THE DEVIL'S BRIDE
Episode 8: The Crimson Circle
By Rapwizzy Debaron
The moon bled red.
A rare omen.
One that hadn't appeared since the night Lucien died… and the Devil was born.
Evelyn stood in the grand hall, dressed in black silk, her hair braided with silver threads. The pendant Seraphina had given her pulsed softly against her chest — warm and whispering.
Tonight, the Crimson Circle would open.
The ritual that bound the Devil's power to his chosen bride.
But this time… something felt wrong.
Lucien entered, his cloak trailing shadows.
He didn't speak.
Didn't smile.
Just held out his hand.
She took it.
Their fingers locked.
And the circle ignited beneath their feet — a ring of ancient runes and forgotten fire.
The ground trembled.
The palace held its breath.
Lucien raised his voice. "Do you, Evelyn Rose, accept the mark of flame? To carry what no mortal should bear?"
Evelyn's heart raced.
Yes.
But before she could speak… the fire cracked.
And Seraphina stepped into the circle.
Uninvited.
Unbent.
Unapologetic.
"This bond is not pure," she said coldly. "You're still mine, Lucien."
Lucien turned slowly. "You gave up your claim when you betrayed me."
"You still carry my mark."
Evelyn stepped forward. "And he carries mine now."
Seraphina's eyes glowed gold. "Then let the flames decide."
She sliced her palm.
Blood spilled into the runes.
Lucien tried to stop her, but it was too late.
The circle erupted.
Three flames rose: Lucien. Evelyn. Seraphina.
The ritual had become a trial.
One flame would burn brighter.
One heart would win.
But no one spoke the ancient rule:
If the past wins, the bride dies.
Evelyn was gasping now. The flames licked at her skin—not burning her flesh, but tearing at her soul. Testing her heart. Her truth. Her strength.
Show me, the fire whispered. Do you love him… or do you want to save him for yourself?
And Evelyn…
She screamed.
Then raised her hand and plunged the pendant into the fire.
The flames froze.
Then bent — toward her.
Around her.
Choosing her.
Seraphina fell back, eyes wide, power shattered.
Lucien caught Evelyn before she collapsed.
"You chose me," he whispered.
"No," she breathed. "I chose myself."
And the flames bowed.
—
To be continued…
The trial is over.
Evelyn's fire has spoken.
But Seraphina's defeat may be just the beginning…
Vote if you felt the heat.
Comment: Would you survive the Crimson Circle?
Follow @RapwizzyDebaron — Episode 9 will reveal a prophecy… one that not even Lucien can run from.