Aria Wynter's POV
The hush following Julian's cryptic warning grew unbearable. Caleb became stiff, his palm resting close to the blade strapped to his thigh, whilst Julian appeared completely serene, his black complexion faultless in spite of the dull, dusty surroundings. The underground air became heavy, filled with an unspoken message that made my skin quiver.
"You've said enough about warnings and destiny," I said, breaking the silence, "but I need more than that. If this prophecy refers to me, I must understand it."
Julian's gaze became sharper, and a flicker of something unreadable crossed his features. He stepped toward the map table, brushing a speck of dust off its surface. "Aria, information does not come without problems. People who are afraid of the Bloodline have helped to split, rewrite, and bury its history. "What remains are fragments—symbols, whispers, and shadows of reality."
"I don't care how fractured it is," I said, going closer. "begin piecing it collectively."
Julian cocked his head slightly to acknowledge my effort. "As you wish." He removed a parchment from his coat pocket and gingerly laid it on the desk. The paper got old, the edges ragged, but the ink became astonishingly vivid—a crescent moon surrounded by jagged flames, nearly identical to the one Elijah had shown me.
"This," Julian replied, tapping the image, "is the Lunar Bloodline Seal. It is more than just a symbol of electricity; it is a cornerstone. Every decision you make will have an impact on multiple factions. Your blood has the ability to link or break them. Victor, Lilith, and the rogues realize this, even if you don't."
"Binding the factions sounds like a fairy story," Caleb said, his voice tinged with disdain. "Werewolves scarcely tolerate vampires, and rogues despise all of us. "How is she supposed to fix centuries of bad blood?"
Julian's lips twitched into a little smile. "You underestimate her."
"And you're overestimating her," Caleb shot back.
"Enough," I yelled, my voice cutting through the strain. "If this prophecy is tied to me, then I want information, no longer arguments."
Julian nodded, unconcerned about Caleb's hostile behavior. "The prophesy tells of an inheritor who will awaken the dormant energy of the Bloodline, creating a pressure capable of uniting the supernatural world. However, solidarity is not free.
"What price?" I inquired, my throat constricting.
Julian returned my gaze, his darker eyes unwavering. "Sacrifice. The electricity within you produces results. Every decision you make, every link you form, will come with a cost. To others. "And to yourself."
The room felt colder as his words sank into me like ice.
"so that's it?" I requested. "I need to spoil myself to store anyone else?"
Julian tilted his head, considering. "No longer always." However, you should keep in mind that your humanity—the part of you that values justice and fairness—will be tested. "If you hesitate, others will suffer."
The weight of his words pressed down on me, but before I could respond, Caleb's phone rang loudly, breaking the moment. His brow furrowed as he stared at the screen.
"Lilith's human beings are creating a pass in the Japanese district," he remarked, sliding the smartphone back into his jacket. "We want to get in advance of it."
Julian straightened and brushed an imperceptible bit of lint from his sleeve. "And so it begins."
I looked at him, worried at the pride in his tone. "Are you going to assist, or just watch from the sidelines?"
"Help, of path," he said effortlessly, his slight smile returning. "However, best when the time is right. For now, I'll leave you to your... affiliations."
Before I could respond, he grew and fled into the darkness, leaving me and Caleb alone in the poorly lighted chamber.
"Do you consider him?" I asked, breaking the silence.
"No," Caleb replied bluntly, moving closer to the exit. "however now and again, even a snake's caution can save your life."
The eastern region became quiet as we approached, an unsettling calm that felt out of place. Caleb guided me through narrow passageways, his movements subtle and deliberate.
"That's rogue territory," he said under his breath. "Don't agree with everybody who steps out of the shadows."
"Even you?" I asked, keeping my voice quiet.
Caleb looked again, his lips twisting into a smile. "in particular me."
I rolled my eyes but remained close, my nerves on edge. The buildings here were older, with aged and decaying brick facades. Shadows stretched out unusually long, their outlines twisting in ways that made my flesh move slowly.
We turned a corner, and Caleb abruptly stopped, covering his hand. I noticed his eyes shift to a group of figures gathered outside a warehouse, their postures disconcerting. Even from a distance, I should sense the danger emanating from them.
"Lilith's people," Caleb mumbled. "They're scouting."
"Scouting for what?"
"Something massive," he explained solemnly. "If she takes action here, it's no longer pretty much territory. "She's after something—or someone."
My stomach turned. Is this about me? turned become the treasure they were looking for?
Caleb looked at me, his expression softening slightly. "Stay close." If this is going south, don't be afraid to run."
Before I could object, one of the figures approached us. His eyes glinted in the faint light, and a perverted smile spread across his face.
"Well, properly," the man said, getting closer. "look who wandered into the incorrect neighborhood."
"Stand down," Caleb commanded with a stern tone.
The individual laughed, his teeth sparkling. "Or, what? "Do you think she'll prevent?"
My hands clenched, but Caleb stepped in front of me, his posture relaxed but perilous.
"She's no longer your concern," he replied, his tone low.
"Oh, but she is," the man replied, his grin growing. "Lilith has been seeking for you, tiny wolf. And I think she'll be delighted when I carry you to her."
The man rushed, but Caleb moved faster, his sword flashing as he blocked the attack. Chaos erupted, and the shadows moved.
I battled instinctively, my form moving with a smoothness that shocked me. Claws erupted from my hands, sharp and lethal, and I felt the strength surge through me as I struck down one of Lilith's soldiers.
It was not enough.
For every opponent we defeated, a larger one came, their eyes brimming with fanatical devotion. My breath came in jagged gasps as I spun and sliced, the steely, pungent scent of blood filling the air.
"Aria!" Caleb's voice burst out, harsh and urgent.
I was just in time to see a man charging at me, a blade flashing in his grasp. I braced for impact, but a swirl of black intercepted him, knocking him to the ground.
Elijah.
He reverted to human shape, his chest rising and falling as he confronted the final adversaries. His presence was a force of nature, and his movements were precise and calculated as he tore through the assault.
Within minutes, the battle was finished.
Elijah approached me, his dark eyes checking for accidents. "Are you harm?"
"No," I answered, my voice more composed than I felt. "way to you."
He nodded, his gaze remaining on me for a second before shifting to Caleb. "You shouldn't have brought her right here."
"And go away her ignorant of what's occurring?" Caleb shot back. "She wants to look at this, Elijah. She wants to understand what's at stake.
Elijah's jaw hardened, but he did not argue. As an alternative, he turned to face me, his visage softening somewhat. "You are stronger than you realize, Aria. However, my energy alone will not protect you from Lilith.
"I don't want safety," I stated, meeting his gaze. "I need answers."
Elijah nodded, a slight smile pulling at the corner of his mouth. "Then allow's find them."
However, when we exited the Japanese district, I couldn't shake the impression that Lilith's fingers had transformed into artwork, weaving threads of madness that had been drawing closer around me.
The prophecy wasn't just a story anymore. It began to unfold, and I became caught in the middle of its net.