The fire crackled softly, casting flickering shadows across the safe house walls. Lucian leaned against the window, his eyes scanning the dark forest beyond. He didn't need sleep, not after centuries of being trapped in slumber. Instead, he allowed himself a moment of thought—calculating, planning, and preparing for what lay ahead.
Selene stirred, waking slowly from her brief rest. She sat up, rubbing her eyes before glancing at the stoic figure by the window. "Do you ever rest?"
Lucian turned slightly, his expression unreadable. "Sleep is for those who fear time. I have already lost enough of it."
She rose to her feet and stretched. "Well, we don't have the luxury of wasting more time. If we want to reach the rogue clans before Ronan does, we need to leave soon."
Lucian's eyes flicked to her, gleaming faintly in the dim light. "And what makes you think they'll be eager to follow a sorceress and a fallen prince?"
Selene approached the table, where a rolled map lay waiting. She spread it out, pointing to a marked location in the northern mountains. "They won't follow unless they're given a reason. That's where you come in."
Lucian walked over, his gaze sweeping across the map. The mountains were a natural fortress—isolated, treacherous, and ideal for those seeking refuge from Ronan's rule. "These rogues… They despise Ronan, yet they have done nothing to challenge him." He leaned closer, his voice turning cold. "Cowards."
Selene shrugged. "Perhaps. Or maybe they're waiting for the right opportunity. You might be that opportunity."
Lucian's lips curled into a smirk. "Or a threat."
Without further discussion, they packed their supplies and left the safe house, moving swiftly through the dense forest. The path ahead was cloaked in darkness, but neither of them needed light to find their way. Lucian's senses were razor-sharp, picking up every faint sound and movement, while Selene's magic pulsed softly around her, warding off any unwanted attention.
As they traveled, Selene broke the silence. "You never asked me why I chose to free you."
"I assumed it was desperation," Lucian replied, his tone indifferent. "Or perhaps ambition."
Selene smiled faintly. "A bit of both, perhaps. Ronan destroyed my family's clan. Those who weren't slaughtered were forced into servitude. I swore I would bring him down, but I knew I couldn't do it alone." She glanced at Lucian. "Your name still carries weight, even after all these years. To many, you're a legend—a symbol of what vampires once were."
Lucian chuckled softly, the sound laced with bitterness. "A legend… Nothing more than a memory twisted by time." He paused, his voice dropping lower. "But legends can be reborn."
By the time they reached the base of the northern mountains, dawn was approaching. The air grew colder, and the path became steeper. Selene led the way, her movements sure despite the treacherous terrain. Lucian followed in silence, his mind focused on the task ahead.
Near the mountain's summit, they came across a narrow pass guarded by two sentries. Both were vampires, their eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. They stiffened at the sight of Selene and Lucian, hands moving toward their weapons.
"Halt," one of them barked. "State your business."
Selene raised her hands slowly, keeping her voice calm. "We're here to speak with your leaders. We come in peace."
The sentries exchanged wary glances. "No one enters without an invitation."
Lucian stepped forward, his presence instantly overwhelming. The air grew heavier, charged with dark energy. His crimson eyes locked onto the sentries, and for a moment, neither of them dared to breathe.
"You will let us pass," Lucian said, his voice low and commanding. "Or you will learn why I was once called the Prince of Eternal Night."
The sentries hesitated, fear flickering in their eyes. Finally, one of them stepped aside, motioning toward the pass. "Go. But don't cause trouble, or you won't leave here alive."
Selene exhaled slowly, keeping her expression neutral as they continued through the pass. Once they were out of earshot, she glanced at Lucian. "You didn't have to intimidate them."
Lucian's smirk returned. "Fear is faster than diplomacy."
The rogue encampment came into view shortly after—a cluster of tents and makeshift shelters nestled within a hidden valley. Vampires of various clans moved about, their eyes filled with suspicion and weariness. Selene led Lucian toward the center of the camp, where a large tent stood guarded by more sentries.
Inside, they found a council of rogue leaders gathered around a crude table. The man at the head of the table had silver hair and a scar running across his face. His eyes narrowed as he took in Selene and Lucian.
"You've brought an outsider," the man said coldly. "Who is he?"
Selene stepped forward. "This is Lucian Draven, rightful heir to the Eternal Throne."
Murmurs spread through the council, some in awe, others in disbelief. The silver-haired man leaned forward, his expression hard. "Lucian Draven is a myth. A tale told to frighten fledglings."
Lucian met his gaze, his aura flaring with raw power. Shadows coiled around him, and the temperature in the tent dropped noticeably. "I assure you, I am very real. And I have returned to take back what is mine."
The silver-haired man studied him for a long moment before speaking. "If you're truly who you claim to be, then perhaps you're exactly what we need."
Lucian's smirk deepened. "Wise choice. Now, let's discuss how we're going to end Ronan's reign.