Breathing Death Without My Soul Scent

In the rarefied world of luxury fragrance on the East Coast, there was an unwritten rule: no high-grade essential oils or ancient aromatic resins entered the country without the Beaumont familys approval.

Eight years ago, Camilla Cami Beaumont lost her sense of smell in a horrific car crash. The only scent she could registerthe only one that anchored herwas the custom-blended Sustaining Scent I created.

That unique power made me the Beaumont House consort, the trophy husband, the man tethered to her side. I was the one who was supposed to be the beating heart of her world.

Then Blaine Maxwell arrived.

The new male assistant had been with the company barely a month when I saw Cami's eyes track him across the mahogany boardroom table. "He smells so... alive," shed murmured, her voice laced with a raw hunger I hadn't heard in years.

From that day on, she took him to galas and industry meetings I was expected to attend. The nights Cami spent away from our penthouse grew more and more frequent.

Three months later, a pristine white envelope was left on our doorstep. Inside was Camis prenatal scan report.

Blaines number flashed on my phone. He answered with a victorious, challenging laugh.

Trophy husband, he drawled, the words designed to hit low. My scent is natural. Cami says its got a pulse, a real persons scent. Better than your manufactured dead perfume.

He didn't hang up. Instead, he sent a video. Cami was lounging on a chaise, her eyes distant and cold.

If Grandmother Beaumont hadnt forced me to swear on her deathbed that I wouldn't divorce Caspian Thorne, do you think hed have lasted a single week as the Beaumont Consort? She let out a dry, bitter laugh. Eight years of smelling that one, unchanging scent. It makes me sick to my stomach now.

I gripped the phone, my knuckles bone-white against the black glass.

Cami didn't know the truth. She died in that car crash eight years ago. The Camilla Beaumont who was walking, laughing, and getting pregnant relied entirely on the Soul Incensea fragile, forbidden alchemyto keep her fractured life force tethered to her body.

Grandmother Beaumont had lost her gamble.

It was time for me to walk away.

Grandmother Beaumonts will stipulated that on the first day of every month, only I was permitted inside the familys old Memorial Chamber.

I worked quickly, competently, placing the fine ash of the Sustaining Scent into the small, ancient ritual vessel that held Cami's residual life force.

Before I could finish, I heard a clamor at the door.

Blaine Maxwell burst in, his eyes suspiciously red and brimming with theatrical tears. He dropped to his knees in front of me.

Mr. Thorne, please. Have mercy on me and the baby, he pleaded, his voice cracking. You can get divorced and remarry. You dont have to cling to the title and pretend to be this childs father.

I closed my eyes and continued my silent prayer for the Beaumont familys ancestors. I knew this move. Every time he played the pathetic victim, Cami would arrive, ready for a fight.

Sure enough, a furious shout erupted behind me.

Caspian Thorne! Blaine was right! Youre using your Consort status to abuse him, forcing him to grovel! Camis face was dark, clouded with fury. Who gave you the authority to throw your weight around in my familys sanctuary?

I stared at the two security guards at the door, who looked away like startled quail. "Why didn't you stop him? Are you all incompetent?"

Dont you dare lecture my staff, Caspian. Cami's voice was sharp with rage. She strode over and gently helped Blaine to his feet. Dont be afraid of him, Blaine.

She tenderly wiped the manufactured tears from his cheek, treating him like a priceless, fragile heirloom.

I pressed my lips together and turned away, trying to mask the tremor of rage in my hands. To cover my distress, I feigned calm and adjusted the ashes in the vessel.

As I closed the lid, a hand slammed down, knocking the small box to the marble floor.

The fine, silver-gray ash exploded upward, clouding my face and stinging my eyes.

All you ever do is fuss over this junkthis incense for the dead, Cami spat. The ashes, the scents, it all smells like a goddamn mausoleum.

Her gaze suddenly landed on the small, ancient oak plaque in the center of the chamber. Her eyes narrowed.

She grabbed my throat, her grip instantly tightening. How badly do you want me dead, Caspian? Why did you put my name on a tethering plaque in the familys Memorial Chamber?

