Chapter 10: Ascension Of The Marked One

There was tension in the room. Ronan staggered, his body weak from blood loss, while Damien supported him as they made their way back to the manor. Evelyn walked ahead, her mind filled with unanswered questions. Ronan's last words echoed in her head… Damien is your executioner.

What did you mean by that? Evelyn demanded, turning to face Ronan.

Ronan sighed, his gaze shifting to Damien, who remained silent. His reluctance to answer only fueled Evelyn's fury.

Tell me! she shouted.

A slow, deliberate clap echoed through the air, interrupting them.

"I will tell you."

The voice was deep, ancient, carrying a weight that sent shivers through Evelyn's spine. She turned sharply to see a tall man stepping out of the shadows, his piercing golden eyes locked onto her.

Damien repositioned to shield aiming to fight. Ronan tensed, his wounds momentarily forgotten.

Who the hell are you? Ronan asked.

The stranger took a step forward, his presence commanding and unshaken. "I am Orion… your uncle."

Evelyn's breath hitched. Uncle?

YES. I am your father's brother, and I have come to fulfill my promise to protect you.

 The Truth Unveiled

Orion's revelation sent a wave of shock through everyone. Evelyn's heart pounded, searching his face for any resemblance to the father she never knew.

My father had a brother? she whispered, barely believing it.

"Yes," Orion said, his tone laced with regret. And I failed him. I should have protected you sooner.

Damien stepped forward. That's impossible. If you were truly her uncle, you would have been dead long ago.

Orion smirked. They tried. They failed…His gaze returned to Evelyn. You have questions. I have answers.

Evelyn swallowed hard. Then tell me everything.

Orion sighed and began.

You were never meant to exist, Evelyn. Your father, Lord Azrael, was one of the most powerful beings of our kind. He was given a prophecy, a warning that his offspring would either be the salvation or the destruction of our entire bloodline. The Elders feared this prophecy and ordered your execution before you were even born.

Evelyn felt the blood drain from her face. My execution?

"Yes." Orion's gaze darkened. "Damien was the one chosen to carry it out."

Evelyn could feel her heart about to explode in shock. Her eyes snapped to Damien, who remained still, his face unreadable.

Ronan sneered bitterly. That's what I meant when I said he was your executioner.

Evelyn trying to ascertain what she just heard. Damien had been sent to kill her.

But he didn't, Orion continued. Instead, he defied the Elders, choosing to protect you rather than end your life.

Evelyn's vision blurred. She staggered back, unable to process it all. You were supposed to kill me? she asked Damien, her voice barely above a whisper.

Damien finally spoke. Yes. His gaze bore into hers. But I couldn't.

Evelyn felt a sharp pain in her chest. Everything she thought she knew had just shattered.

Why? she demanded.

Damien stepped closer. Because from the moment I saw you, I knew you were not a curse. You were… different.

Evelyn with tears in her eyes asked. And you never thought to tell me?

I was protecting you, Damien said, his voice filled with regret. If you knew the truth too soon, you would have been hunted before you were ready.

Orion nodded. "And now… the real hunt begins."

A dark energy pulsed in the distance.

"They are coming."

A heavy sound shattered the silence. The air filled with dark energy as monstrous figures emerged from the shadows. More creatures twisted beings of darkness charged toward them.

Evelyn felt an intense pressure in her chest. It was happening again.

This time, she didn't run.

She turned to Orion. What do I need to do?

Orion gave her a sharp look. You have to awaken the power within you.

Evelyn's hands trembled, but she nodded.

Damien drew his blade, Ronan struggled to stand, and Orion took his stance.

But the creatures didn't hesitate. They lunged.

Evelyn felt something snap inside her. A flood of memories, visions, power surged through her veins. Her father's voice echoed in her mind like it was reality, You are more powerful than you know.

With a single breath, she let go.

A surge of blue flames erupted from her body, consuming the creatures in an instant.

Ronan's eyes widened. "Holy hell."

Damien smirked. "Now that's what I was waiting for."

Evelyn stood at the center of the chaos, flames still licking at her fingertips.

The battle wasn't over. But she was ready.

 ....Continue...