THE DEVIL'S BRIDE
Episode 47: The Trial of the Gatekeeper
By Rapwizzy Debaron
The Vault of Origin was quiet again.
Aleir was gone—disappeared into the second vault of gold and divine light. But the choice he left behind still hung in the air like the toll of a funeral bell.
Evelyn stood frozen, her fingers trembling where they had reached out too late. Lucien watched her with unreadable eyes.
Kael stepped forward first, breaking the stillness. "That second vault wasn't just divine—it was forged in godfire. Only one of pure soul can walk through."
Lucien's jaw tightened. "Or someone mad enough to become a god."
---
Suddenly, the floating ruins began to hum.
A shadow stepped out of the fragments. Unlike Aleir, this one didn't hide its face.
A tall figure draped in crimson and obsidian armor. Its eyes were completely black, skin as pale as ice.
"I am the Gatekeeper," it said. "And no soul leaves the Vault without trial."
Kael instinctively drew his blade. "A trial?"
The Gatekeeper raised a hand. "To prove worthiness. To reveal truth."
Before any of them could move, the space around them shifted—and they were each pulled into their own illusion.
---
Lucien's Trial
He stood in a throne room of shadows—his father before him, the devil king, seated in judgment.
"You chose a mortal," the king hissed. "You weakened our bloodline."
Lucien bared his fangs. "I chose her. I'd choose her again."
His father rose, wings unfurling. "Then die as a traitor."
Lucien raised his fists… but Evelyn's voice echoed through the darkness.
"Lucien, remember me."
And that memory became his sword.
---
Kael's Trial
Kael knelt in a burning field, Seraphim bodies scattered around him.
A voice whispered from behind. "You killed them all."
He turned—to find his younger self, crying. "You broke the code."
"I did," Kael whispered, tears falling. "To save one life. Hers."
The boy pointed toward a mirror—Kael looked into it and saw Evelyn smiling, reaching out for him.
And Kael rose, stepping through fire to reach her.
---
Evelyn's Trial
She stood on a bridge between two worlds.
On the left: Aleir. Innocent, soft-spoken, glowing with the promise of light.
On the right: Lucien. Blood-stained, winged, dangerous—but eyes filled with unshakable loyalty.
"You must choose," whispered the void.
Aleir extended his hand. "With me, you'll be safe. Loved forever."
Lucien said nothing. He only looked at her as if she were the only reason the world still turned.
Evelyn closed her eyes.
And jumped.
---
They awoke in a flash of white light—together again.
The Gatekeeper stood silently. "You have passed. But not all of you told the truth."
He turned to Evelyn. "Your heart is divided."
She swallowed hard. "Then guide me to where I can find the rest of it."
The Gatekeeper pointed to the far side of the Vault, where a third door now shimmered. It pulsed with red and violet—chaotic, ancient, powerful.
Lucien stepped beside her. "Where does it lead?"
The Gatekeeper bowed. "To the Realm Between Realms. Where all truths begin… and all lies die."
---
To be continued…
Will Evelyn finally face the truth buried in her soul?
And what lies in the Realm Between Realms?
Vote if you're ready to face your deepest truths.
Comment: Who do you trust with Ev
elyn's heart—Lucien, Aleir… or someone else?
Follow @RapwizzyDebaron — Episode 48 is where all hearts are tested.