The air in Umbra shifted before the gates even opened.
A subtle shift made the guards stiffen at the gates. From beyond the mansion's gate, a figure emerged—a tall man draped in a cloak, his eyes sharp and glinting like onyx.
"Ava of the Valkara bloodline" The voice was smooth and cold, echoing across the courtyard as the gates slowly parted. "I am Lucien Vale."
Dante's growl rumbled low in his throat. "A vampire. Here in Umbra? They were banned years ago. What does he want?"
A guard hurried over. "He says he has knowledge about Lady Ava identity."
Ava's pulse quickened. "He's here for me?"
Ava's heart thudded with a mixture of wariness and curiosity.
Lucien stepped inside, His pale skin seemed almost luminous in the moonlight.
"I am heir to the Vale House," Lucien said, eyes flicking toward Dante. "And keeper of secrets long forgotten by both witches and Lycans alike."
Ava's gaze sharpened. "What secrets?"
Lucien inclined his head. "Your grandmother's bloodline. The coven she belonged to was hunted to near extinction during the Witch Purge. The vampires claimed many of those secrets for themselves—records, relics, prophecies."
Dante's stance tightened, protective as ever. "Why come to her now?"
"Because," Lucien said softly, "others have begun to hunt her. The prophecy naming the Lunar Key as savior or destroyer is more dangerous than you've been told."
Ava felt a chill run down her spine. "And you're here to help. Why?
Lucien's smile was enigmatic. "I do not choose sides lightly. But I know the truth, and I know that the forces against you will stop at nothing. You need to be prepared."
He extended a folded parchment, Ava caught it with steady hands. On it was written a part of the prophecy hidden from the Council.
"Fromhumanblood ans witches flame shall rise the key that locks the fate of night and day."
Ava looked up at Lucien. "Why trust you?"
"Because," he said quietly, "the same blood runs through your veins as did through my greatest adversaries. And because if you fall, none of us will stand."
Dante growled, but Ava placed a hand on his arm. "We'll need his knowledge. For now."
Lucien inclined his head once more and retreated through the gate.
Ava turned to Dante, the weight of new truths settling heavily on her shoulders.
"I know you don't support this, but if we are to defeat whatever is coming we need all the help we can get. We don't just fight for ourselves anymore," she whispered. "This is bigger than I ever imagined."