Bound by the Dark Prince

The underground hall buzzed with a silent energy as Evelyn stood before the Bloodborn warriors. Their presence was overwhelming, their loyalty undeniable. Yet questions still burned within her, demanding answers.

She turned to Kael. "If they've waited for me all this time, then why now? Why reveal themselves only after my awakening?"

Kael's crimson gaze darkened. "Because you were hidden, Evelyn. Until your power reawakened, they could not find you."

One of the warriors stepped forward, lowering his hood. His features were sharp, his hair streaked with silver despite his youthful face. "Your reincarnation was foretold, my lady. But the Council of Shadows has sought to prevent it from ever coming to pass. If they had discovered you before now, they would have erased you again."

A chill crept down Evelyn's spine. "So they don't know I've returned?"

The warrior shook his head. "Not yet."

Evelyn exhaled slowly. "Then we have an advantage."

The room remained silent for a moment before another voice spoke, this one softer, yet carrying an undeniable weight. "An advantage is only as good as the one who wields it."

A woman stepped forward, removing her hood. Her raven-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, her violet eyes sharp as a blade. "I am Lysara, one of your sworn protectors. And before we move forward, you must understand the truth of what you are."

Evelyn straightened. "I'm listening."

Lysara exchanged a glance with Kael before speaking. "You are the last heir of the Bloodborn Dynasty. Your power is not mere magic—it is the essence of a forgotten legacy. A bloodline feared by even the gods."

Evelyn's heart pounded. "Then why was I betrayed?"

Lysara's gaze hardened. "Because the Council of Shadows believed no ruler should wield such power unchecked. And because they feared what you would become."

Evelyn clenched her fists. "And what is that?"

Kael took a step closer, his voice laced with something almost reverent. "A queen unlike any before you. One who can command the darkness itself."

The words sent a shiver through her, not from fear—but from recognition. Something within her stirred at those words, as if they spoke to a truth buried deep inside her soul.

Evelyn took a slow breath. "If I have this power, then I need to learn to use it."

Lysara nodded. "And we will teach you. But know this, my lady—once you embrace what is within you, there is no turning back."

Evelyn met her gaze, her resolve hardening. "Then let's begin."

The warriors knelt once more, their voices rising in unison. "We serve the Bloodborn Queen."

And for the first time, Evelyn felt the weight of her destiny settle upon her shoulders—not as a burden, but as a promise.

The war for her throne had begun.