Eclipse Love

The air in the Shadowwood had changed.

The trees, once silent watchers, now whispered with an eerie hum, their dark leaves rustling in an unnatural wind. The mist thickened, swirling like phantom fingers around Lucian and Selene's feet.

And in front of them, the figure stood motionless, his crimson eyes glowing in the dim light.

"Welcome home, Lucian."

Lucian didn't move. Didn't breathe.

Selene could feel the tension rolling off him—thick, suffocating. She had seen Lucian fight wars, face down enemies without a flicker of hesitation.

But now?

He was still.

As if facing something he had hoped never to see again.

Selene swallowed.

"Who is he?" she asked softly.

Lucian didn't answer right away. His silver eyes remained locked on the cloaked figure, something dark flashing behind them.

Then, finally—his voice came, low and cold.

"Draven."

The figure—Draven—tilted his head slightly.

His mouth curled into a smirk, revealing a set of sharp fangs.

"Oh, good. You haven't forgotten me."

A Forgotten Bloodline

Selene's heart pounded.

Draven stepped forward, his cloak rippling like shadows clinging to his form.

She could see more of him now—tall, lean, powerful. His dark robes were embroidered with silver runes, and his hair, as black as midnight, fell past his shoulders in waves.

But it was his presence that sent chills down her spine.

Not just his magic.

But something older. Something dangerous.

She clenched her fists. "What do you want?"

Draven's gaze flickered to her, and a slow, knowing smile spread across his face.

"The question, little flame, is not what I want." His eyes darkened. "It's what he is willing to face."

Selene stiffened.

Lucian's jaw tightened. His fists clenched at his sides, as if barely restraining himself.

Draven turned back to him. "You shouldn't have come here."

Lucian exhaled sharply. "I didn't have a choice."

Draven chuckled. "No, I suppose you didn't."

Selene's frustration boiled.

She stepped forward, her voice firm.

"I don't care what history you two have," she snapped. "If you know anything about this place, or why our powers feel… different here, then speak. Otherwise, move aside."

Draven's smile didn't fade.

Instead, his crimson gaze sharpened—studying her, searching.

Then, his voice dropped to something almost amused.

"You really don't know, do you?"

Selene frowned.

Draven glanced back at Lucian. "You didn't tell her?"

Lucian's entire body tensed.

Selene's eyes flickered between them.

"Tell me what?"

A pause.

Then, Lucian exhaled, his silver eyes heavy with something unreadable.

"This place," he said slowly, "isn't just my home." His voice dropped lower. "It's my bloodline."

Selene froze.

Her mind raced, trying to piece the meaning together.

The Shadowwood—a realm lost to time. A place once inhabited by ancient vampires who disappeared from history.

Lucian clenched his jaw. "My family didn't just live here." His voice darkened. "They ruled it."

Selene's breath hitched.

She turned to Draven, her chest tightening. "That means you're…"

Draven gave her a mock bow. "Lucian's dear cousin." His fangs gleamed in the dim light. "The last of the Shadowborn clan."

A Legacy of Darkness

Selene's mind reeled.

Lucian—a prince of an ancient vampire clan?

A hidden bloodline that had been erased from history?

She looked at him, searching his face.

"You never told me."

Lucian's silver eyes were dark. "Because it doesn't matter."

Draven let out a sharp laugh. "Oh, but it does, dear cousin. More than you know."

Lucian's glare hardened.

"I left this place behind a long time ago."

Draven's amusement faded slightly.

"Yes. And look how well that worked out." His crimson eyes flickered toward Selene. "You brought a fireborn here. Of all people."

Selene stiffened.

Draven's gaze locked onto her, something calculating flickering behind his expression.

"You can feel it, can't you?" he murmured. "The magic in the air."

Selene hesitated.

Because he was right.

The moment they had arrived, something had been stirring inside her.

A strange, electric hum beneath her skin.

Lucian stepped between them, his presence protective, warning.

"Stay away from her."

Draven raised a brow. "Relax, cousin. I'm merely curious."

Selene frowned. "Curious about what?"

Draven studied her for a long moment, then smiled—slow, knowing.

"Because no fireborn should be able to stand in the Shadowwood without being consumed."

Selene's breath caught.

She turned sharply to Lucian, her pulse racing.

"What is he talking about?"

Lucian's jaw clenched. He didn't answer.

Draven chuckled. "Oh, you really didn't tell her anything, did you?" His gaze flickered to Selene. "Your kind—fireborns—aren't supposed to exist here. The Shadowwood feeds off darkness. It devours light."

Selene's heart thumped.

Then why wasn't she burning?

Why did she feel—stronger?

Draven's smirk widened. "Unless, of course…" He took a step closer, lowering his voice. "You're not just fireborn."

Selene's skin prickled.

She wasn't sure why, but something in her shook.

A memory flickered—Vale's words.

"Your power… it's awakening. And when it does, even he won't be able to control it."

Lucian tensed.

"Enough," he growled.

Draven's crimson eyes gleamed.

"As you wish, cousin."

Selene exhaled, steadying herself.

Draven had given her more questions than answers, but one thing was clear—something was changing inside her.

And the Shadowwood wasn't going to let her leave without revealing its secrets.

End of Chapter Thirty-Two