The Midnight Key

The night air was still thick with unease. Even after the figure had vanished, its presence lingered—like a shadow that refused to fade.

Rene sat near the fire, holding Rena close. The baby hadn't made a sound since the attack. She was awake, but quiet. Too quiet.

Nyra paced near the window, glancing outside every few seconds. "They'll come back."

Adrian and Adriel sat cross-legged on the floor, their silver eyes unreadable. The firelight flickered against their pale skin, casting long shadows.

Lucien, as usual, was the only one who seemed relaxed.

He stretched lazily, golden eyes gleaming. "Of course they'll come back. They always do."

Rene frowned at him. "You've seen them before?"

Lucien smirked. "Not this one. But I know the type. Hunters. Messengers. They always send one first."

Adriel's voice was quiet but certain. "To test our strength."

Lucien pointed at him. "Exactly."

Nyra turned sharply. "Then they know what we're capable of."

Lucien's smirk widened. "And they'll bring something worse next time."

A heavy silence fell over the room.

Then—

A soft hum.

Rene's breath hitched.

She looked down at Rena.

The baby was staring at the fire. Not at the flames—but at something beyond them.

And she was humming.

A slow, rhythmic sound. Not a melody. Not a song.

Something ancient.

Something Rene felt more than heard.

The pendant around her neck pulsed again.

Lucien's smirk faded.

Nyra took a step closer. "Rene…"

Rene didn't look away from Rena. "I know."

She could feel it now.

A presence.

Not like before—not like the hunter.

This one was different.

It wasn't trying to take Rena.

It was watching.

And then—

A whisper.

Soft. Gentle.

But not human.

"She is awakening."

Rene's pulse quickened.

She wanted to ask who was awakening.

She wanted to demand answers.

But before she could speak—

The presence vanished.

And Rena…

Stopped humming.

The fire crackled.

The room was silent again.

Lucien exhaled, shaking his head. "Well. That was new."

Nyra turned to Rene. "Did you hear it?"

Rene nodded.

Adrian and Adriel exchanged a glance. "Something else is watching her."

Adriel's voice was unreadable. "Something old."

Rene swallowed hard.

The hunter was one thing.

But this?

She wasn't sure if it was better or worse.

Lucien leaned forward, golden eyes sharp. "Looks like your little sister isn't just a key."

Rene clenched her jaw. "Then what is she?"

Lucien grinned.

And for once—

There was no amusement in it.

"Something the world was never supposed to have."

To Be Continued…