amdauthor

Synopsis: The Sins That Bind Us

Phileo killed her family. Evelyne knows this. And yet—she walks beside him.

She should have hated him. She should have sought vengeance. But the world is never so simple. The man who tore her life apart is also the only one who can help her uncover the truth—the truth about why her parents were marked for death, the truth about the shadowed hands that still pull the strings from the dark.

But blood cannot be washed away so easily.

With every step, Phileo is forced to confront the weight of his sins, the ghost of the girl he left behind, now grown into a woman who refuses to break. Evelyne does not forgive. She does not forget. And though she needs him now, one day, she will have to decide—justice or survival.

Because when the past finally catches up to them, neither of them may walk away alive.

TruthUntold

The night air was thick with tension, the scent of blood and damp earth mixing as Phileo and Dorian faced each other. The forest was eerily silent now—the remnants of their brief but brutal clash scattered around them.

Phileo exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders. His sword, gleaming under the pale moonlight, was steady in his grip. He wasn't losing. He wasn't even close. But Dorian…

Dorian was fast. Calculated. A hunter who knew exactly how to push him.

The man grinned, his own blade resting casually in his hand. "You haven't changed, Phileo. Still standing even when you should be on your knees."

Phileo didn't answer. Words were a distraction.

Faster than the eye could follow. His blade lashed out, silver cutting through the dark—aimed straight for Dorian's throat.

But Dorian expected it. He twisted away, boots sliding against the damp ground, his own sword coming up in a sharp arc.

The impact sent sparks flying. Phileo didn't stop. He pressed forward, each strike relentless, pushing Dorian back. His movements were precise, brutal. He wasn't losing. He was reminding Dorian exactly who he was.

Dorian's grin widened. "That's more like it."

He ducked low, pivoting into a counterattack. His blade flickered toward Phileo's ribs—but Phileo saw it.

Phileo sidestepped, his free hand snapping out—gripping Dorian's wrist mid-strike.

Phileo yanked him forward, slamming his knee into Dorian's gut.

Dorian staggered, but Phileo didn't let go. With a flick of his wrist, he twisted the man's arm, forcing him to drop his sword. The weapon hit the dirt with a muted clang.

It wasn't a battle of brute strength. It was precision. Experience.

Dorian coughed, shaking his head. But instead of anger, his golden eyes gleamed with amusement.

Phileo didn't loosen his grip. "Why are you here?"

Dorian exhaled sharply, gaze flicking past Phileo to where Evelyne and Alsiel stood.

Phileo's grip tightened. "Say it."

Dorian chuckled. "The Order wants you back, Phileo. And they're done waiting."

A cold weight settled in Phileo's chest.

And that meant this fight was just beginning.

Chapter 28: A Battle of Ghosts