Seraphina's body trembled as the power of the divine beast coursed through her veins. Her once-dormant magic now surged like a living flame, fierce and unrelenting. She could feel it—dark light infused with silver sparks—twisting and awakening something ancient within her blood. The forest around her shimmered under the pulse of energy.
Behind her, the assassin watched, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade, as if prepared for anything—even her destruction, should she lose control.
But Seraphina did not lose herself.
Instead, the divine beast stepped forward, its large head bowing slightly. The pact is sealed. The flames of the old throne shall return with you. Wield this power, not in revenge—but in balance.
Seraphina nodded, silently acknowledging the weight of those words.
---
By the time they returned to the palace, dawn had broken. Word had already spread: Seraphina was missing. The Empress had doubled the guards and confined all those loyal to Seraphina under false charges. Tensions were at a breaking point.
As Seraphina passed through the underground tunnel, escorted by her assassin companion, she stopped near the old chamber where the Empress once performed dark magic rituals. The scent of blood and ash still lingered. Symbols of forbidden magic marked the walls. Seraphina's hand brushed the stone, and a sudden memory flooded her—of her past life reading about this very chamber in the novel. Back then, she had pitied the sweet heroine, now revealed to be the root of many manipulations.
"How much longer will she cling to a throne built on lies?" Seraphina muttered.
The assassin raised a brow. "When you're the only ruler, lies become law."
Seraphina smirked, her confidence blooming. "Not for long."
---
Meanwhile, in the Royal Council Hall...
The Empress sat upon her obsidian throne, dressed in deep crimson robes that shimmered like blood in candlelight. Her veil covered her face as always, but her voice was cold, calculating.
"The girl has vanished. And yet, I feel her power rising." She glanced toward her loyal right-hand man—Commander Vale, one of her rumored lovers and a man whose loyalty was beginning to fray.
"She went to the forest," he admitted quietly. "Where the divine beast sleeps."
A sharp crack echoed as the Empress crushed her wine glass in hand. Red liquid ran down her palm like blood. "Then she has chosen war."
---
That Evening – The Palace Garden
Seraphina stepped out from the shadows, her presence commanding. Servants and nobles turned their heads, gasping at her transformation. Her dark gown shimmered like a starless night, her silver-tinged aura glowing faintly.
One of the nobles whispered, "She's returned… but not the same."
As she walked into the gathering, silence fell. All eyes were on her—and not a single one dared meet her gaze.
She raised her voice, calm yet piercing. "Lies have ruled this kingdom long enough. My bloodline was hidden. My power denied. But no more."
Gasps echoed.
"I am Seraphina Vaelen. The last heir of the Silver Flame. And I claim what is mine."
---
End of Chapter 21