The air inside the inn hung thick with tension—like the lull before a storm. Outside, the moonlight spilled across the cobbled street, casting long shadows that seemed to whisper secrets of old. Inside, silence reigned.
Kael sat across from Selene in the private upper chamber of the inn. Ryn stood near the wall, arms crossed, her amber eyes flicking between the vampire and Kael with barely restrained suspicion. Across the room, Velira watched with cold detachment, but her fingers trembled slightly around the hilt of her dagger.
Selene's gaze lingered on Kael. "Your bloodline is not just royal," she said, voice soft but sharp. "It is cursed and blessed. A lineage that once brought ruin to kingdoms… and salvation to others."
Kael didn't flinch. "You speak in riddles."
"I speak in truths your world has forgotten," Selene said, brushing a dark strand of hair from her face. "The world will soon remember them… through you."
---
Elsewhere... in the capital city of Ardrosia
A noble council chamber filled with incense smoke and whispers. A man in golden robes leaned forward on the throne of obsidian marble, voice cutting through the murmurs.
"The Nightborne have moved," he said. "The emissary has found the vessel."
A hooded woman knelt. "The Red Fang will intercept, your Grace."
"No," the ruler murmured. "Let them converge. Let the fire light the shadows."
War was coming.
---
Back in the inn…
Kael exhaled slowly. "You said you wanted an alliance."
Selene nodded. "The Nightborne are fractured. But a faction among us sees your awakening as... fate. I want to place you under our protection."
"And in return?" Kael asked, though he already knew.
"I want you," she said softly. "In blood, in body, and in power."
The room tensed.
Ryn stepped forward. "He's not yours to claim."
"Oh?" Selene smirked, eyes glinting. "And are you?"
Ryn's eyes flared. "He saved me. Fought beside me. I've risked my life for him—"
"And yet you are still unsure if he wants you back," Selene cut in.
Ryn's jaw clenched. "He does."
Kael stood slowly. "Enough."
Both women turned to him.
He looked at Ryn, then at Selene. "This isn't about choosing. This is about what comes next. If the Nightborne Court is moving, I need to know why."
Selene rose gracefully, walking toward him. "Then let me show you."
She stood so close their breaths touched. Her hand rose slowly, brushing against his cheek.
Kael didn't pull away.
Selene leaned in—and kissed him.
The kiss was soft at first, cool lips pressing against his. But then he felt it—a surge of power, dark and ancient, as if his soul was being unraveled and rewoven with hers. Her fingers curled in his shirt, pressing herself against him. The kiss deepened, turned hungry, her lips opening to taste him fully.
Kael groaned against her mouth, the dark thrill of her essence mingling with his. It was intoxicating, primal.
Behind them, Ryn's face twisted with a mix of shock and fury. She turned away, storming out of the room with a slamming door that echoed down the hall.
---
Meanwhile, in Lyra's bedroom...
The little girl stirred in her sleep, brow furrowing. Her small hands clenched the blanket, and a faint glow shimmered over her skin.
Aeris, Kael's elf wife, sat beside her, brushing strands of silver-blonde hair from her daughter's face. She hummed softly, her ancient voice weaving a lullaby from a forgotten elven kingdom.
Suddenly, Lyra's eyes snapped open—glowing faintly gold.
"Mommy... Daddy's in danger," she whispered.
Aeris froze. The old magic was awakening.
---
Back upstairs...
Kael broke the kiss, breath ragged, his eyes wide.
"What was that?" he asked, shaken.
Selene's eyes shone red. "A taste of our bond. If you accept, you'll never age. Never die. You'll hold the blood of vampires in your veins—and the Nightborne will become your true court."
Kael stared at her.
"You're not the only faction watching me, are you?"
"No," Selene said. "But I might be the only one that wants you… rather than fears you."