Eclipse Love

The images flickered before Selene's eyes, each one pulling at something deep inside her, something buried.

She saw a woman with silver eyes, wreathed in flames, standing between two warring forces.

A man of shadows, his golden eyes burning with power, reaching for her.

And then—

The world split apart.

Selene gasped, staggering backward as the vision rippled through her mind. The force of it stole her breath, her chest heaving as she clutched her head.

This wasn't just a memory.

It was a warning.

Vale watched her carefully, his golden gaze sharp, waiting for the realization to sink in.

"You feel it, don't you?" he murmured.

Selene's heartbeat pounded in her ears. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Vale stepped closer, his voice a whisper of dark promise.

"This isn't the first time we've stood like this, Selene."

The words coiled around her like a snake, sending a shiver down her spine.

She shook her head. "No. That's not possible."

Vale smiled, but there was no amusement in it.

"You were mine once."

Selene's breath hitched.

"No," she whispered.

But the memories… they felt real.

And worst of all—

A part of her recognized them.

Lucian Enters the Shadow Realm

Lucian stormed through the ruins, his magic crackling like a violent storm around him.

He had never been here before, but his instincts—his bond with Selene—guided him.

Each step sent ripples of fire and ice through the air, the ground trembling beneath him.

Vale's realm was a twisted labyrinth of shadows and illusions, but Lucian did not slow.

He could feel Selene's presence, faint but unwavering, pulling him forward.

Darius and Astrid struggled to keep up.

"This is insane," Astrid muttered. "We don't even have a plan—"

Lucian ignored her.

He had one purpose.

Find Selene. Kill Vale.

Ahead, the sky darkened, shifting into a swirling mass of gold and black, like the heavens themselves were at war.

Darius grabbed Lucian's arm. "Lucian, wait—"

Lucian wrenched free, his silver eyes glowing with fury. "I'm not waiting."

Darius swore. "Damn it, you're walking into a trap—"

Lucian's gaze burned.

"Then I'll set it on fire."

And with that, he vanished into the shadows.

Selene's Struggle

Selene's hands shook as Vale's words settled in.

She wanted to deny it, to push the memories away—

But she couldn't.

Because deep inside her, something had awakened.

And it terrified her.

Vale watched her with quiet patience, his power curling around the room like an invisible force.

"I don't expect you to believe me yet," he said softly. "But the truth is already unraveling, isn't it?"

Selene clenched her jaw. "Even if this was true…" She took a step forward, meeting his golden gaze head-on.

"I chose Lucian."

Vale's smirk faltered for the first time.

A flicker of something dangerous passed through his gaze.

Then—

BOOM.

The entire chamber shook, a violent explosion tearing through the walls.

Selene's head snapped toward the entrance just as a rush of silver fire and ice blasted through the corridor.

Her breath caught.

She knew that magic.

She knew him.

Vale's expression darkened.

"Lucian."

Selene's heart leapt as the shadows of the doorway rippled—and then, with a deafening roar,

Lucian stepped through.

His silver eyes burned like molten fury, his presence a storm of raw power.

And in that moment—Selene had never seen him look so deadly.

A Battle of Wills

Lucian's gaze locked onto Vale, every muscle in his body coiled, ready to strike.

Vale, however, remained unnervingly calm.

"You're late," Vale murmured.

Lucian's lips curled into a snarl.

"Let. Her. Go."

Vale exhaled, almost bored. "You assume she wants to leave."

Lucian's magic flared, the temperature of the room plummeting as ice laced the walls.

"Don't play games with me, Vale." His voice was a low growl, his fangs bared. "You won't leave this room alive."

Vale chuckled. "Ah, Lucian. Always so quick to resort to violence." His gaze flicked toward Selene. "Tell him."

Selene stiffened.

Tell him… what?

Lucian's expression flickered, uncertainty bleeding into his rage. "Selene?"

Her throat tightened.

What was she supposed to say?

That she had seen visions of a past she didn't remember?

That some part of her recognized Vale's magic—his presence?

That for a terrifying moment, she had felt something familiar when he spoke?

Lucian took a step closer, his hand outstretched.

"Selene," he murmured, voice softer now. "Come to me."

Selene's pulse raced.

She wanted to.

Gods, she wanted to.

But something held her back.

Something inside her whispered: What if Vale is telling the truth?

Vale's golden eyes gleamed. He could see it—her hesitation.

Lucian's jaw tightened.

"Selene," he said again, more desperate this time.

Her heart twisted.

Then Vale whispered, just loud enough for her to hear—

"What if you were meant to be mine?"

Selene's breath hitched.

Lucian saw the moment doubt flickered across her face.

And for the first time—he felt fear.

Because if Vale had even the smallest hold on her mind…

He might lose her forever.

End of Chapter Twenty-Three