Chosen Mate Of The Beastmen Empire

Nyx: [Why'd you have me add your personal account all of a sudden, Lancet?]

The reply came fast, like he'd rehearsed it: [This is my life account-separate from work. We're neighbors now, so you can hit me up on whichever you want.]

Nyx chuckled, typing quick: [Sweet-guess that makes you my friend now, Lancet.)

In the quiet room, the phone screen's faint glow lit up Seafarion's face. He stared at Nyx's words, reading them over and over. When she sent a little bunny- peeking-out emoji, he couldn't help tapping to save it.

Nyx: [Actually, I've got a question for you, Lancet-not sure if it's cool to ask.]

The joy washed away fast-Seafarion's heart clenched, like a fist squeezed it tight.

"What question?' he thought, 'Is it something I couldn't answer easily-probably personal. Is she really into Lancet?'

Before he could spiral too far, Nyx's message hit: [Sorry, I couldn't control myself last night. Didn't see Seafarion today, so I'm kinda worried-did I hurt him?]

In a flash, Seafarion lit up-his pale skin went red from his ears down his neck, spreading fast.

Nyx lounged on the sofa, feet up, watching the "typing" bubble flicker on and off for five or six minutes-no message yet. Her stomach hurt from holding in laughs.

After ages, a short one came: [No.]

Two seconds later, he added: [You? Are you hurt?]

Seeing Nyx say she was fine too, Seafarion let out a long breath, but the blush wouldn't fade.

He'd never thought he was some horny creep, but last night kept looping in his head-he couldn't stop replaying it, hooked like an addict.

He touched his burning cheek, took a deep breath, and set the phone down to cool off. The screen flashed-Nyx sent a video. He couldn't tell what it was from the thumbnail. Seafarion's shaky hands fought it, but he caved and hit play.

"Did you set up my place, Lancet?" Nyx's soft, playful voice came through. She held the phone, filming the house with the back camera-living room to every

corner.

She sounded happy, like she was smiling. "I love it-thanks, Lancet."

Two short lines, and Seafarion's mood rode her voice like a rollercoaster-wild swings. He'd done the place up-her liking it was the best news. But hearing her thank Lancet so sweetly soured his chest.

The video hit the master bedroom-camera flipped to front-facing. Seafarion wasn't ready-bam, her stunning face filled the screen, heart pounding like drums.

"How's this dress?" Nyx pulled the camera back, spinning half a circle to show off her strappy sundress. "Cute, right? Bought it ages ago-never wore it 'til now."

The skirt flared out in layers, making her look like a flower fairy. Seafarion couldn't peel his eyes off-felt split in two. H his brain screamed 'cute, the other half drowned in jealousy.

'Why'd she doll up and send this to Lancet, asking if he liked it?' he thought.

He clenched his lips, shut off the video-wanted to chuck the phone across the room, like that'd ditch all his messy feelings

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too. But Nyx kept pinging him-asking about the dress.

He couldn't ghost her-gripped the phone tight and typed honest: [Cute]

Nyx [Think Seafarion would like it?)

Dark clouds parted-light broke through. Seafarion couldn't believe it-joy surged up, washing away the bitterness.

Seafarion: (Why ask that?]

Nyx: ['Cause I want him to like me.]

Nyx: [Bunny spinning with heart emoji)

Nyx: [But he doesn't seem to like me-won't see me, doesn't want to be tied to

me.]

Nyx: [Guess I crossed a line yesterday-not on purpose, though.]

Nyx: [Sad bunny emoji]

Highs crashed to lows again. Seafarion stared at that crying bunny sprawled on the floor-his chest ached dull and heavy.

Seafarion: [Don't be sad.]

Seafarion: [You didn't cross him-he's the one who rudely crossed you. He's guilty.]

'Do I like her?' Seafarion asked himself.

No more messages came after that-Nyx figured the chat was done, time to quit while ahead. Next morning, she checked her phone and saw Seafarion sent something at 3 a.m.

Seafarion: [You're not a good match.]

Sun was up outside. Bedroom curtains kept it dim.

Nyx stared at that random line, laughed so hard she clutched her sides. Didn't need to think hard-she knew he was wallowing in self-pity again. They clearly liked each other, but he was hung up on not being a good match.

No matter what, he was her guy-she wouldn't ditch him, just tease him a little. Nyx rolled out of bed, ignored the message, slipped on slippers, and headed to wash up.

She'd stayed up late plowing through scripts-missed her alarm, slept 'til ten-thirty. Besides that one message from Seafarion, there were a few unread messages from her agent too.

**

Marilyn texted: [Morning, Nyx.]

Marilyn: [Did any scripts or roles from yesterday catch your eye?]

Marilyn: [Or what kinda script do you like? Got any favorite writers or directors in mind?]

Early that morning, Marilyn got a visit from Lancet, who gave her a rundown.

From what he said, it sounded like Nyx could have whatever she wanted-custom scripts, top actors to co-star wi didn't want to act, singing, dancing, or doing variety shows were all up to her too.

'f she

If Nyx wanted fame, they'd push her to the top with everything they had. If she wanted to chill, they'd let her be the comfiest couch potato around.

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Marilyn had been in the entertainment biz for years and thought she'd seen every type of relationship, but Seafarion and Nyx still blew her mind. The way he spoiled her, she almost thought Seafarion was Nyx's darf or something.

She passed Lancet's words on to Nyx, but privately, she figured it'd be better for Nyx to take it slow-build her rep one solid role at a time.

