Bound by the Dark Prince

Evelyn stepped through the chamber's threshold, her pulse quickening as she followed Kael into the dimly lit hall. The robed figure led them in silence, their footsteps echoing against the stone floor. The air carried the scent of burning incense, a thick and ancient aroma that stirred something deep within her memory.

She didn't know what she expected when they entered the vast underground hall, but the sight before her sent a jolt through her core. A dozen figures stood in a semi-circle, their hoods concealing their faces, their presence exuding a quiet power. The torches along the walls flickered, casting dancing shadows across the gathering.

Kael moved forward, his presence commanding. "The Bloodborn have returned," he announced, his voice echoing through the cavernous space.

Murmurs rippled through the assembly. Evelyn's gaze darted between them, searching for any sign of familiarity. Then, one of the hooded figures stepped forward and knelt before her, the others following suit in unison.

"My lady," the kneeling figure said, their voice steady. "We have waited for your return."

Evelyn's breath caught in her throat. They recognize me.

She swallowed hard, forcing herself to remain composed. "You... you knew me before?"

The figure lifted their head slightly, just enough for her to see the sharp silver eyes beneath the hood. "We served you in the last life. And we will serve you again."

Evelyn's mind spun. The past life Kael spoke of—it wasn't just a vision. It was real. And these people had been part of it.

She turned to Kael, who nodded in quiet confirmation. "They are all that remain of the old order. Those who swore loyalty to you before the betrayal."

Evelyn took a slow breath, steadying herself. "Then tell me," she said, her voice firm, "who were my enemies?"

Silence stretched across the hall before the kneeling figure spoke again. "The Council of Shadows. The ones who feared your power and sought to claim it for themselves."

The words sent a chill down Evelyn's spine. "Are they still alive?"

One of the figures to the side stepped forward, his voice rough with age. "Some perished in the chaos that followed your fall. But the true orchestrators still remain. And they rule from the shadows, as they always have."

Evelyn's fingers curled into fists. "Then they will answer for what they've done."

A ripple of approval ran through the gathered warriors. Kael watched her closely, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Then you are ready to reclaim what was taken from you."

Evelyn met his gaze, something fierce awakening in her chest. The fear was still there, lurking beneath the surface, but it was no longer enough to hold her back. She had been cast aside once before, erased from history by those who feared her.

Not this time.

"Tell me everything," she said. "Tell me how to end them."

The Bloodborn warriors rose as one, their eyes gleaming in the firelight.

The war for the past had begun.