The world slowed around her.
Lucien's outstretched hand trembled slightly, though his face remained stoic. The sky above the burning estate boiled red, a warning from the ancient seal slumbering below.
Amara gripped the dagger Victor had given her. "This will bind us?"
Victor nodded solemnly. "It will awaken the full Vault inheritance and stabilize your soul. But once you kiss him under blood and flame… there's no turning back."
Lucien's golden eyes burned into hers. "It's your choice, Queen. Not destiny's."
Amara took a shaky breath, sliced her palm open—and stepped into the fire.
Her blood hit the scorched ground.
Lucien caught her hand, eyes locked to hers as the seal beneath them flared awake—red flame and golden light intertwining in the shape of a phoenix.
And then…
She kissed him.
Their lips met like a storm meeting silence—ferocious, fated, familiar. The fire surged, consuming them both. Light exploded outward, leveling the battlefield.
The attackers fell to their knees.
When the flames cleared, Amara stood taller, glowing with runes across her skin. Lucien's wings had turned silver-tipped. They were now fully bonded.
Victor bowed his head. "The prophecy has truly begun."