With a powerhouse backer like Seafarion, Nyx could strut through the industry no problem, but men's feelings changed like the wind-she shouldn't count on that. In the end, running her own career was the most reliable move

Marilyn had been through a failed relationship herself and felt this deeply. But she got it-Nyx was still young and probably couldn't see it yet. With a shortcut right there, no one would want to grind it out.

Outsiders' advice rarely worked, so Marilyn didn't bother. She just braced herself

to roll with Nyx's antics. At ten-thirty. though, she suddenly got a message from

Nyx.

Nyx: [I read all the scripts you sent yesterday, Marilyn, and I'm leaning toward this novel adaptation.]noveldrama

Nyx: [But the fallen princess role doesn't feel right for me. The shadow guard's more interesting-I want to try that.]

Nyx: [So, when's the audition?]

Nyx: [I've never done one before and don't know the process. Hope you can teach me, Marilyn.]

Marilyn was floored. She double-checked with Nyx to make sure she really meant

to audition—not just messing around. Those roles were hers for the picking. With enough cash, she could bankroll her way in, even snag the lead-no need to

compete.

"Bankroll my way in?" Nyx waved it off. "Nah, I'd rather audition myself."

Sure, unfair stuff like that was common in the industry-an unspoken rule everyone accepted-but she didn't see the point. In this world, her main gig was landing her partner and passing the test. Everything else was just a laid-back bonus. Marilyn's eyes softened with a bit more admiration for Nyx. She picked up the script Nyx chose, skimmed it again, and hesitated. "Why not the fallen princess? Too few scenes?"

The scripts she'd picked for Nyx were all top-notch, but when suggesting roles, she had to factor in Nyx being a newbie- complex parts might be too much.

"The princess has fewer scenes, sure, but she's stunning-great character too," Marilyn explained gently. "And you wouldn't need killer acting chops."

A gorgeous face was enough. Add a touch of melancholy mixed with grit, and it'd be perfect. Marilyn thought the role was practically made for Nyx-spot-on.

"It's not the screen time," Nyx said, rubbing her nose sheepishly. "She's the world's most beautiful woman-I don't think I can pull that off."

Not to sound vain, but she knew she was pretty. Still, beauty was subjective, and while she was sure her partners saw her as the world's finest, others might not. Plus, the princess's tragic hairpin suicide after her kingdom fell was noble and poetic, but Nyx would probably stab the enemy with it instead.

"If you can't play her, no one can," Marilyn said, shaking her head with a half- laugh, half-sigh. A face that could charm the richest guy around wasn't your average pretty.

She tried nudging Nyx again. "The shadow guard's masked-no spotlight for your strengths. And tons of figh

"Mm-hm," Nyx said, nodding obediently from the couch. "I know, it's fine. I've actually learned a little martial arts."

nes."

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In fact, Nyx knew a lot more than "a little".

Marilyn eyed her soft, fair face skeptically, figuring she was bluffing. But since Nyx

was set on pushing herself, she didn't argue more. She just gave advice-the call was Nyx's.

The audition was in three days. Not aiming for stardom, but once she committed, Nyx took it seriously.

No time for acting classes, she camped out at the studio for three days, learning

the audition ropes and digging into her role as deep as she could. What cheered

her up was that the shoot was in Broskel-no long haul, just a comfy ride in the

van.

"Might be a lot of people auditioning," Marilyn said, reassuring her. "Don't stress- just do your best

Nyx wasn't some real eighteen-year-old-she'd seen big scenes before. No way she'd freak out over this. But when she got there, the sheer crowd still threw her. She thought, 'A lot? This is insane!'

Even Marilyn, who hadn't seen a turnout like this in ages, looked around and sighed lightly. Nyx sure had an eye-picking a role with this much competition. It was a novel adaptation, yeah, but the book was huge, backed by the top entertainment company, Cosmic Entertainment, and directed by the legendary Zachary Wright. Not even filmed yet, and it was already pegged as a hit. Even nameless extras with one face shot had people clawing for the chance. The audition site was a sea of bodies.

Nyx signed in, grabbed her number tag, and tucked into an out-of-the-way corner. She'd just pulled out her script to review when a few folks sidled up, chatting like old pals. "Hey, can we peek at your script? We forgot ours." They introduced themselves-newbies from Cosmic Entertainment, fresh out of college, recently signed. They'd snagged an edge since their company was an investor, getting through an internal round to land this shot.

"You new too? Which agency? Never seen you before," they said. A stunner like her? They'd remember.

"What role are you going for?"

"You'd be perfect as the fallen princess!"

"Totally!"

"Yeah, short screen time, just one scene, but she's the world's most beautiful woman—and her death's gorgeous. Your face would blow up online."

The group chattered around her, and Nyx kinda wanted to cover her ears and

bolt. She kept a polite smile. "I'm auditioning for the male lead's shadow guard."

The air went quiet for a beat, then erupted in laughter.

"Hahahaha!"

"You're a riot!"

"Fine, don't want to spill? Fair-we might be rivals. No point ruining the vibe."

"Real talk, though-if you're serious about the shadow guard, you're toast. Still time to switch," a girl said, shaking her head.

She flexed her arm, letting Nyx feel her muscles. "I'm going for it too. I work out a

lot and trained in martial arts."

"Zachary hates flashy nonsense. He might make fight scene actors spar on the

spot," she said, eyeing Nyx's fa hate to hit you, but you wouldn't stand a chance." cerely. "I'd

Nyx looked delicate-a push could topple her. She'd lose to anyone here. It was

better to switch than flop in front of

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everyone.