Lucian's POV
The Fallen King turned toward Selene when she asked the question, his shadowed form swirling like smoke caught in breathless air. The iron crown on his head seemed forged from night itself, a darkness sharper than obsidian, and when his hollow eyes met hers… even Selene, the most powerful witch alive, flinched.
Selene's voice was steady, but barely.
"How… is she your daughter?"
The shadow king tilted his head, and for the first time since he manifested in the room, the darkness around him settled. Became still. As if even the shadows respected the story he was about to tell.
"My name…" he said slowly, "…is Azerath Valerius Nightbane."
The name hit the air like thunder.
Adrian stiffened violently.
Selene confused.
I felt the blood leave my face.
Azerath.
The Fallen King of the old vampire empire.
The one whispered about only in forbidden scrolls.
