Evelyne awoke to the scent of damp earth and burning wood. Her vision blurred before focusing on the familiar figure sitting across the fire—Alec. His face, partially illuminated by the flickering flames, carried a solemn expression.
"You're awake," he said softly.
Memories flooded back—her execution, the guillotine, the sudden attack, and Alec's heroic return after all those years.
"You saved me... again," she whispered.
Alec's jaw tightened. "I had no choice. I couldn't let them take your life for something you didn't even know about."
"Know about?" Evelyne's brow furrowed. "What are you talking about?"
Alec sighed, taking a deep breath before speaking. "Evelyne, you are not just any noblewoman. You are the last of the Blackthorne bloodline. And that means more than just a name."
A chill ran down her spine. "Go on."
"Your ancestor… Aradon the Dark. He was not just a man. He was feared by kings and worshipped by monsters. And his blood runs through you."
Evelyne's heart pounded. "That's impossible. He's a myth."
Alec shook his head. "Not a myth. A forgotten truth. Your parents knew it. That's why they were killed. Not by a storm. Not by accident. The royal family of Avarinth had them murdered because they feared what your bloodline could awaken. And now, the same fate was meant for you."
Evelyne felt the world spin. The betrayal cut deeper than any blade. "Aldric… he knew?"
Alec nodded grimly. "He was the one who brought the truth to his father. And that truth sealed your fate."
Tears burned Evelyne's eyes. The love she once felt for Aldric now turned into a seething hatred. The man she had trusted, married, and built a life with had been planning her death all along.
Alec leaned forward. "But now you have a choice. We can run, hide in the forests. Or…"
"Or?" Evelyne's voice was barely a whisper.
"Or you take back what's yours. Your bloodline was feared for a reason, Evelyne. And if you choose, you can make them regret everything they've done."
Evelyne stared into the fire. Revenge was a bitter road. But it was the only road left.
"How do we start?" she asked.
Alec's lips curled into the slightest smirk. "We wake the monsters."