A bitter, humorless smile touched my lips. She had finally noticed.

Eight years ago, Cami had survived the crash with her body mostly intact, but her psyche was shattered, her soul fragmented. Grandmother Beaumont, desperate, came to methe last of the Thorne scent-alchemistsbegging for a solution.

I agreed on one condition: I would create the Sustaining Scent and use the ancient Thorne Plaque to tether her life force. The debt was mine, the secret was ours, and during the duration of the 'Scent Bond,' she could never be told the truth.

So, when Cami demanded an answer, I said nothing.

But Blaine, ever the opportunist, leaned forward, a look of faux contemplation on his face. I... I heard of a kind of old-world occult magic. Where you tether a name to a marker to keep a spirit trapped...

He shook his head quickly, acting horrified. No, no, thats impossible. Mr. Thorne would never dabble in anything that dark. I must be wrong.

Cami didn't hesitate. She grabbed the oak plaque and smashed it to the floor, stomping on the fragments.

I screamed, the sound tearing from my throat. "Cami, stop! Youll destroy yourself!

Without that anchored fragment of her soul, her time was terrifyingly limited.

My panic only seemed to fuel her conviction. She sneered. Stop the theatrics, Caspian. What will it take for you to give Blaine his rightful place as the Beaumont consort?

My throat was tight, choked with despair. I managed to force out one word.

"Divorce."

Camis brows knitted together. She massaged the throbbing vein in her temple. You know Grandmother's Will prohibits it unless ninety percent of the family signs off. Youre asking for the impossible.

I twisted my mouth into a pained smile. And arent you doing the impossible to me?

Cami fell silent, the rage briefly replaced by a flicker of confusion.

Blaine immediately pointed to her slightly swollen belly, reminding her of the urgency. Cami, our baby cant wait. Why dont we talk to the elders tonight? Maybe theyll finally agree.

After a moment of thought, Cami pulled out her phone and had the house manager summon all the senior Beaumont family members to the old estate.

Half an hour later, Cami stood holding Blaine close, announcing to the gathered assembly, "I want to divorce Caspian Thorne."

The conference room fell into a sudden, icy silence.

Uncle Robert, the eldest patriarch, slammed his hand onto the table, splashing his Earl Grey tea. Absolutely not! Over my dead body, Camilla.

A chorus of agreement followed.

He's right, Cami. Youre not getting any younger. What kind of snake oil has this boy been feeding you? Youd throw Caspian away? they muttered, shaking their heads in disappointment before filing out.

Cami was vibrating with fury. She pointed a trembling finger at me. What did you promise them? What kind of blackmail do you have on them to make them support you like this?

Blaine, his face crumpled with fake sadness, sighed dramatically. If Mr. Thorne won't agree, let's just drop it, Cami. The baby can always just take his last name.

Cami pulled him into a fierce embrace, promising, "I will fix this, Blaine. I promise you."

I lowered my eyes to hide the devastating loneliness churning inside me and walked straight upstairs.

My covenant with Grandmother Beaumont was simple: as long as I was the Consort, Camis physical safety was my paramount responsibility. With the Plaque destroyed and her soul-fragment scattered, I had to create an even more potent Soul Incense just to keep her body alive.

I pulled out the sealed Thorne Family Grimoirethe book of formulas my father left meand worked for three days straight. I found a way, a desperate, final solution, requiring a single, harrowing catalyst: my own hearts blood.

When the three-inch needle pierced the skin just above my heart, I didn't cry. But when I looked at the bowl containing the precious, nearly-congealed paste, I sank to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.

Cami had promised me she was only using Blaine to try and recover her sense of smell. She swore he was merely a tool, and that I was the one she truly loved.

I had been the fool, buying the lie and becoming the industry's joke.

Lost in the crushing memory, I didn't notice the sharp, burnt smell emanating from the ceramic dish until it was too late.

Need a hand, Cas?

Blaine had appeared silently behind me. Quick as a snake, he grabbed the jade mortar and began mixing the paste rapidly.

My eyes widened in terror. Give that back!

