The Lost Heir

Seraphine moved swiftly through the dimly lit corridors, her heart pounding in her chest. The diversion had worked—at least for now. She pressed herself against the cold stone wall, catching her breath as she listened for approaching footsteps. Silence.

With careful precision, she pushed open the heavy door to the east wing's forbidden chamber. Dust swirled in the air, catching the moonlight that streamed through the high, arched windows. The room was eerily still, untouched by time.

At the center of the chamber, bound in enchanted chains, was the figure she had risked everything to find. A man—disheveled, but regal in a way that could not be ignored. His piercing gaze met hers, filled with both suspicion and something deeper. Recognition? Hope?

"Who are you?" His voice was hoarse from disuse, but it still carried the weight of authority.

"A friend," Seraphine answered, stepping closer. "And if what I suspect is true—you are more than that. You are the rightful heir to a fallen dynasty."

His eyes darkened, jaw tightening. "That dynasty is dust. The past is dead."

"Not entirely." Seraphine knelt beside him, reaching for the shackles. "There are still those who remember. Who wait. And they will follow you—if you let them."

He hesitated, searching her face. "And why should I trust you?"

Seraphine's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Because I have more to gain from freeing you than keeping you here. And so do you."

The heir exhaled slowly, then nodded. "Then break the chains, and let's begin."

Seraphine pressed her hand against the intricate sigils etched into the metal. A surge of energy pulsed beneath her fingertips. The magic resisted—then shattered.

The lost heir was free.

To be continued…