The day after the Crimson Veil ritual, Selene awoke in her chambers, chest heaving, sweat soaking through her nightgown. Her vision blurred—but not from exhaustion. From consequences.
The Crimson Veil Reversal hadn't been a simple spell. It had stitched her soul to Lucien's more tightly than ever. Their lives were now partially fused. If he died, she would die. If she fell, his spirit would break.
Lira sat beside her, eyes full of worry."You shouldn't have done it," she whispered.
"I had no choice," Selene murmured, crimson eyes distant.
"What if you're wrong?" Lira's voice cracked. "What if binding yourselves this tightly just makes the tragedy worse?"
Selene looked away. "Then at least we'll fall together."
Lucien stirred in his chambers under the care of Alaric, who paced the room in frustration."You're a fool," Alaric muttered.Lucien's voice was weak, but firm. "Then let me be a fool."
News spread like wildfire.
The Crimson-Gold Binding was no longer rumor—it had become political reality. In the eyes of the noble courts, Selene and Lucien's bond wasn't love. It was danger. Love that strong could disrupt dynasties, military power, even the balance of Aerthrial's magical ley lines.
Then came the Eastern Council's response.
In the capital of the east, Evelyne Greymoor stood before her gathered allies.
"Selene Valeburne and Lucien Aurelian are now declared Cursed Hearts," she said. "A threat to the balance of Aerthrial."
Her voice was calm, but unyielding.
"By Eastern law, they are sentenced to death."
In the royal city, Selene and Lucien met again—this time in silence. No smiles, no soft touches. Just strategy.
"We'll have to run," Lucien whispered.
Selene shook her head. "No. We fight."
Lucien hesitated. "You're talking about civil war."
Selene's lips curved faintly, sorrow beneath steel."Aerthrial declared war on us first."
They decided on three things.
First, they would gather allies—not nobles, but the forgotten: beastkin tribes, outcast mages, mercenary clans. Second, they would unravel Evelyne's true plan, because Selene knew this wasn't just about romance. Something darker brewed behind Evelyne's hatred.
And finally, they would protect each other—no matter the cost.
Others, too, began to change.
Lira Valeburne stepped from shadow to court, becoming Selene's political envoy. No longer just a cousin, she moved through whisper networks, negotiating with the guilds and the outcast houses. She was becoming Aerthrial's quiet diplomat.
Alaric Thorne stood at a crossroads. His father had once served the Greymoor family. If the truth came out, Lucien could be dragged down by it. Alaric would soon have to choose—between blood and loyalty.
Beyond court and council, ancient things stirred.
The Ash Serpents of the southern salt dunes. The Whisper Wolves in the frost-steeped east. Forgotten beasts moved again, drawn by Evelyne's breaking of the world's balance—or perhaps, by the bond now glowing between Selene and Lucien.
That night, Selene stood alone beneath the blood-touched moonlight.
"We've chosen love again," she whispered into the wind."Now let's see if the world survives it."