Soumya_Modi

In a world where supernatural bloodlines rule from the shadows, Azael Virex lives unaware of the ancient power coursing through his veins. That is, until a brutal attack awakens his dormant abilities—marking him as the last heir to the bloodbound throne, a position feared, hunted, and prophesied to either unite or destroy the supernatural world.

Dragged into a hidden war between warring factions—vampiric dynasties, rebellious Ashborn radicals, cursed watchers, and dark sorcerers—Azael must choose between reclaiming a legacy soaked in blood or forging a path of his own. Alongside him stands Selene Morrow, a mysterious warrior bound by duty and a past deeply entwined with his own.

As Azael uncovers the secrets of his murdered mother, the lies of his bloodline, and the burning truth behind a centuries-old prophecy, he realizes the throne isn't just a symbol of power—it's a key to something far darker.

Loyalties will be tested. Empires will fall. And in the ashes of rebellion, a forgotten heir will rise—not to rule, but to reshape fate itself.

Bloodbound: Rise of the Forgotten Heir

The journey back from the Ecliptic Spire was quiet. Azael walked beside Selene, but his thoughts wandered far behind them—chained to whispers that clawed inside his skull. 'Heir of dual flame.' 'Forbidden bloodline.'

The truth wasn't just buried beneath ash—it was sealed in blood.

Selene broke the silence. "We need to talk about your mother."

"I knew she vanished. I knew she wasn't just some healer. But I didn't know... this."

They stopped by the edge of a ravine, where the river sang stories of old battles. Azael knelt, dragging his fingers through the current.

"She used to sing to me," he said. "About wings made of flame and shadows that bled stars. I thought it was lullabies. Not prophecy."

Selene looked away. "There's a place. An oracle. She may have answers. But it's dangerous. Guarded by Remnants—souls who lost their bodies to the Shadowed Flame."

The Temple of Echoing Flame stood atop Mount Niraxis, veiled by smoke and storm. Its stonework shimmered in and out of sight—visible only to those who bore blood tied to the Flame.

Azael approached, and the storm parted.

She floated above a basin of silver fire, her eyes blind but glowing.

"Azael Virex," she whispered. "The mother's son. The father's sin. The child of ash and oath."

"Tell me," he demanded. "Who was she? What am I?"

The Oracle extended her hand. "Drink."

Azael stepped forward and touched the silver fire. It burned—but not painfully. More like... remembering.

He stood in a golden forest, watching a woman with raven-black hair wield twin blades of fire and shadow. Her laughter echoed through the trees.

"Liliane Virex," whispered a voice. "Daughter of the Bloodbound Throne. Firstborn of Maerith's sister."

She fought beside a man cloaked in darkness. A shadow wielder. A prince of the Flame's sworn enemies.

Together, they defied the Watchers. Together, they forged a child from prophecy.

Liliane, pregnant, was hunted. Her lover was slain. She fled into exile, hiding her son in a village carved from snow.

Azael staggered back, breath ragged.

The Oracle nodded. "And your father, born of Shadow. That is your legacy. That is your power."

"Because they feared what you would become."

Selene stepped forward. "What does it mean, being of dual flame?"

The Oracle turned to her. "It means choice. It means chaos. It means the power to unmake fate."

Azael's fists clenched. "Then I'll unmake it all. The Watchers. The Ashborn. The Accord. I'll rebuild it on truth."

The Oracle raised her hand. "But beware. There are others. Like you. Children of broken pacts. And not all seek peace."

A shadow stirred at the temple's edge. A voice—a girl's, cruel and sweet—whispered, "Told you he'd come."

The half-burned girl from before stepped into the firelight. Her blade shimmered with curses.

Selene moved fast, standing in front of Azael.

"I'm Lyka," the girl said, grinning. "And I'm your sister."

Chapter 9: Legacy of Flame and Shadow