The city lay in a tense, fragile calm. Smoke still drifted from the ruined streets, ash falling like a quiet warning from the sky. Soldiers patched barricades, citizens whispered prayers, and in the palace courtyard, Adrian and Selene stood side by side — battered, bruised, but unbroken.Yet neither dared to celebrate. Julian’s presence lingered like a heartbeat in the shadows, a dark pulse that reminded them that the war was far from over.Kael approached, armor scorched and eyes grim. “Majesty… reports are coming in. The remaining shadow army is converging. They’ve regrouped, stronger than before. And… it’s not just soldiers this time. The civilians — they’re being drawn into the shadows, turning against each other.”Adrian’s fists clenched. “He’s going to try to break everything — every bond, every heart, every ounce of hope. But he won’t touch her. He won’t touch anyone I care for.”Selene’s hand found his, scar faintly pulsing as if acknowledging the bond between them. “He’s test

The city lay in fragile silence. Smoke still curled from the ruined districts, and shadows clung to every corner like a living thing. Citizens emerged cautiously, peering at the shattered streets, whispering prayers and fears alike. But amidst the chaos, one truth was undeniable: Julian’s presence lingered, a pulse of malice threading through every shadow.Adrian stood atop the palace walls, silver sword drawn, eyes scanning the horizon. He had fought Julian twice now, each encounter harder than the last, each a test of strength, skill, and endurance. And still, Julian remained, a storm gathering, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.Selene stepped beside him, scar faintly glowing beneath her sleeve. Her hands trembled slightly, but her eyes were sharp, filled with resolve. “He’s not finished,” she said quietly, voice firm despite the exhaustion lingering in her bones. “He’s gathering. Waiting for the moment he can truly break us… or take me completely.”Adrian’s jaw tightened. “

The city trembled under a sky swollen with shadows, violet lightning cracking across clouds as if the heavens themselves were tearing apart. Julian had returned, stronger, faster, more terrifying than ever. His crown of black thorns burned with malevolent fire, his eyes glowing with unnatural violet light. The air pulsed with his essence, suffocating, corrupting, and daring anyone to stand against him.Adrian stood at the city gates, sword ignited in silver flame, shoulders squared. Beside him, Selene’s hands flared with silver-black energy, scar glowing violently as Julian’s presence pressed against her mind, trying to claim her fully. The whispers were relentless.“You will bow… the crown will rise… you belong to me…”Selene’s knees shook, but she straightened, her gaze meeting Adrian’s. “I… I will not… I cannot…”Adrian took her hands, anchoring her with his presence. “Together, Selene. Whatever happens, we fight as one. You are not alone.”Her energy surged in response, intertwini

Three years later.The kingdom no longer whispered Adrian’s name in fear.They spoke it with reverence.Stone towers had risen where rubble once lay. Trade routes stretched farther than they ever had before. The scars of shadowfire remained etched into the land, but they were monuments now—reminders of survival, not omens of doom.King Adrian stood upon the western battlements at dawn, watching the banners ripple in the morning wind. Black and silver. No crown of thorns. No symbols of terror. Only strength earned through blood and sacrifice.Peace had weight.And he carried it carefully.Behind him, measured footsteps approached. Adrian did not turn.“You’re awake early again,” Selene said softly.He smiled without looking back. “Old habits.”She joined him at the wall, her presence warm, grounding. Time had changed her—but not in the way people had feared. The scar remained faintly visible along her wrist, no longer pulsing, no longer hungry. She had learned to live with it, master i

Selene was awake when it happened.There was no scream. No fire. No pain.That was how she knew it was wrong.She sat by the tall window of her private chamber, the city laid out below her in quiet lamplight. Adrian slept behind her, one arm flung carelessly across the sheets, breathing steady. Peace had given him that. Or the illusion of it.Selene closed her eyes.And the world tilted.Not collapsing—aligning.The air grew thin, like the moment before a thought becomes a decision. Her scar did not flare. Instead, it cooled, a strange numb clarity spreading through her chest.You feel it too, a voice said.Selene’s eyes snapped open.She was no longer in her chamber.She stood in a vast hall of white stone, open to the sky. No shadows clung to the walls. No darkness pooled at her feet. Light poured in from everywhere, soft and even, without a single source.At the center stood a man.Young. Perhaps her age. Dark-haired, plainly dressed, hands clasped behind his back as if awaiting a