The moss-covered ruins behind them had gone quiet—unnaturally quiet.
Kael tightened his grip on the shard from the Burial Sigil. The cracked rune still pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat echoing through stone. Lira walked ahead of him, her hand never leaving her dagger.
"You sure it's safe now?" she asked without looking back.
Kael shook his head. "No. And that's what worries me."
The winding forest trail opened into a broad, cold valley. Fog clung low to the ground, curling around their boots like fingers. In the distance, torchlight flickered across the silhouette of a massive estate—gothic towers, blood-red banners, and iron gates.
Lira stopped dead. "Wait. That's House Virelin."
Kael narrowed his eyes. "You know it?"
"It's noble territory. Dangerous noble territory." She looked at him. "Forbidden magic. Bloodcraft. The kind of stuff you don't walk away from."
The iron gates creaked open before they touched them.
A woman stood there.
Tall. Raven-black hair cascading down her back. Her gown shimmered like a storm of obsidian and crimson. Her violet eyes caught Kael's gaze and didn't let go.
"Prince Kael," she said smoothly. "I've been expecting you."
He frowned. "You know me?"
"Better than you know yourself." She smiled faintly. "Come in. I've kept the ley-lines warm."
---
The inside of the mansion was all red velvet, candlelight, and things that whispered just beyond hearing. The halls were too quiet. The paintings blinked when you weren't looking.
She led them to a round chamber. No guards. No threats. Just her presence filling the room like perfume and poison.
"I'm Lady Selene Virelin," she said, pouring herself a glass of black wine. "You carry a Burial Sigil in your chest. Do you feel it yet? The voices? The hunger?"
Kael clenched his fist. "I'm managing."
Selene raised an eyebrow. "A man managing corruption is a man already drowning."
Lira stepped forward. "Why are we here?"
"Because I can help him survive." Selene walked toward Kael, her bare feet silent on the marble. "You've stepped into something ancient. The Soulweavers were my bloodline. I know how to tame the sigil's curse."
Kael's System flickered behind his eyes.
> Quest Unlocked: Rose of Thorns
Objective: Awaken Selene's Mother's Spirit
Warning: Extreme corruption risk
"And in return?" Kael asked, voice low.
"I need your help," Selene whispered. "My mother's soul is sealed beneath this mansion. You'll wake her."
Lira swore under her breath. "Of course."
Selene only smiled. "She's already dead. Mostly. But her will still lingers."
Kael exhaled slowly. "We'll talk in the morning."
"I'll keep the rooms warm," Selene said, turning to leave. "Rest well, Prince."
---
They didn't make it to the guest chambers.
A scream tore through the fog outside the mansion—sharp, female, and followed by steel clashing.
Kael moved first, Lira right behind him. Selene raised an eyebrow but followed with graceful steps.
The gates of the estate had been forced open. Carriages lay burning in the field. Silver-masked mercenaries surrounded a lone figure in crimson armor.
Her blade spun in practiced arcs. Her hair—a glimmering silver—flowed like moonlight, streaked with blood.
She noticed them and called out without pausing.
"Help or don't. But pick fast."
Kael didn't hesitate.
He raised his hand. "Eclipse Brand!"
The rune ignited, and the nearest mercenary screamed, collapsing. Kael surged forward, cutting two down in a single arc. Lira joined from the side, her daggers flashing.
Selene didn't fight. She watched. Calculating.
The mercenaries didn't stand a chance.
When it was over, the woman straightened, wiped blood from her cheek, and approached.
"Seraphine Ardent," she said simply. "And you've got interesting timing."
Lira stared. "You're from the High Bloodline."
Seraphine looked at Kael. "And you—used soul magic in front of Inquisition blades. Risky."
"I'm past caring."
She gave a small smile. "Good. You'll need that attitude."
Selene stepped forward now. "What are you doing here, Ardent?"
Seraphine gave her a once-over. "Still playing queen of corpses, Selene? I heard your mother tried to strangle her own funeral priest."
Selene didn't blink. "He deserved it."
Kael stood between them. "You two know each other?"
"Not fondly," they both said at once.
Seraphine turned to Kael. "The Wraith you killed? It wasn't the only one. Someone's waking the rest."
Kael's heart dropped.
"Where?" he asked.
"The capital tombs. If you wait, you'll be too late."
System Alert:
> Major Threat Unlocked: "The Five Wraith Seals"
Suggested Action: Intercept awakening site. Time-Sensitive.
Seraphine stepped closer, placing two fingers on Kael's chest. "You're tied to this now. Like it or not."
Selene's eyes narrowed.
"You're touching what doesn't belong to you," she said coldly.
"I kiss what I want," Seraphine replied.
She leaned in fast—and kissed Kael.
He froze—not from the kiss, but from the System reaction.
> Soul Sync Detected
Crimson Pact Activated
Temporary Power: Blood Echo
Kael shoved her back. "What the hell was that?!"
Seraphine smiled. "Insurance. You'll thank me when it saves your life."
Selene stepped between them, calm but ice-cold. "Touch him again, and I'll feed you to my mother's echo."
"I'd like to see her try," Seraphine muttered.
Kael turned away, half-laughing, half-panicked.
Lira just groaned. "You've got two noble witches now. Fantastic."
Kael exhaled hard. "We leave at first light."
He didn't look back, but he felt both their eyes on him.
One—watching like a hunter.
The other—like a queen claiming territory.
And behind it all, the System whispered.
> Affection Updated
Lady Selene: [Wavering Desire]
Lady Seraphine: [Chaotic Attraction]
Warning: Bond Conflicts May Arise
Kael sighed.
He didn't know which was more dangerous—the enemies ahead…
Or the women beside him.