Bound by the Dark Prince

Evelyn's heart pounded as Kael's words sank in. No turning back. What did that mean for her? For her future? She had come here seeking answers, but all she had were more questions.

Kael studied her reaction carefully, his crimson eyes unreadable. "You did well tonight."

Evelyn crossed her arms. "That wasn't training. That was survival."

A shadow of amusement flickered across his face. "A lesson learned best in battle."

She exhaled sharply, glancing at her hands. The power she had wielded—where had it come from? How had she done it? It had felt so natural, like an extension of herself, yet foreign at the same time.

Lord Varian stepped forward, his silver eyes gleaming. "You are awakening, girl. The more you fight, the more you will understand what you are."

Evelyn's brow furrowed. "And what exactly am I?"

Kael and Varian exchanged a look before Kael turned to her. "That is something we will uncover in time."

Evelyn clenched her jaw. She hated secrets, and she hated being kept in the dark. But she had little choice now. If she wanted to survive in this world, she had to trust them—at least for now.

Varian folded his arms. "Rest for now. Your next lesson begins at dawn."

Evelyn narrowed her eyes. "Another fight?"

Kael smirked. "Something more… enlightening."

She wasn't sure she liked the sound of that.

Kael gestured toward the door. "Liana will take you back to your room."

Evelyn turned to see Liana waiting silently by the doorway, her expression unreadable. With one last glance at Kael and Varian, Evelyn followed the healer out of the chamber.

The halls were quiet, save for the faint echoes of their footsteps. The castle felt more ominous at night, the shadows stretching longer, whispering secrets she could almost hear.

After a moment, Evelyn spoke. "What did Kael mean by 'awakening'?"

Liana hesitated before answering. "It means your body and soul are beginning to remember."

Evelyn frowned. "Remember what?"

Liana's voice softened. "Who you truly are."

A chill ran down Evelyn's spine. She didn't remember anything unusual about herself—nothing that could explain the power she had wielded tonight. Yet, a part of her knew she couldn't deny it anymore. Something inside her was changing.

When they reached her chambers, Liana paused at the door. "Sleep, Evelyn. You will need your strength."

Evelyn watched her leave, then stepped inside, closing the door behind her. The room felt too large, too quiet.

She lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Her mind spun with thoughts, but exhaustion soon pulled her under.

Yet, as sleep took her, whispers filled the room. Low, ancient voices murmured in a language she didn't understand. A strange warmth spread through her chest.

And in the darkness, something inside her stirred.