He sidestepped my outstretched hand, a glint of perverse pleasure in his eyes.

Crash.

The mortar slipped, shattering into a million white fragments on the floor.

What did you do?

Rage, primal and suffocating, burst from my chest.

Cami, hearing the commotion, rushed in. Her immediate concern was for Blaine.

What happened here?

I just wanted to help Cas, but I accidentally broke his dish. I even cut my finger. He showed her the microscopic scratch on his thumb. Cami's face was instantly flooded with concern.

She turned on me, her voice a roar. "Caspian Thorne, what in God's name is the matter with you?

She stopped short, her eyes landing on the scattered pieces of jade. An uncharacteristic flicker of guilt crossed her face.

My shoulders shook, and I choked on the lump in my throat. You know... you know that was my fathers.

Cami looked away. It was an accident, Blaine didnt mean it. Besides, your father left you so much. What does one dish matter?

Her blatant favoritism was a physical punch to the gut. I bit my lip until I tasted blood.

Would you be so generous, I whispered, "if he had smashed your mothers last possession?

The question hadn't even finished leaving my mouth when a stinging slap connected with my cheek. My right eye immediately swelled.

Cami was breathing hard, her eyes blazing with hatred and disgust. Dont you dare bring my mother into this! If it werent for you, shed still be alive!

Five years ago, Grandmother Beaumont had a massive heart attack. The staff had the day off, and I was away on an emergency trip. I had promised Cami before we married that I would always look after her family. I broke that promise. It was the poison that had slowly killed our marriage.

Seeing Cami on his side, Blaine grew emboldened. Caspian, Cami is the heir. How dare you publicly challenge her like this?

He turned to the guards. For a lesson, smash every single one of his things! Do it!

The security team immediately began following his orders. Glass vials, delicate measuring cylinders, and precious copper vessels were all smashed against the tile floor.

I was shaking, a silent scream caught in my throat. I lunged forward, but Cami pinned my arms behind my back.

Regret it now, dont you? Where was this passion five minutes ago?

My instrumentsmy inheritance, passed down through generationswere being destroyed. It felt like watching my family die again.

But Blaine wasn't finished. He held up my fathers Grimoire, the leather-bound book that held centuries of Thorne knowledge.

I fell to my knees, pleading, tears streaming down my face. No. Please. Dont.

It was the last piece of him I had left.

Blaine raised an eyebrow, a triumphant smirk on his face, and tossed the book into the massive stone fireplace.

In that instant, as the flames licked the ancient leather, I wrenched free of Camis grip and dove headfirst into the fireplace.

Caspian, are you insane! Cami shouted, a flicker of genuine fear in her eyes. It only vanished when I stumbled back out, coughing and scorched.

My hands were covered in massive blisters, but I clutched the remaining, charred pages of the Grimoire to my chest, sobbing until my ribs ached.

Blaine, pleased with the spectacular result of my breakdown, swaggered off to the master bedroom.

Cami threw a tube of burn cream at me. Her fingers twitched, as if she wanted to touch me, but I turned my head away, my jaw locked.

You are impossible! Cami muttered, her face hardened again. She spun and stalked off.

I stayed huddled in the corner, clutching the sacred, burnt pages, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Then, my phone rang.

Caspian, a familiar voice purred. Interested in making a deal?

The voice belonged to Blair Ashworth, Camis fiercest business rival.

Yes, I said, nodding even though she couldn't see me. But you have to do something for me first.

Camis cruelty had been absolute. I had nothing left to lose.

Blair agreed without hesitation.

I buried my head in my arms, allowing myself one last moment of grief before I began my final campaign.

A while later, my face wiped clean of tears and my expression a mask of indifference, I knocked on the master suite door.

The muffled laughter inside immediately stopped. Cami opened the door, her silk robe slightly askew. What do you want?

I handed her the remaining jar of the precious, thick paste. I spoke in a dead, flat tone. I wont be making Scent anymore. This is the last batch...

Before I could finish, Blaine snatched the jar from my hand. He held it up, a triumphant look on his face.

