seemed perfectly fine until just before lunch suddenly looked so weak. 

Elle found herself quietly worried.

Putting the letter aside, she reached for a piece of chocolate resting on the plate and popped it into her mouth. 

The chocolate, painstakingly crafted by the duke’s patissier, melted instantly, rich and smooth.

She sighed in satisfaction and picked up two more pieces, savouring the deep, sweet aroma.

As Elle quietly enjoyed the chocolate, the faint groan returned, drawing her gaze once again.

Kalen’s face had gone beyond pale — it was now tinged with a bluish hue.

 A shiver ran down her spine.

“Should I say something again since he looks so unwell? Or should I just leave him be?”

She hesitated, recalling how he’d refused help just moments ago.

Then, just as Kalen rose to his feet, he suddenly collapsed.

Crash!

The chair toppled loudly, and Kalen hit the floor. 

Startled, Elle rushed to his side.

“Duke! Duke, please stay with me! Duke!”

Her heart pounded in confusion and fear.

“Should I go outside and call for help?”

But what if someone who didn’t know the secret saw this?

And what about the duke, lying there so pale he looked as if he might die?

A rush of thoughts flashed through her mind.

Elle gently shook Kalen’s shoulder, calling his name again and again.

“Duke Elias! Please, wake up! Can you hear me? Look at me!”

No matter how much she shook him or spoke, Kalen only gasped for breath.

Then, finally, he fluttered open his eyes.

 Elle’s heart ached as she called out to him once more.

“Duke, please wake up. Can you see me?”

Though Elle spoke earnestly, Kalen’s lips barely moved, trembling hands reaching out toward her. 

She leaned close to hear him.

“Is there something you want to say? Should I call someone?”

But only warm breath escaped his mouth; no words.

“Duke…”

As if hearing the desperation in her voice, Kalen’s shaking hand gently touched her cheek.

“Duke? What do you need?”

Then, suddenly, his lips brushed hers.

A gentle kiss.

As though savouring the sweetness that remained on her lips.

Elle froze and held her breath for a heartbeat as soon as Kalen’s lips met hers. 

Then, shock surged through her.

The duke’s lips had met her lips—not just a fleeting touch, but lingering, softly pressing against hers with a gentle, almost desperate kiss.

“Oh, heavens!”

Startled, Elle pushed Kalen’s head away and sprang to her feet.

She covered her mouth with both hands, flustered, and shouted at him.

“What are you doing, Duke?!”

But Kalen remained dazed, eyes half-closed, lost in a hazy fog.

That—what he had just done—was a kiss.

 A deep, intense kiss.

But what was with those unfocused eyes and trembling hands?

Trying to calm her wildly beating heart, Elle hesitated, then stepped cautiously back toward him.

“Duke?”

“Ch-chocolate… ch-choco—”

His voice faltered as if struggling to breathe. 

After a brief pause, Elle quickly pressed a piece of chocolate into his mouth.

As he lay back, Kalen’s face gradually came back to life, and he chewed the chocolate gently as his colour gradually returned.