The sky outside had turned pitch black, with only the flickering of torches dancing on the stone walls. Aldric's body lay motionless at the far end of the room. My heart seemed to stop. "Aldric…" I whispered, barely audible.
Lucian stood tall, his eyes glowing red. He approached, his steps slow but sure. "Seraphine… this curse can only be broken by Valeria's blood. My blood. Your blood."
I stumbled backward. "No… you just want to control this curse. I won't let you!"
---
In my head, the whispers of the curse grew louder, pressing to be unleashed. *"Merge with him… blood and curse will become one… you will be immortal…"*
I shut my eyes tight, trying to banish them. "I'm not your tool!"
Lucian reached out, his fingers almost touching my cheek. "You've died once, Seraphine. Don't waste this second life."
I slapped his hand away harshly. "I refuse to live just to be a puppet of this curse!"
---
Soft footsteps behind me made me turn. Oren stood there, a gash on his face, gasping for breath. "My Lady… we must leave. Now!"
I glared at Lucian with hatred. "You will not win."
Lucian merely chuckled. "You still don't understand, Seraphine… the curse has already seeped into your soul. You'll feel it… even when you fight it."
I drew a deep breath, my hands trembling. "If that's my fate… I will change it!"
---
Oren grabbed my hand, pulling me back. "This way! There's a hidden passage behind that pillar!"
We raced to a cracked stone wall. Oren pushed it, revealing a narrow, dark passage. I glanced back one last time, seeing Lucian still standing there, a thin smile on his lips.
"You'll never escape me, Seraphine," his voice echoed.
I forced my feet to move, following Oren through the cramped corridor. My breath came in ragged gasps, my heart pounding so hard it felt like it would burst.
---
The tunnel was dark and damp. Water dripped from the stone ceiling, filling the air with a wet, musty smell. Our feet splashed through puddles, trembling from fear and the sliver of hope that drove us onward.
Oren whispered, "We have to hurry. If Lucian finds this path, we're finished."
I nodded, fighting back tears. "Aldric… he's still alive, isn't he?"
Oren's jaw tightened as he looked at me. "He's strong. He'll survive."
---
My hand brushed against the rough wall. Heat pulsed through my veins, and a faint red mark began to glow on my skin. I gasped, trying to push the pain away.
Oren saw it, his expression grim. "The curse… it's getting stronger, isn't it?"
I nodded. "I can feel it… it's trying to tear into my mind."
Oren's gaze softened. "But I know… you're stronger than this curse, My Lady. I won't let you fall."
---
Footsteps echoed behind us. Lucian's voice slithered through the darkness, chillingly calm. "Don't waste your strength. The curse will always draw you back to me."
I turned, eyes wide. "He's coming!"
Oren pushed me to run faster. "Don't stop, My Lady! We're almost there!"
The passage sloped downward, ending at a heavy wooden door. Oren shoved it open—beyond lay a wider underground chamber.
---
The chamber was filled with the ancient symbols of Valeria—family portraits, stone statues, and a crimson altar at its center.
I froze, staring at the altar. "What is this…?"
Oren whispered, "This is where the curse of Valeria was born. Legend says… this is where the first Valeria blood was spilled."
My hand reached out to the altar. My own blood seemed to recognize this place, thrumming in my veins.
---
Suddenly, Lucian's voice echoed in the corridor, closer now. "This place… it's where our curse was sealed. But now, you're the one who will awaken it fully."
Oren pulled me behind him, his sword raised. "I'll hold him off. My Lady, you must run!"
I shook my head, tears stinging my eyes. "No! I won't leave you!"
Oren looked at me, his eyes soft and resolute. "I swear on my blood… I will protect you, Lady Seraphine."
---
From the altar, a red light blazed. I could feel its heat consuming my soul. The whispers grew louder: *"Release me… you know this is your destiny…"*
I cried out, fighting the burning pain. "No… I won't be a monster… I won't!"
Lucian appeared in the doorway, his face serene. "You're here, Seraphine. You have only two choices: embrace the curse… or be destroyed before me."
---
I stood before the altar, my body shaking. "I… I won't let you decide my fate!"
Lucian walked closer, calm and steady. "You can't run from your own blood, Seraphine."
The whispers roared in my mind. *"Merge… or be nothing…"*
I met Oren's eyes. "If I fail… end me."
Oren looked at me, pain etched in his gaze. "Don't say that… you will win."
---
Lucian raised his hand. The red curse burst around him, slamming into Oren and knocking him to the ground.
I screamed, "Oren!"
Lucian looked at me, his voice low and cold. "You're alone now, Seraphine."
I closed my eyes, feeling my blood pulse. "If this is my destiny… then I'll take it… and I'll break you!"
The curse swallowed the room in a blinding red light.
--
When I opened my eyes, the crimson altar was aglow, and in the heart of that cursed light, I stood alone—surrounded by the blood relics of Valeria.
Lucian smiled faintly. "It's time… you will be mine, Seraphine."
I took a shuddering breath, staring at Lucian and the shining altar. I knew—tonight would decide everything. Whether I became his… or whether this curse would devour my soul completely.
---