Evelyn's POV
If this is a dream, why does everything feel so real?
In front of me stands the Vampire King. He's weakening—his movements sluggish, his strikes heavy but slow. The same fight as before… yet somehow it feels different. My memories of that battle are fractured, blurred at the edges. This isn't how it went. Something is wrong.
The Vampire King laughed, his voice echoing across the battlefield.
"Are you even human? They call you the First Hero, the savior of humanity, but as I see it… you're nothing but a puppet. A tool forged for one purpose."
Rage surged in me. I slammed my fist into his chest, sending him flying like an arrow loosed from a bow. But even as he struck the ground, his voice seeped into my mind, mocking and cruel.
"Tell me, Hero… have you ever fallen in love?" His laughter grew louder. "Were these people who died at your side friends—or merely colleagues? You have no life of your own, no ambition of your own. Your only purpose is to kill me. So tell me—what will you do after you've succeeded?"
The words pierced deeper than any blade. My emotions spiraled. That question… it was the one I had buried deep inside, the one I still can't answer even now. Can I live as a normal human being? If so, how? Where do I even begin?
Then—through the haze of laughter—I heard another voice.
"Evelyn, listen to me. You need to calm down. You're having a nightmare."
Mother's voice.
I forced myself to breathe. In, out. Again and again until the ringing in my head eased. My eyes opened.
I was still in bed, drenched in sweat, but clad in full armor. My sword was embedded in the wall to my right. Chains of mana held me down, glowing faintly. On either side of me, my brother and father kept me steady.
At the doorway stood Mother, Marcus, Lina, and Lady Theresa. Mother looked pale and exhausted, but relief softened her face when our eyes met.
"What… what just happened?" I croaked. "And why are all of you in my room?"
Mother stepped closer. "You had a nightmare—an unusual one. Your mana went wild in your sleep and enveloped everything around you. I had to shield Avery from the outburst and send all the maids and butlers away. Lady Theresa raised a barrier so no one outside would sense it. Thank goodness you're awake now."
I gave a weak smile. "Sorry. I didn't mean to cause trouble."
Mother's stern expression melted. She handed Avery to Father, then wrapped her arms around me.
"Don't apologize, sweetheart. It's my job as your mother to worry about you."
I leaned against her warmth for a moment, then glanced at Lady Theresa. "Can you put up a barrier so only those in this room can hear me? And… please bring Lucas. He needs to hear this as well."
Marcus nodded and left. Moments later, he returned with Lucas. As soon as the door shut, Lady Theresa's magic shimmered, sealing the chamber in silence.
I sat up as much as the chains allowed and looked at everyone gathered.
"What I'm about to say must remain a secret. That's the only thing I ask."
Their faces turned solemn. I took a deep breath.
"I am the reincarnation of the First Hero. And no, Mother—if you fear possession, it's not that. When I turned ten, all of my past life's memories came flooding back. But now… I'm struggling. I doubt myself. I wonder if I can truly live as a normal human being, after spending my last life as nothing more than a tool to kill the Vampire King."
The room fell silent. Shock painted every face—except Lady Theresa's. She only watched me quietly, as if she had known all along.
Exhaustion pulled at me. My mother's embrace was steady, warm. Safe. My eyes closed, and this time, no dreams came at all.