The air in the castle seemed to grow heavier by the day. Word of the strengthened bond between Lucian and Selena had circulated among the nobles, spreading like wildfire. Allies watched with caution, and enemies were more alert than ever, sensing vulnerability in the newfound alliance.
Lucian prowled through the grand hallways, his mind replaying every detail of the ritual and the conversation with Selena's father. The elder witch's warnings about the dangers their bond would attract weighed heavily on him, stirring an unease he couldn't shake.
He turned a corner and found Adrian leaning against a stone pillar, a scroll of ancient text clutched in his hand. "You're up early," Lucian remarked, attempting to mask his preoccupation.
Adrian looked up, his usual cocky grin replaced by a serious expression. "Could say the same for you. I found something that might interest you." He held up the scroll, his voice dropping to a whisper. "It's about the prophecy."
Lucian's heart pounded as he took the scroll, glancing at the archaic script. "Go on."
Adrian cast a furtive look around. "It mentions an ancient relic that can either amplify or break the bond of any supernatural pairing." His eyes darkened as he added, "But only a creature of blood—the line of a vampire king—can wield it. And if it falls into the wrong hands..."
Lucian's jaw clenched. "They could destroy everything."
Adrian nodded gravely. "I wanted to show you before I told anyone else. If the Council catches wind of this, they might act against us—whether to harness the relic's power or prevent any potential threat."
Their conversation was interrupted by footsteps echoing down the corridor. Selena appeared, her fiery copper hair catching the morning light. She looked between Lucian and Adrian, her expression questioning. "What's going on?"
Lucian handed her the scroll, watching her face as she read. "This changes things," she murmured. "If Morganna's followers are aware of this relic, they might already be searching for it."
Arianna approached, joining the group just in time to catch Selena's last words. Her face paled. "So, it's true. We're not the only ones looking."
Selena folded the scroll, her voice firm. "Then we have to move quickly. I'll consult my father—maybe he knows more about this relic and its location."
A shadow of concern crossed Lucian's face. "Are you sure? We've already placed him in enough danger."
Selena touched his arm, a spark of determination in her gaze. "We don't have a choice. This relic might be the only way to protect our bond from those who wish to break it."
The Forbidden Forest
The group set out that night to meet with Selena's father, under the cover of dense trees and thick mist. The forest was alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures and the rustle of leaves, but they pressed forward, senses alert for any sign of danger.
As they reached the heart of the forest, they found Selena's father waiting, his presence cloaked in a haze of magic. He looked at them with a solemn expression, his gaze lingering on Selena. "I see you've learned of the relic."
She nodded. "We need to know where it is. Can you help us?"
He took a deep breath, glancing at Lucian. "There are those who would stop at nothing to get their hands on it. This relic is hidden in the ruins of the Shadowlands, a place few dare to tread."
Lucian frowned. "The Shadowlands? That's deep in enemy territory."
Selena's father nodded. "Precisely. It's no coincidence. The relic was hidden there long ago to protect it from falling into the wrong hands. But that also means it's surrounded by magic barriers and creatures loyal to Morganna."
Arianna, who had been silent, finally spoke up. "So if we're going, we'll need to prepare. We can't face Morganna's forces unarmed."
Selena's father pulled a small amulet from his cloak, handing it to her. "This will mask your presence temporarily. It's no guarantee, but it might buy you time once you're inside."
She took it with a nod of gratitude, but her expression was tense. "Thank you, Father. We'll be careful."
Planning the Journey
Back at the castle, the group gathered in Lucian's chambers, pouring over maps and strategizing. They all felt the weight of the task ahead, knowing that the Shadowlands were a place where few returned.
Adrian spread the map across the table. "If we can reach the border undetected, we might have a shot. But the moment we step inside, it's enemy territory."
Selena traced a finger over the route with a sense of urgency. "We have no choice. If Morganna's followers get there first, they'll use the relic against us."
Lucian looked around at his friends, feeling a surge of resolve. They had come too far to back down now. "We leave tomorrow at dawn."
As the group disbanded to prepare, Lucian felt Selena's hand on his arm. He turned, meeting her gaze, which was filled with worry. "Are you sure about this?" she asked softly.
He held her close, his voice steady. "There's no other way. And no matter what, I'll protect you."
Selena's eyes softened, and she rested her head against his chest. In the quiet of that moment, surrounded by the looming threats and shadows, they found strength in each other's embrace.
They didn't know what awaited them in the Shadowlands, but one thing was certain: together, they would face whatever came.
Confiding in the Queen
Later that day, Lucian sought out his mother, the Queen, hoping her wisdom might offer guidance. He found her in the castle's private library, her gaze soft as she poured over the kingdom's ancient history. She looked up, sensing his tension immediately.
"Lucian," she said, a note of concern in her voice, "what troubles you?"
Lucian hesitated, then sat beside her. "There's talk of a relic... something that can amplify or shatter supernatural bonds."
Her face darkened. "The relic of the Shadowlands," she murmured, almost to herself. "I hoped those tales were long forgotten."
"So, it's real?" Lucian asked, his heart sinking at the worry etched on her face.
The Queen nodded slowly. "It was hidden centuries ago, protected by magic older than even our line. I know little of its true power, but if Morganna's forces seek it, your bond with Selena is at grave risk." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "Be cautious, my son. Such power never comes without a price."