Reincarnated as the Last Villain

She was gone by dawn.

No note. No trail. No guards alerted.

Only a single mark carved into the doorframe of her quarters:a half-circle, broken at the base.

Kael recognized it instantly.

The mark of the Veil Path —the hidden route out of Ravengarde once used by escaped slaves and hunted mages.Only a handful knew it still existed.

Vaenira did.

And now… she'd vanished into it.

Kael took no guards.

He followed the path through the ravine woods, past the whispering river, and into the cliffs beyond the walls — where light barely reached.

It was a place of memory.

He found her by the old stone bridge.

Blade in her hand.

Mask in the dirt.

Eyes — red.

She didn't turn when he approached.

"You shouldn't have followed me," she said.

"I always follow you," Kael replied.

The Conversation That Was Never Had

For a long time, they stood in silence.

Only the wind dared to speak.

Finally, Kael said:

"You were right."

She didn't move.

"About Elira?"

"About me."

Now she turned — slow, tired, but fierce.

"You think this is about jealousy?"

Kael didn't answer.

She stepped closer.

"It's about what you're becoming."

The Truth Beneath the Blade

Vaenira took out a small object — something wrapped in cloth.

She unwrapped it carefully.

Inside: a silver ring.

Old. Cracked. Burned with the symbol of the church Kael once defied.

"I wore this once," she whispered. "Before Zerath made me kill the man who gave it to me."

Kael's breath caught.

"I thought… the fire I found in you could burn him out of me. But lately…"

She looked up — eyes gleaming.

"You're starting to sound like him."

The Offer

Kael stepped forward.

"No throne. No alliance. No banners tonight. Just you and me."

He held out his hand.

"Come back."

Vaenira stared at it for a long time.

Then she asked:

"If it comes down to me or the rebellion…who do you choose?"

[Emotional Choice Triggered]

🔥 "I choose you."

⚔️ "I choose them. We swore to lead."

🌓 "I don't know yet… but I want you beside me when I find out."

Kael didn't lie.

"I don't know yet," he said.

"But I want you there.When the choice comes… I want you beside me."

Vaenira stared.

Then, slowly…

she took his hand.

[Bond Strengthened: Vaenira – Trust Level Increased]She will fight for Kael, even if it breaks her.Her loyalty now tied not to Ravengarde… but to him.Special Ability Unlocked: "Shadow Pact" – Allows Vaenira to take fatal damage in Kael's place once per arc.New backstory thread unlocked.