Its this stuff. I had a little bit of the residue tested last week. It contains a chronic toxin. Its highly addictive and leads to systemic collapse and eventual death.

Camis eyes narrowed into slits of pure fury. She slapped the tray from my hand, sending the last of the Sustaining Scentsplattering onto the carpet.

I watched the precious balm absorb into the wool, my expression unchanged. I had expected this.

Her shoe ground the paste into powder. I knew it! Ive been feeling so light-headed without your perfume lately. It was withdrawal! Caspian Thorne, you have a truly vile heart!

She grabbed my throat again, her eyes bulging. She was waiting for me to beg. I refused.

Without the Sustaining Scent, Cami had less than a month to live. I didn't say it. She wouldn't have believed me anyway. I was done explaining.

Seeing my lack of reaction, Camis grip tightened, but she was suddenly distracted by a sharp, aggressive bark.

Winston, our elderly Golden Retriever, stood with his tail high, baring his teeth at Cami.

The disloyal brute, Cami snarled, kicking out at him. Winston easily dodged her.

We had gotten Winston when we first married. Cami never had time for him; I had raised him. He was fiercely loyal to me.

I gasped for air and gently stroked the top of his head, signaling for him to go out to the garden.

I returned to my room and began packing. One carry-on suitcase. It was all I needed.

A knock. Blaine stood there, looking remorseful. He slipped his arm around mine, far too familiar. Cas, I was a total jerk this afternoon. I apologize, okay? I made a feast to make it up to you.

He pulled me into the dining room and seated me at the table.

The meal was spectacular, and the aroma was genuinely tempting. But when I looked at the shimmering, perfectly cooked meat on the platter, a strange sense of unease settled in my gut.

Seeing I wasn't eating, Blaine smiled thinly and placed a piece of meat on my plate. Go on, Cas. Eat.

When I still hesitated, Blaine looked to Cami.

She cleared her throat. If you eat this meal, I promise I will move out with Blaine immediately. We wont bother you again.

At her final word, I took a small bite.

The moment the meat touched my tongue, Blaine slammed his hands on the table and let out a manic, cackling laugh. Caspian, doesnt that taste familiar? Thats your sweet little Winston!

Staring at his gloating, triumphant face, a wave of nauseating horror washed over me.

Gag. Puke.

I vomited violently, the food mixing with bitter bile. Ignoring the mess, I sprinted outside to the garden.

Winston wasn't there. Instead, I saw a bloody pile of fur and muscle near the stone fountain.

Two bodyguards were calmly washing the dog's skin.

The Madam really spoils the Young Master, one chuckled. He wanted Winstons fur for a rug, and she just had the dog killed. Wonder what Mr. Thorne will do.

Who cares? Hes yesterdays news. The future is the Young Master.

Tears streamed down my face, hot and agonizing. I raced back inside and slapped Blaine across the face with all the remaining strength I had.

You sick psychopath!

Cami fiercely shoved me away. It was just a joke, Caspian! You dont need to be so dramatic about a dog that was going to die soon anyway. Ill buy you a new one!

My forehead cracked against the corner of the dining table. Blood streamed down my face.

I glared at her, trembling with venomous hatred.

A look of genuine distress crossed Camis features. She started to reach for me, but Blaine immediately shouted, pointing down.

Cami! Look! Youre bleeding! The baby! That bastard Caspian must have caused this!

He was a master of his craft. I was the one who was bleeding and broken, yet he somehow made himself the victim.

Cami felt a sharp cramp. She immediately forgot me and rushed off to the hospital, not forgetting to leave one last warning:

If anything happens to my baby, I swear I will make you pay!

By the time Cami returned from the hospital with Blaine, the old estate was packed with every senior member of the Beaumont family.

Her eyes were murderous when they landed on me. She spat out the words. Caspian Thorne, what fresh hell are you trying to cause now? Did you call them here to defend you?

I was given the blame before I had a chance to speak.

Uncle Robert stood up, looking at Cami with an expression of profound disappointment. "Camilla, we came on our own accord. We have conferred, and we agree: We approve your divorce from Caspian."