Lightning slashed across the stormy sky as Elizabeth stepped into the abandoned garden where Seraphim had summoned her. His footsteps echoed from the shadows, his tall frame cloaked in black until he emerged before her.
"Elizabeth…" His deep voice resonated as though carried through centuries.
"There's a truth you must hear."
Her breath caught, the weight of the moment pressing down on her.
"What truth…?"
His dark eyes burned with anguish and secrets.
"You are not just an ordinary woman. You are the lost heir of an ancient bloodline—the successor bound by the eternal blood oath, stolen from your family as a child."
Elizabeth trembled as though the world was collapsing beneath her.
"No… that can't be true…"
Suddenly, the sound of boots thundered around them. Armed figures in black surged out of the shadows, their chests emblazoned with the crest of the Rosaria Clan.
"Seize the heir! Her blood will restore our dominion!" their leader roared.
Seraphim drew his silver blade in one swift motion, lightning flashing across the steel. He positioned himself before Elizabeth, his voice a growl of defiance:
"As long as I draw breath… no one touches her!"
The garden erupted into chaos. Steel clashed, sparks ignited against the storm. From the darkness, Lucas leapt into the fray, wielding an ancient firearm, striking down foes with deadly precision.
Blood, love, and the cursed oath entwined violently under the storm… and the battle for destiny had just begun