"Please don't leave me again, Virelda..." Damier's voice cracked as he spoke, barely above a whisper. His fingers trembled as he held her hand, squeezing it gently, as if that simple pressure could tether her back to him.
His eyes, fierce and desperate, stared down at her motionless body. Ravena lay still on the grand bed—silent, fragile, her skin pale like moonlight. Her lips were slightly parted, but her breath came faintly, too faintly.
He leaned closer, brushing his hand softly through her hair, his heart twisting with each second that passed in silence.
He turned abruptly to Azelar, who stood solemnly at her bedside, his expression unreadable.
"She's been like this for hours now," Damier said, his voice thick with fear and frustration. "We can't just stand here. We need to act. I can't lose her again. Not like this. Not while she's in my arms."
Azelar stepped forward, his gaze calm but firm. "She will be fine," he said. "Her breathing is stronger now. Whatever took hold of her is loosening its grip."
He placed a hand under his chin, thinking carefully. "It feels like she's trapped—in a world within herself. A dream. A memory. A battle. I don't know what it is, but she's fighting through it."
"Is she dying?" Damier asked, his voice sharp with panic.
"No," Azelar answered quickly. "I checked her heart. It's steady, strong. There's no danger there. Her soul just isn't ready to wake up. But don't fear, Damier—she will come back to you, like she always does. She always finds her way back to you."
Damier closed his eyes, fighting back the storm within him. Then he leaned forward and gently pressed his lips to her forehead, letting them linger there, breathing her in.
"You've hunted me for centuries, Virelda," he whispered against her skin. "You burned through every lifetime I've lived. You are not leaving me again. If you vanish, I'll burn down heaven and hell to find you. I will cross death itself to bring you back into my arms."
Suddenly, the door creaked open and a guard stepped in, quickly dropping to his knees with his head bowed low.
Damier snapped his head around, his eyes dark. "What do you want?"
"My prince," the guard said, nearly stumbling over his words, "His Majesty requests your presence in the royal chamber."
Damier looked back at Ravena, then back at the guard. "I'll be there in a minute. And listen carefully—no one enters this room. No one. Not even the Queen herself."
"I obey, my prince." The guard bowed deeply again and disappeared down the hallway.
Damier turned his full attention back to her. He lifted her hand once more, bringing it to his lips.
"Come back to me, Virelda. Come back before I lose myself."
---
Ravena walked silently down the long hallway, her bare feet brushing against the cold marble floor. The air felt thick, like something was watching her, following her in silence. A maid walked ahead of her, leading her toward the guest chamber with quiet urgency.
Her body moved, but her mind wasn't here.
When they arrived, the maid opened the tall golden doors. Ravena stepped inside slowly, her eyes widening slightly at the sight. The room was breathtaking—soft golden light pouring through silk curtains, walls carved with ancient symbols glowing faintly, and a bed dressed in velvet that shimmered like starlight.
She walked in, her fingertips brushing along the detailed carvings on the wall. It was beautiful… too beautiful.
Where am I?
She made her way toward the adjoining bathroom. But just before she entered, the maid spoke softly behind her.
"My lady... may I assist you with your bath?"
Ravena turned to her slowly, forcing a small smile. "No, thank you. I'll take care of it myself."
The maid returned the smile, gave a small bow, and said, "I'll return shortly with your clothes," before quietly exiting the room.
Ravena entered the bathroom, closing the door behind her. The air inside was warm and misty. The bath was already prepared—warm water steaming gently, flower petals floating across the surface like whispers of another world.
She undressed quietly and stepped into the bath, the heat swallowing her. Her body sank beneath the surface, and she rested her head back with a deep exhale.
She closed her eyes, but rest would not come.
How did I get here?
What is this place?
That creature… that thing that almost killed me…
She could still feel it—its claws, its rage. It hadn't just attacked her body. It had clawed at her mind… at her soul.
Was it real? Or was I dreaming?
She opened her eyes, staring at the ceiling. The silence around her was too calm, too perfect. It made her chest tighten.
Everything felt off.
Something wasn't right.
And even though she didn't understand where she was or how she got here, one thing was clear—there was a weight pulling at her heart. A presence.
Damier.
She could feel him, even now. His voice… his touch… his pain. It was all wrapped around her like chains made of memories.
Something had changed.
Something was coming.
And Ravena wasn't sure if she was ready for it.