The mansion was no longer safe.
Victor had sealed the estate under a Class-A magical lockdown, but even Amara could feel the pressure outside—the energy of beings trying to get in.
She stood in the center of the Blackwell library, surrounded by ancient tomes, relics, and a dozen portraits of stern-looking ancestors who all had the same eyes: cold, calculating… and powerful.
"I need answers," she said. "Now."
Victor didn't argue. He simply opened a hidden panel behind a bookshelf and removed a crimson dagger made of bone and ruby.
"The Bloodline Test," he said. "The only way to confirm what we both suspect."
Amara swallowed. "Which is?"
"That you're not just my heir… but the heir of House Ravaryn. The lost royal bloodline that once ruled the magical underworld."
He handed her the dagger. "Prick your palm. Let it fall on the seal."
Amara did. The blade sang as it touched her skin, drawing a single drop of blood.
When it hit the sigil engraved into the table, the entire room trembled.
Light burst from the mark. The portraits on the wall caught fire—only to be replaced by a single image: a woman in silver armor, holding a glowing crown in one hand… and Lucien's chained wrist in the other.
Amara staggered.
"That's… me," she whispered.
Victor nodded grimly. "Your past life. Queen Elenya Ravaryn. Slayer of gods. Binder of demons. Keeper of the Vault."
The ground shook again.
Victor turned sharply. "They found us."
Outside, the magical lockdown shattered.
Shadows poured into the estate like ink in water. Dozens of cloaked attackers surged forward—mages, assassins, familiars with red eyes and twisted forms.
Amara didn't hesitate.
She reached for the Vault's magic still humming in her veins—and released it.
A blast of golden light tore through the hallway, sending shadows flying. Her body moved on instinct, as if another warrior—Elenya—was guiding her hands.
A blade of light formed in her grip.
She fought.
Victor covered her back, chanting curses that tore through the enemy ranks. But they just kept coming.
Then a roar split the air.
Lucien.
He descended from the sky like a meteor, wings of shadow unfolding behind him. His eyes were aflame, his body crackling with fury.
"You. Will. Not. Touch. Her."
He struck the ground—and the attackers exploded outward, scattered like leaves in a storm.
Amara stared. "You have wings?!"
Lucien smirked, blood dripping from his lips. "You're only seeing the beginning."
But even with his arrival, they were still outnumbered.
Victor pulled Amara close. "There's only one way out. You must activate the Seal of Blood and Flame."
Amara nodded. "Tell me how."
Victor looked her in the eye. "You must bleed willingly… and kiss the one who was once your sworn."
Amara's heart stopped. "Lucien?"
Victor said nothing—but his silence was answer enough.
Lucien extended a hand.
The estate burned around them.
Her choice hung in the balance.
And Amara, Queen reborn, stepped forward.