Part I: The Flight to Eronvale
The night was thick with mist, and the scent of rain clung to the air.
Kael and Lyra moved like hunted animals through the forest. Every snapped twig sounded like a war drum. Every rustle of leaves a dagger to the spine. The glow of the mark beneath Kael's tunic wouldn't fade it pulsed like a heartbeat, an unholy beacon for anyone seeking him.
Eronvale lay ahead, an ancient city of stone and light, walls high as mountains, where human kings once defied gods. If there was safety anywhere, it was there. Or so they believed.
Lyra's fingers brushed Kael's as they walked.
"Promise me something," she said, voice barely audible above the wind.
"Anything."
"If we fall… you won't let them use you. Don't become what your blood demands."
Kael hesitated, then nodded.But neither of them spoke the truth.Because in their hearts, both knew some destinies cannot be denied.
Part II: Seren's Return
Miles behind them, Seren knelt before a vast obsidian altar, blood staining the stone.
Before her stood Queen Selvara, and beside her a new figure.
A man clad in raven-feathered armor.The Prince of Shadows.Kael's half-brother.
Drenik.
Seren's head remained bowed.
"You failed," Drenik said coldly. "You allowed him to live."
"I miscalculated," Seren replied, though her voice did not tremble. "I will not again."
Selvara spoke softly. "You won't get a second failure."
A dagger was pressed into Seren's palm. Ancient, cursed, its hilt bound in demon hide.
"Find them. Eronvale will fall within days. But I want Kael's head… and Lyra's heart in my hand before the walls collapse."
Seren rose.And this time no mercy, no hesitation.
Part III: The Betrayal
At the gates of Eronvale, the massive stone doors opened at Kael's approach. Torchlight spilled out.An old friend stood waiting.
Garron Vex.
Kael's childhood comrade. Once a brother in arms, now Commander of the city watch.
"I prayed you'd come," Garron said, clasping Kael's shoulder. "You've no idea how many seek you."
Lyra frowned, something cold prickling the back of her neck.
Inside, Garron led them through shadowed halls to a grand chamber.Guards ringed the walls too many for a simple welcome.
Kael's stomach dropped.
"Why so many, old friend?" he asked carefully.
Garron's smile faltered.And then the door slammed shut.
"You always were a stubborn bastard," Garron murmured. "The bounty on your head could buy me a kingdom. And my family's blood runs through Eronvale's streets thanks to your kind."
He drew his sword.
Lyra's blades were out in an instant.Kael's mark blazed like a sun.
"Garron," Kael said, his voice breaking. "We bled together."
"And you abandoned us for her kind." Garron's gaze flicked to Lyra. "Demon whore."
Kael moved to shield her.
"You'll have to go through me."
A single tear slid down Garron's cheek.
"I was hoping you'd say that."
The first blow struck.
Part IV: Heartbreak
It was chaos.Steel clashing. Magic flashing. Betrayal thick in the air.
Kael fought like a man possessed, his mark lending him inhuman speed. Lyra's twin blades danced a storm of darkness.
But Garron's soldiers were many.And behind them another shadow moved.
Seren.
She struck from the dark, her dagger aimed at Kael's back.
Lyra saw it.And without hesitation, threw herself in the blade's path.
Steel pierced flesh.Blood splashed.
Kael turned just in time to catch Lyra as she fell.
"No," he whispered, horror flooding his veins.
Lyra's blood stained his hands.Her eyes fluttered open, pain and love shining through.
"I told you…" she gasped, her voice shaking. "…don't let them use you."
Kael's world collapsed.
He cradled her, the sound of battle fading, grief overtaking rage.
Seren watched, her face unreadable.
"I warned you," she murmured, before vanishing once more.
And the city burned.