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 fire in the hearth had burned low, casting a dim glow across the stone chamber. Rena had fallen back into a peaceful sleep in Rene's arms, her tiny breaths steady.

Rene wasn't sure if she envied her or feared for her more.

The others had settled into their own routines—Nyra had finally sat down, though she kept one hand on her weapon. Adrian and Adriel remained near the balcony, watchful as ever. And Lucien…

"Are you waiting for something?" Rene muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lucien smirked but didn't immediately reply. Instead, he pushed off the wall and walked over, crouching beside her. His golden eyes flickered toward Rena before returning to Rene.

"You keep holding her like she'll vanish if you let go," he murmured.

Rene tightened her grip instinctively. "Because that might not be far from the truth."

Lucien tilted his head, considering her words. Then, to her surprise, his expression softened.

Lucien leaned back, resting his arms on his knees. "To have you," he clarified. "Someone willing to stand against fate itself for her."

Rene wasn't sure how to respond to that. Lucien wasn't exactly known for sincerity, but there was something genuine in his voice this time.

Before she could say anything, Adrian's voice cut through the quiet.

Nyra was on her feet, her dagger drawn. "How close?"

Adriel moved to the door, his silver eyes narrowing. "Close enough."

Lucien sighed, stretching as he stood. "Well, that didn't last long."

Rene stood as well, carefully shifting Rena in her arms. The baby stirred but didn't wake.

Footsteps echoed in the corridor outside. Heavy. Measured.

Not urgent. Not threatening. Just… calm.

For some reason, that was more unsettling.

Nyra exchanged a glance with Rene before moving to open the door, her grip still tight on her weapon.

The door creaked as it swung open.

A figure stood in the doorway, cloaked in dark fabric, their face shadowed beneath the hood. But when they stepped forward, the light caught their features.

A woman. With silver hair. And violet eyes.

"You again," Nyra growled, stepping in front of Rene protectively.

The woman raised a hand, a silent request for peace. "I mean no harm."

Rene's fingers twitched. "Then why are you here?"

The woman's gaze flickered to Rena.

"To tell you what the Elders refuse to."

Lucien grinned. "Well. This should be interesting."

Chapter 18 Shadows On The Horizon