The next morning in the Hollow Vale was eerily calm.
Birds sang from glowing branches, and golden mist drifted lazily through the trees. But Evelyn felt a chill she couldn't shake, like a storm was watching from the shadows.
Lucien stood nearby, sharpening his blade. He hadn't slept. Not really.
"Something's coming," he said, eyes scanning the forest.
Evelyn nodded. "I feel it too."
Before they could speak further, the temple bells rang—sharp and urgent.
Keeper Ayra emerged from the grove, face pale. "The wards have broken. Someone has entered the Vale."
Evelyn's heart clenched. "Seraphine?"
"No," Ayra said grimly. "Worse."
A rumble echoed through the trees. Then, from the smoke at the far end of the vale—two figures appeared.
Lucien tensed. "The Firstborn... and—" his voice caught.
Evelyn stepped forward, stunned.
"Father?"
He looked the same as in her visions—tall, dark-haired, with eyes once filled with warmth. But now... those eyes burned red.
He wore armor marked with the seal of Seraphine.
Evelyn froze. "What... what are you doing with him?"
The Firstborn grinned, sharp and cruel. "He came willingly. Isn't that right, Alden?"
Her father said nothing at first. Then he spoke, voice calm but distant.
"I serve the Crimson Queen now. Seraphine offered truth... when your mother offered only lies."
Evelyn stepped back, as if struck. "No... that's not possible."
Lucien moved beside her, hand on his sword. "She loved you. She died protecting Evelyn from Seraphine."
"She died protecting a fantasy," Alden said coldly. "Evelyn was never supposed to be born. The blood of Celestials and Moonborn is forbidden. It awakens a hunger that cannot be controlled."
"I don't care what law says," Evelyn said, voice trembling. "I'm still your daughter."
Alden looked away. "Not anymore. Seraphine showed me what you will become. The flame inside you—it will destroy everything. Even him." He looked at Lucien.
Lucien's eyes narrowed. "If you're here to kill her, you'll have to go through me."
The Firstborn stepped forward. "We're not here to kill her. Not yet."
He raised a hand—and suddenly, the ground erupted, vines bursting from the soil, wrapping around Evelyn and Lucien.
Lucien slashed through them, but more came. Evelyn tried to summon her light, but her power felt heavy. Muddied.
"Don't fight," the Firstborn whispered in her ear. "You know this power frightens you. Give it to us... and the pain ends."
"No," Evelyn growled. "You don't get to take what I haven't given."
With a cry, she released a surge of light—silver, blinding. The vines disintegrated. Lucien caught her as she stumbled.
Her father shielded his eyes, face dark. "You've chosen war, Evelyn."
"No," she said, standing tall. "You chose betrayal."
The Firstborn laughed. "So dramatic. Let's see how long your heart lasts before it breaks."
Then—they vanished, swallowed by smoke.
Later, back in the temple, Evelyn sat in silence, staring into the fire.
Lucien sat beside her. "He made his choice. That doesn't make it your fault."
Evelyn's voice was hollow. "I waited my whole life, dreaming he might be alive. And when I finally see him... he's already gone."
Lucien hesitated, then gently took her hand. "You still have a choice, Evelyn. His path isn't yours."
She turned to him, eyes glistening. "What if I become like him? What if this power... swallows me?"
Lucien brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Then I'll be the one to pull you back. Every time."
A beat passed.
Then Evelyn leaned in—and kissed him.
This time, it wasn't in fear or desperation. It was soft, real, and quiet. A promise.
Lucien pulled her closer, his forehead resting against hers. "Whatever comes next... I'm with you."
But in the corner of the room, the silver flames flickered—and for a moment, they turned black.
Far away, in the Crimson Queen's lair, Seraphine watched through a mirror of blood.
"So much fire," she whispered. "So much love."
Alden stood beside her, face emotionless.
"She's strong," he said.
"But not yet unstoppable," Seraphine smiled. "We will make her choose. Her heart... or her gift."
She stepped forward, placing a hand on his chest.
"She still thinks you can be saved. That will be her undoing."
Alden's jaw clenched—but he said nothing.
Seraphine's eyes gleamed. "The girl loves the vampire. And that love... is the key to breaking her."