Chapter six: shadows in the library

The flicker of candlelight danced along the spines of old books as Lord Elias poured himself a glass of deep red liquid. The library, hidden deep in the manor’s west wing, smelled of aged parchment and preserved blood—a sacred space for old minds and older secrets.

Marcus entered without knocking. As always.

“You called,” he said, pulling off his gloves and tucking them into his coat. “Is this about Ava?”

Lord Elias didn’t answer immediately. He turned toward the tall window overlooking the forest, where the trees swayed like they whispered truths the world wasn’t ready to hear.

“She stood in the sunlight yesterday,” Elias said.

Marcus froze, halfway to the decanter. “She… what?”

“Briefly. She stepped into it. Her skin didn’t smoke. She didn’t even flinch.”

“That’s not possible.”

“It happened,” Elias said simply. “I watched her.”

Marcus frowned. “She hasn’t come to me for any more of the suppression tonic.”

“I know. She’s been different lately. Quieter. But stronger. Something’s changing in her. And I fear it’s not just rebellion.”

Lord Elias returned to the desk and placed the glass down beside a faded book. Its cover bore the sigil of their bloodline—a circle divided by a fang and a claw.

“I want someone watching her.”

Marcus raised a brow. “Ava won’t take kindly to that.”

“She doesn’t have to know.”

A long pause followed.

“You’re thinking of Darius, aren’t you?”

Elias gave a small nod. “He’s discreet. Skilled. And most importantly—loyal to me. If something is awakening in her… I need to know before she does.”

Marcus shifted uncomfortably. “You think she’s turning?”

“I don’t know,” Elias said softly. “But I do know the old stories. About bloodlines cursed and blessed. About hybrids born under crimson moons.”

“You think she’s—?”

“I think,” Elias cut in, “that someone has been guiding her. And if I’m right… then we’re standing at the edge of something much bigger than prophecy.”

The room fell into a heavy silence.

After a moment, Marcus stepped forward and opened his medical journal.

“I’ll adjust her doses. If she comes to me again, I’ll make sure to test her blood.”

Lord Elias nodded slowly, then walked to the old cabinet near the far wall. He unlocked it with a silver key and pulled out a sealed envelope, already addressed.

“Send this to Darius. Tell him the hunt begins tonight.”

Marcus took the envelope and paused at the door.

“Do you really believe she’s dangerous?”

Elias stared at the candle’s flame, his voice low.

“I believe… she’s more than we can control.”

Marcus lingered a moment longer in the doorway, then turned back, eyes narrowing.

“What will you do if the truth is worse than we fear?”

Elias didn’t blink. “Then I’ll do what must be done.”

The finality in his voice silenced any protest.

Marcus gave a slow nod and disappeared into the hall.

Alone again, Lord Elias returned to the window, the letter still resting on the table behind him. Outside, the forest was still. But somewhere within it, his daughter moved—untethered, powerful, and no longer entirely known to him.

He whispered to the silence:

“You were never meant to be ordinary, Ava.”

The flame of the candle sputtered.

And the shadows shifted.