Bound by the Dark Prince

Evelyn's mind reeled as she sat on the cold stone floor, her breath still uneven. The vision—no, the memory—felt more real than anything she had ever experienced. The woman, her other self, had spoken as if she had been waiting for this moment.

She looked up at Kael, her voice barely above a whisper. "What has begun?"

Kael regarded her carefully, his crimson eyes unreadable. "The awakening of what was once sealed."

Evelyn's pulse quickened. "Who was she? That woman I saw—she looked like me, but she wasn't… she wasn't me."

Kael didn't answer immediately. Instead, he extended a hand, pulling her to her feet. "Not here," he said. "There are things you must see first."

Without another word, he led her through the darkened corridors of the castle, his movements swift and purposeful. The torches along the walls flickered as they passed, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch toward them like grasping hands.

They descended deeper, down a spiral staircase that seemed to coil endlessly into the earth. Evelyn's steps faltered as a strange pressure built in the air around her, an almost tangible force pressing against her skin.

Finally, they reached an enormous door, carved with intricate symbols that pulsed with an eerie red light. Kael placed his hand against it, and the symbols flared to life, shifting and rearranging themselves before the door groaned open.

The chamber beyond was vast and ancient. At its center stood a massive stone pedestal, upon which rested an ornate dagger. Its hilt was inlaid with rubies, and its blade gleamed with an unnatural sheen, as if it had never dulled.

Evelyn's breath caught. "What is this place?"

Kael stepped beside her. "This is where your bloodline's oath was forged."

Evelyn turned sharply to face him. "My bloodline?"

Kael nodded. "The power within you, the memories trying to resurface… they are not merely yours. They belong to those who came before you, those who once ruled the forgotten lands of shadow and fire."

Evelyn swallowed hard, her gaze flickering to the dagger. A deep, instinctual part of her knew it. It called to her, whispering in the same ancient voice that had haunted her dreams.

She stepped forward, reaching for it.

Kael's voice was calm but firm. "Once you touch it, there is no turning back."

Evelyn hesitated for only a moment. Then, with steady fingers, she wrapped her hand around the hilt.

A searing heat shot through her veins, and the chamber erupted with power. The symbols on the walls flared, and the whispers became deafening. Visions flooded her mind—battles fought in the name of an empire long forgotten, a throne bathed in blood, and a shadowed figure kneeling before her, swearing fealty.

She gasped as she was pulled back to the present, the dagger now pulsing in her grip. Kael watched her carefully, his expression unreadable.

Evelyn's chest rose and fell rapidly. "I… I remember pieces. Not everything, but I know this dagger."

Kael stepped closer, his voice low. "Then you are ready for the truth."

Evelyn tightened her grip on the dagger, determination hardening in her chest. Whatever lay ahead, she would no longer run from it.

The past was calling.

And she was finally ready to answer.