Nyx_Aurelia

Eighteen-year-old Rene has always been a warrior, sworn to protect those she loves. When her twin brothers, Adrian and Adriel, and her adoptive sister, Nyra, uncover a dangerous secret about her two-year-old baby sister Rena, their world begins to unravel.

Rena isn’t just a child—she is the vessel for a banished soul, one that should have never returned. A mysterious force watches over her, whispering of an ancient war, forgotten betrayals, and a key that should never be turned. As Rene and her family are hunted by those who sealed Rena’s soul away, they are forced to seek out Selene, the only person who might have answers.

But the deeper they dig, the darker the truth becomes.

Rene must decide—will she fight to protect the child she loves, even if it means unleashing something that was meant to stay buried forever?

Time is running out.

The ones who banished Rena’s soul have returned.

And they will stop at nothing to seal her away—again.

The Midnight Key

The night air was cool as they walked through the stone corridors of Nocturna's stronghold. The torches flickered gently, casting long shadows on the walls. For once, the darkness was just that—darkness. No strange presences lurking. No mysterious forces calling out. Just silence.

Rene exhaled, shifting Rena in her arms. The baby had fallen asleep, her tiny hand curled into the fabric of Rene's cloak. Despite everything that had happened, she looked peaceful.

Rene wished she could feel the same.

They had returned to the chambers they were using as temporary quarters. A large room with stone walls, a few scattered furs for warmth, and a balcony that overlooked Nocturna's darkened cityscape.

Adrian and Adriel sat together on the floor near the balcony, their silver eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. They weren't speaking, but their presence was steady, protective.

Nyra paced near the entrance, arms crossed, clearly still unsettled.

Lucien was leaning against the wall, watching Rene with an expression that was almost amused, but not quite.

"You haven't stopped staring at her since we got back," he remarked.

Rene sighed, looking down at Rena. "I can't stop thinking about what happened."

Nyra finally stopped pacing. "You're not the only one." She sat down on one of the furs, rubbing her temples. "That woman knew something. Something the Elders refused to tell us. And we let her go."

"Correction," Lucien said smoothly. "She left. We had no say in the matter."

Nyra shot him a glare. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

Rene shook her head, focusing back on Rena. "She recognized that woman. I know she did."

Adrian spoke quietly from the balcony. "She is too young to remember."

Rene ran a hand through her hair, feeling exhaustion weigh down on her. "I don't care what she is, or what they say about her. She's my sister. And I'm going to protect her."

Lucien tilted his head. "Even if the truth puts her in more danger?"

Rene met his gaze, her silver eyes burning. "Yes."

Rena had stirred, her tiny fingers grasping at the air. Her silver eyes blinked open, still heavy with sleep.

She looked up at Rene… and smiled.

And in that moment, Rene felt something tighten in her chest.

No matter what came next—no matter what truths were buried in Rena's past—she wouldn't let the world take her away.

Not while she still had breath in her body.

Chapter 17 The Calm Before The Storm