The training hall was quiet, the air heavy with exhaustion after the day's battles. Layla sat against the wall, her eyes following every movement of Lucien and Iman. Dorian leaned on his blade, his gaze sharp, sensing something unspoken between them.
Lucien exchanged a glance with Iman — a silent agreement. He stepped forward, his voice steady but weighted.
"There's something you all need to know."
Layla tilted her head, curiosity sparking. Dorian straightened, his expression unreadable.
Lucien's hand found Iman's, their fingers locking together. "Iman asked me to make her a vampire. And I agreed."
Layla's eyes widened, her voice breaking. "No! Iman, you can't... you'll lose yourself!"
Dorian's jaw tightened, his voice sharp. "This is madness. You'd throw away your humanity? For what? For strength?"
Iman stepped forward, her chin lifted. "For all of us. For Layla. For you. I won't stand behind anymore."
Layla shook her head, tears spilling. "You'll regret this. You'll regret it forever."
Dorian's grip tightened on his sword, his gaze burning into Lucien. "And you agreed to this? You'd damn her to your curse?"
Lucien's voice cut through the storm, steady and unyielding. "It's not just about turning her. There's more."
He turned fully toward Iman, his eyes softening. "We're not just allies. We're not just friends. Iman and I... we're in love."
The words fell like thunder. Layla gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. Dorian's eyes widened, his anger faltering into stunned silence.
Iman's voice was gentle but unwavering. "Lucien asked me to marry him. And I said yes."
For a moment, the hall was frozen. Then Layla's tears shifted into a trembling smile. "You... you're together? You've chosen each other?" Iman nodded, her cheeks warming. "Yes. We haven't made it formal yet, but we've promised ourselves to one another."
Dorian's blade lowered, his expression softening despite himself. He let out a breath, shaking his head with a reluctant smile. "Well, damn. That changes everything."
Layla rushed forward, throwing her arms around Iman. "I was scared... but if this is what you both want, then I'm happy for you."
Dorian gave Lucien a hug, measuring look before finally nodding. "If you're bond to each other, then maybe... maybe it's not a curse after all."
Lucien pulled Iman close, his voice a vow. "She'll be mine, forever. "And together, we'll face whatever comes."
The tension melted into warmth, the group's fear giving way to joy. For the first time the shadows of war seemed lighter - because love carved out its place among them.