The woods felt different now.
Before, they had simply been quiet—creepy, maybe, but still ordinary. Now, as Evelyn stepped between the trees after school, every rustling leaf and cold breeze felt like a warning.
Lucien was waiting.
He leaned against an old oak tree, arms crossed, dressed in all black as usual. The golden glow of sunset filtered through the branches, lighting half his face while the other half melted into shadow.
"You came," he said without looking at her.
"Don't act surprised," Evelyn replied. "You told me to."
"I also thought you'd be smart enough to stay away."
She walked closer, squinting at him. "You told me the truth when no one else would. That earns you one hour of trust. Use it wisely."
Lucien pushed off the tree and started walking deeper into the woods. "Follow me."
Evelyn hesitated before falling into step beside him. "So... you're a vampire. Just going to accept that now."
"That's probably for the best."
"And you kill other vampires."
"Only the ones who break the rules," he said. "Most of my kind... don't follow laws anymore."
"And what rules are those?"
Lucien's jaw tightened. "Don't hunt humans. Don't create chaos. Don't let anyone discover us."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "You're doing a pretty terrible job at that last one."
He looked at her sideways. "You were an exception."
They reached a clearing. The trees opened up to reveal an old stone circle covered in moss and symbols. The stones pulsed faintly with energy—ancient, quiet, watching.
Lucien stepped into the circle and knelt near one of the stones. "This place is older than Blackridge. A sanctuary for those with... hidden bloodlines."
"Hidden?" Evelyn echoed. "What are you talking about?"
Lucien gestured for her to sit. She did, slowly.
"There's something inside you," he said. "Something that attracts them. Not just vampires, but other things, too."
"Like that thing from the classroom?"
He nodded. "That was a rogue—a vampire gone feral. They can sense rare blood. And yours... it called to him like fire calls to a moth."
Evelyn stared at him. "Are you saying I'm part vampire?"
Lucien shook his head. "No. But your blood has a mark. Something passed down."
"From who?"
Lucien stood and walked to one of the stones. He brushed away the moss to reveal a symbol—two crescent moons locked together.
"Do you recognize this?" he asked.
Evelyn shook her head.
"It belonged to a forgotten line," he said. "A bloodline of humans who once made pacts with vampires. Not out of fear—but alliance."
Evelyn stood slowly. "You think I come from them?"
"I don't think," Lucien said. "I know."
He turned and pointed to her wrist.
Evelyn hesitated, then pulled back her sleeve. The scar she'd always had—it wasn't jagged like she remembered. Not exactly. Now, it looked almost like... a crescent moon.
Her heart raced. "What does it mean?"
Lucien's eyes darkened. "It means you were never normal. And neither were your parents."
A lump formed in her throat. "They're dead."
"I know," Lucien said quietly. "And I think they were killed because of what they were."
Evelyn staggered back. "No. It was a fire. A stupid accident."
Lucien's voice was gentle now. "Fires don't start themselves. Especially not magical ones."
She dropped her eyes to the ground. Her knees felt weak. "How do you know all this?"
He stepped toward her. "Because I was sent to find you. Years ago."
Evelyn's head snapped up. "What?"
Lucien nodded. "Before the fire. Before everything. My family knew your bloodline still existed. I was meant to protect the last heir. But I arrived too late."
She couldn't breathe.
"You were five," he said. "I watched the house burn from the trees. I saw... her."
"Who?"
"Seraphine."
The name fell like a stone in her chest. She didn't know why, but it felt... familiar. Cold.
"She's a vampire," Lucien continued. "One who doesn't obey any law. A rogue with magic older than any of us. She started the fire."
Evelyn's vision swam. "Why?"
"Because your parents tried to stop her. They knew the truth about your blood. She wanted you—but your mother shielded you with the last of her strength. And then... I found you, unconscious, hidden beneath the floorboards."
Evelyn stumbled back a step. "No. You're lying."
"I wish I was."
"Why didn't you tell me this before?"
"Because if you remembered too soon, Seraphine would sense it. And come for you."
Evelyn's voice shook. "And now?"
Lucien's eyes were unreadable. "Now she knows."
Suddenly, the ground trembled. The wind howled through the clearing.
Lucien's head snapped up. "We have to go."
Evelyn didn't move. "You said you were supposed to protect me."
"I still am," he said.
"Then tell me what she wants!"
Lucien's jaw clenched. "Your blood. She thinks she can use it to awaken an ancient power."
"What power?"
He looked at her. "One that could enslave both humans and vampires."
Lightning cracked above them. The sky darkened.
Lucien grabbed her hand. "Come on. We need to get out of here."
Evelyn followed him as they ran through the woods, the storm breaking loose above them.
But inside, a new storm had already begun.
If what he said was true... everything she thought she knew about her life was a lie.
And the monster who burned down her past... was coming for her future.