The Prophecy and the Awakening
"She is the one written in the prophetic scrolls," Father Gideon declared with unwavering conviction, his voice echoing through the chamber like a sermon carved into stone. "The one destined to purge our world of the demons that have threatened our lives and slaughtered our brothers and sisters." His eyes burned with belief, twin flames of certainty. "And she is the one I have seen in my visions—the chosen."
Queen Drusilla fell silent, her mind reeling as she tried to process his words. The weight of prophecy pressed against her crown, heavier than any jewel.
"But, Father," she finally spoke, confusion creeping into her voice, "she said she comes from future Earth. She made it clear she was sent to help with our crisis against the vampires. How do you connect her to scrolls written a thousand years ago?"
Father Gideon took a deep breath, his fingers absently scratching his long white beard. "I understand your doubts perfectly." He paused, searching for words that could bridge the chasm between faith and reason. "The writers of these prophetic masterpieces were visionaries—they wrote what they saw. Their visions encompassed not just their own time, but also the future. For instance, William Blacke once said, 'All things exist in eternity.' That means the past, the present, and the future are not separate entities—they all coexist, unfolding in ways beyond our understanding. We cannot question the spirit that sees all things."
His explanation was vast, layered with meaning, but he wasn't certain if it had fully reached her. "Does that make sense?" he asked softly.
Drusilla hesitated, her lips parting but no words coming. Faith tugged at her heart, reason clawed at her mind. Was she a queen, or merely a pawn in a story written long before her birth? She shook her head slowly. "I'm not sure. I'm trying to piece together these scattered fragments, but it's difficult. I hope one day I'll understand." She sighed, the sound heavy with exhaustion. "Regardless, I appreciate the conversation. Thank you, Father. I should go back to sleep."
She turned to leave but suddenly halted, twisting to face him once more. "Father," she asked, her voice quieter now, "do you think this could be why the Gul vampires haven't attacked tonight?"
Father Gideon stroked his beard, his expression contemplative. "I hadn't considered the possibility. But… it could be."
Drusilla nodded, though unease lingered in her eyes. "Alright. Goodnight—if you manage to sleep at all."
A knowing smile spread across Father Gideon's face. "Goodnight, Your Majesty."
---
Within Asher's Fortress
In Derensia, within the walls of Asher's fortress, much had progressed. The spear had been removed, Cipher was patched up, and now, they waited—for a miracle, for life to return to her body.
"You think it'll take long for her to wake?" Nova, as always, voiced her doubts.
Asher exhaled, his gaze steady on Cipher's pale face. "I honestly don't know. Healing is unpredictable, and it depends on many factors—including blood type."
Nova studied him. A man of intelligence and skill, yet living in solitude, away from the grandeur of the world. It puzzled her, but she chose to let the thought die in silence.
"I'll get some air," Ren announced, stepping away and disappearing down the stairs.
Nova sat by the bedside, holding Cipher's cold hand. Asher sat opposite, both of them listening to Ren's fading footsteps. Nova hesitated before speaking. "I mean no disrespect, but I can't help it—by now, you must know the kind of person I am."
Asher raised an eyebrow.
"So I'll cut to the chase," she continued. "What happened between you two?"
A shadow crossed Asher's face. He didn't answer immediately, as if deciding whether he should. "It's a long story," he finally said.
Nova huffed. "You know I won't buy that. We have all the time in the world—if it's too long, make it short."
Asher stared at Cipher, his fingers tightening slightly. "We grew up together," he began. "Did almost everything side by side. Had the same path, the same ambitions, the same dreams… and then—" He stopped, his throat tightening.
Nova leaned forward. "And then what?"
His eyes turned glossy, a reflection of wounds never healed. He sighed deeply. "Then… she wasn't just a woman. She was the only light I ever let in—and he stole her before I could even breathe her name."
Nova's curiosity peaked. "He? Ren?"
Asher nodded, shame flickering across his face. "He took the only woman I ever loved."
Nova blinked. "Is he married to her now?"
Asher shook his head. "No. He barely spent months with her before letting her go."
Nova's brows furrowed. "Then why didn't you go back to her?"
His fingers curled into fists. "How could I? She broke my heart. She chose him over me. And when she left him, she didn't return to me. That wound never closed."
Nova leaned forward, searching his face. "You mean to tell me that, out of all the women in this world, you only loved one—and after she hurt you, you chose never to love again?"
Asher's gaze fell to Cipher, unreadable. "After the heartbreak," he murmured, "I chose never to be broken again. Emotional wounds cut deeper than any blade—they take longer to heal, and sometimes… they never do. So I stayed away."
---
Cipher's Awakening
Cipher jerked violently—twice. Nova and Asher sprang to attention.
"What's happening?" Nova asked, worried thick in her voice.
Asher studied Cipher closely, his tone measured, analytical. "She's having episodes in her mind. Likely remembering something… something terrible. It's not a fever—this is different." He paused, contemplating. "It's a sign she might wake up soon."
Cipher's lips trembled, a broken word escaping—"Fire…" Nova froze, her grip tightening. Somewhere in the distance, a faint ember flickered, as if Zane himself stirred.
Nova exhaled, her fingers tightening around Cipher's hand. "I hope so." Then, shifting the conversation back, she asked, "Don't you think you live in fear? Scared to dive into the unknown?"
Asher considered. "Partly, I suppose. But in the end, we are all prisoners to something. No one is perfect—that's what makes us human. If we were perfect, we would be gods."
Asher tilted his head. "You keep talking about love. Have you ever experienced it yourself?"
A faint smirk flickered on Nova's lips. "No. But I hope to. Maybe soon."
Asher crossed his arms. "Until you do, then we can talk. How about a change of topic?"
Nova frowned. "Why are you avoiding your vulnerability?"
Asher chuckled. "I'm not avoiding it. But haven't you had enough of me?"
Nova grinned. "Not really. I'm human. And humans? Their hunger is never satisfied."
Silence stretched between them. Asher exhaled and leaned back. "Tell me—how did you survive the Winzors?"
Nova bit her bottom lip, remembering. "It was miraculous. We only survived because of her and her phoenix. His name is Zane."
"A phoenix?" Asher echoed, eyebrows raised.
Nova nodded. "Yes. She has a phoenix, and he is powerful. Maybe, in time, you'll see him for yourself. To make the story short, we were deeply engaged in battle. Ren fought with his twin daggers, I used the Kartana, and Cipher wielded her bow and arrows." She hesitated before continuing. "When Cipher got stabbed… Zane—enraged beyond belief—unleashed his fury and burned the Winzors alive."
Asher listened, processing every word. "And that's why she came to seek me?"
Before Nova could answer, Ren's voice erupted from below.
---
The Thieves' Interruption
"Thieves!"
The fortress groaned as if waking from slumber. Ren's cry split the silence, sharp as steel.
Asher stiffened, instincts igniting. His body moved before his mind caught up—blade drawn, heart pounding, the weight of old battles pressing against his ribs.
"Did you hear that?" he asked, already rushing toward the stairs.
Nova barely had time to respond. "Stay here with Cipher," Asher instructed, his voice clipped, commanding.
Outside, the carriage had started moving. The night itself seemed to shudder, shadows stretching long and hungry.
And somewhere deep within Cipher's chest, the ember flared again.