Chapter 7: Secrets of the Past

Beneath the eerie glow of the twin moons, Seraphina, Cassian, and Kael rested in the abandoned refuge, a hidden sanctuary carved into the mountains. The fire crackled softly, casting flickering shadows against the stone walls.

Cassian sat near the entrance, his wounds bandaged but still aching. Kael, ever the restless one, sharpened his daggers. Seraphina remained silent, her thoughts heavy with everything that had happened.

"It’s time," she finally said, her sapphire eyes locking onto Cassian’s stormy gray ones. "Tell me everything. No more secrets."

Cassian exhaled slowly. “It all began years ago, long before you and I ever crossed paths.”

Centuries ago, before the Dark King became a name whispered in fear, he was once a man—Zareth, the first Archmage of Eldoria. He was a brilliant sorcerer, a man of immeasurable power and knowledge. The gods themselves had blessed him with the ability to shape the world with magic, but it was never enough for him.

Zareth delved into forbidden arts, seeking immortality. He studied ancient grimoires, sacrificed souls to the Abyss, and eventually discovered the key to eternal power—a prophecy written in blood:

"Only the union of celestial and abyssal magic shall unchain the gods and birth an everlasting ruler."

He became obsessed. He believed that if he could merge the purest celestial magic with the deepest abyssal darkness, he would become a god himself.

Seraphina clenched her fists. "And I’m the key to that power?"

Cassian nodded grimly. "Your bloodline is special, Seraphina. You are not just an enchantress—you are the last descendant of the Celestial Bloodline."

The Celestial Bloodline belonged to those touched by the gods—beings capable of wielding divine magic. Seraphina was the only one left. If Zareth could corrupt her magic and bind it with his abyssal darkness, he would unlock unparalleled power.

Kael scoffed. "So he wants to use her like some kind of vessel? Twisted bastard."

Cassian’s gaze darkened. "Not just a vessel. A queen."

Seraphina’s breath hitched.

"Zareth doesn’t just want your power," Cassian continued. "He wants you as his consort—his bride."

The revelation sent a shudder down her spine.

Kael leaned back against the wall. "Alright, that explains why he’s after Seraphina. But tell her the rest, Cassian. Tell her how you got caught up in this mess."

Cassian ran a hand through his hair, his expression unreadable.

"I was once one of Zareth’s generals," he admitted.

Seraphina’s breath caught. "What?"

Cassian nodded. "Years ago, before I understood what kind of monster he was, I swore loyalty to him. He promised me power, purpose… a way to escape my past. I was a warrior, a rogue with nothing to lose. I believed in him."

Kael smirked. "And then you fell in love."

Cassian’s gaze met Seraphina’s, full of something raw and unspoken.

"The moment I saw you, I knew I couldn’t let him have you."

Seraphina felt her heart hammer against her ribs.

"I was ordered to bring you to him, Seraphina. That’s why I sought you out in Eldoria. But the more I watched you, the more I…" He exhaled sharply. "The more I wanted to protect you instead."

"You betrayed him."

Cassian nodded. "I did. And now, he wants me dead."

Kael’s Story

Kael let out a low chuckle. "And then there’s me. The wildcard."

Seraphina turned to him. "Who are you, really, Kael?"

Kael grinned. "An assassin. A thief. A runaway prince. Take your pick."

Cassian rolled his eyes. "Kael was a prince of the Eastern Isles, heir to the throne—until he chose a different life."

Kael twirled one of his daggers. "My father was a tyrant. I refused to be his puppet. So I ran." He smirked. "Met Cassian in a fight. Tried to kill him. He beat me. We became friends."

Seraphina shook her head in disbelief. "That’s it?"

**"Pretty much," Kael said with a wink. "Friendship is weird like that."

Seraphina closed her eyes, absorbing everything.**

Zareth, the Dark King, was once the greatest mage of Eldoria. He sought godhood through celestial and abyssal magic. She was the last Celestial, the key to his power. Cassian had once been his general but betrayed him for love. And Kael—he was the wildcard, the rogue prince with no allegiance but his own.

Her heart was heavy, but one thing was clear.

They were all bound together by fate.

Cassian’s voice broke the silence. "Now you know, Seraphina. The real question is—what will you do with that knowledge?"

She opened her eyes, her sapphire gaze burning with determination.

"We end this."

The storm was coming. And she would be ready.

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