"Beneath the night, all blurs."
The sudden ambush from the hunter revealed Baco's true intent: he planned to use Arisha's blood as proof that vampires were nothing but myths. After all, if sunlight touched them—if even a flicker of golden rays bathed their skin—they'd burn to ash.
"Arisha, that's not entirely true…"
Her pupils slowly widened. But before panic could take hold, Balt's long, gentle hands cupped her face protectively.
"At the very least, you know Lord Mikhael," he said softly. "And you know he always has a reason for everything—and that reason… is always you."
She brushed his hand away and shook her head, glancing sideways with a nostalgic ache in her chest. Baco was being dragged away like a rabid beast.
"Don't pull the collar so tight," she whispered.
"We'll take that into account, miss," replied one of the guards. "But he's just a stray."
Balt's voice echoed in her mind: "The best thing is for Arisha to return home."
Moments later, both were loaded into separate trucks. Dawn had begun to break, casting a pale, reddish hue over the world.
—
Elsewhere, Mikhael stood in full splendor—the very image of a superior vampire.
"Kesha…"
His golden eyes shimmered with a subtle glow that sent shivers down the human woman's spine. And yet, she chose to take his hand—even as sunlight filtered through the windows.
"…Alright."
Like someone hypnotized, she followed his gaze without lowering her eyes.
"Your vampire name," he said.
"Good girl," his voice echoed gently. "I am Mikhael Ghali Snova."
Towering above her, Mikhael pulled her close. Despite the blinding sunlight veiling his features, she tilted her head upward to meet his gaze. Then, without warning, he leaned down and whispered her name into her ear, his hand tenderly supporting her head.
"Morgana…"
Each syllable clung to her skin like an invisible seal.It wasn't just his voice—it was the phantom heat of his lips near her ear, the magnetic weight of his golden eyes, and that effortless dominance of his… the kind that didn't need to shout to command.
"Do you understand now, little light?" Mikhael murmured."I'm not here to hurt you. I'm here to return you to your true purpose."
She didn't speak. She only nodded, as if sealing a pact without fully grasping the cost.
"Then show me the true essence of your existence."
"I knew something in you resonated with me…"
He stroked her hair like one might pet a new creature. Then he sat in his grand chair, a subtle smile curling his lips.Perhaps this change would bring some peace… but it would also serve his greater purpose—reaching for the crown of power, and ensuring Arisha's safety in a world reborn.
—
Meanwhile, at the rebel base, reports began to pour in. A trusted informant—Morgana—had gotten dangerously close to the enemy.Or maybe… the enemy had gotten dangerously close to her. Close enough to claim her, due to her recklessness.
And in a shadowy corner, as the trucks disappeared into the red-tinted morning mist, Balt watched the faint mark left by Arisha's broken tracker on her wrist.
"…Let the game begin, Mikhael.But this time, you won't be the one writing the rules."