Warm, golden sunlight poured through the cottage window, casting soft rectangles across the wooden floor where dust motes drifted like tiny floating embers. The air, thick with the scent of dried rosemary and lavender, felt lived-in and gentle. A cooling kettle sat on the stove, and a faded rug beneath the table bore the marks of years of quiet footsteps.
Aurelienne sat across from Eiden, her true form restored. The light caught in her golden hair, turning the edges a brilliant, near-white. Her fingers lightly tapped a clay cup as she exhaled with tired honesty. "So… yeah. That's what happened," she said softly. "I moved through different kingdoms, settling in various villages, all while learning that Uzak'me had 'killed' my clan. I've remained here for quite a while now."
The silence that followed was warm and heavy with the weight of her revelation. Eiden finally leaned back, processing her words. "I'm glad you and your people are safe," he said. "But where is Verio now?"
"About three decades ago, I found he had rebuilt the clan in the same region as the Bluecrest Clan," Aurelienne replied. She chuckled softly, covering her mouth with a hand. "He told me how Zeth had helped him a lot. It's surprising, considering he's your enemy."
Eiden smiled a little and shook his head. "Yes, laugh it up. Zeth is an interesting man—the first vampire I ever faced, and the last I'd ever want to fight again."
Aurelienne leaned forward. "Why is that?"
"I have five great enemies," Eiden explained, resting an elbow on the table. "Uzak'me, Reia, Yajin, Ou'weii, and Civilar. But Lord Zeth is the strongest of them all. He is a god, Aurelienne. Even with my current power, he could overpower me."
Aurelienne blinked in disbelief. "No way he is that strong."
"He possesses red arcane magic and blood magic beyond anything I've seen," Eiden said, his hands flat on the table. "He can control the blood inside another person's body. Centuries ago, when humans tried to eradicate vampires, he created spells that made them fear him completely—and it wasn't just the blood control."
"Oh? What ability was that?" Aurelienne asked.
The cottage door creaked open, and Iris peeked inside. Her eyes widened instantly. "Oh my gods… Aurelienne?!" She rushed forward, wrapping the golden-haired woman in a tight, vibrating hug. "How are you alive? I have so many questions!"
Aurelienne chuckled, patting her back. "Eiden can tell you everything on your journey. Right now, it's best you all get going."
"Happy to see you again," Iris said with a bright smile before stepping back outside.
Eiden rose to his feet, but Aurelienne's voice stopped him at the doorway. "Eiden—when you face Yajin, remember to look at the sky once in a while."
He paused, absorbing the weight of the advice. "I'll make sure to."
She reached out, her fingers tightening slightly on his arm. "And Eiden… I'm glad you changed. I'm glad you aren't the man you once were."
Eiden froze, his eyes lowering in quiet acknowledgment. A steady, controlled breath slipped from him. "…I'm trying," he said quietly. "Even if I don't always know what the new me looks like."
"And that," she said, her grip easing but her touch lingering, "is already more than the man you used to be."
For a brief moment, Eiden's unreadable calm cracked, revealing something gentler beneath. "Thank you."
He stepped outside into the afternoon sun, where the scent of pine and fresh earth filled the air. A sturdy wooden wagon, hitched to two strong brown horses, waited at the edge of the settlement. Morvath was already lounging in the back across a pile of blankets, while Dravien sat nearby, paws tucked and tail flicking lazily. Vaelus leaned against the side rail, his gaze distant and calculating.
At the front, Iris held the reins confidently, flanked by Selyndra and Seraphaine. Eiden climbed into the back, his boots crunching on the side rail.
"All set?" Iris asked with a grin.
Eiden nodded. "Let's move."
The horses snorted and the wagon lurched forward, wheels settling into a rhythmic creak as they rolled down the golden, sun-shimmered road. Aurelienne stood in her doorway, watching until they were merely a speck on the horizon. The village shrank behind them as the Sages turned once more toward destiny and the three enemies that remained.