PRESENT
"Arron," Valus said coldly, never lifting his gaze from the documents spread across his desk. "What did you find about Maika? And Vienna?"
His assistant straightened. "According to our findings, Lady Maika was discovered near the Lycan border in Santossa. Cause of death—massive blood loss. Most likely a werewolf attack."
Valus's eyes darkened.
Arron hesitated before continuing. "Her records as a human were completely erased. Lady Vienna… she made sure Maika's past was buried so deep it was as if she never existed."
Valus's hands curled into fists. "And Vienna? Where is she now? Why… why would she let Maika suffer?"
There was silence. Then—"She's gone, my Lord."
Valus's heart skipped.
"Lady Vienna died thirteen years ago. The same year Maika turned eighteen. After her death, the mages blamed the girl and cast her out of Sabrah."
A cold wind blew into the room, despite the windows being shut.
Valus sat back slowly, staring at nothing.
So that was it.
She had known.
Vienna had known that unsealing the curse would cost her life. And she had done it anyway… so she could be with her daughter one last time.
A soft breath escaped him—one that sounded like heartbreak.
The curse had died with her. Vienna was the last known female to carry the black magic bloodline. Though the twins were hers and his, they never manifested sorcery. Instead, they inherited a rare trait—sunlight resistance.
A miracle… paid for with a life.
"Arron," Valus said, his voice low but firm. "Prepare the plane. I'm going to Sabrah."
"Yes, my Lord."
---
SABRAH – WITCHES' DOMAIN
Queen Vantessa stood at the grand gates, a thin veil of magic protecting her from the harsh sun. When Valus arrived, her posture straightened instinctively.
He had aged well. Power clung to him like a second skin, cold and commanding.
"Lord Valus," she greeted cautiously. "We didn't expect your visit."
Valus gave a slight nod. "I come with no ill intentions. I'm here… to pay my respects."
Vantessa's lips parted slightly in surprise, but she motioned for him to follow.
They walked in silence through winding gardens, until they reached a quiet hill where a single tombstone rested beneath a willow tree.
Vienna Carello
Beloved Daughter. Devoted Healer. Keeper of Secrets.
Valus knelt, his eyes locked on the stone.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "For everything."
Vantessa stood behind him quietly until he rose.
"I want to end the war," he said, facing her. "Too much blood has been spilled. A new era must begin."
Vantessa's eyes softened. "I'll support any path toward peace."
A brief silence stretched between them.
"May I ask something?" she finally said.
Valus turned to her.
"What was Vienna to you?"
He paused. Then smiled faintly. "We were classmates once. She was brilliant… and infuriating. Always one step ahead. We were rivals, then friends, then—"
His voice cracked.
"Then we made mistakes."
"She changed after grad school," Vantessa said softly. "Something in her broke. I never knew why… until I found her journals after she died."
Valus blinked.
"She never told me what she'd done. I only saw her again when she came back—with a child in her arms. I asked Mother to allow it. She agreed, but only because Vienna promised to stay."
Valus looked up sharply. "Where is the child now?"
"She left after Vienna's funeral. A year later, we heard she'd died in Santossa. A werewolf attack."
Valus swallowed hard.
So she died… all alone.
Vantessa handed him a small, leather-bound notebook. "She wrote these letters for you. I think… she always hoped you'd return one day."
Valus held it like it was made of glass. "Thank you. But I must go."
---
SANTOSSA – LYCAN TERRITORY
"Carl! You won't believe this!"
Sean burst into the office without knocking, waving his tablet like a madman.
Carl glanced up from the pile of proposal folders, frowning. "What now?"
Sean grinned. "The Vellaria Clan's finally moved. Lord Valus is hosting a grand gathering in A Country. Word is, he's introducing his heirs to the supernatural world."
Carl leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "So he finally decided to step out of the shadows."
"Not just that," Sean added. "He also visited the witches' coven. Peace talks."
Carl raised a brow. "That… doesn't sound like him."
"Exactly. That's why it's big news."
Carl said nothing, his fingers tapping against the table.
"Maybe he'll try to reconcile with you too," Sean teased.
"Unlikely," Carl muttered. "We're his biggest business rivals. There's no love lost there."
"We'll see." Sean gave a cheeky salute and left.
Moments later, Carl's phone rang.
"Carl," his mother said. "I asked Vanessa Bastre to bring you lunch. You didn't eat breakfast again."
He groaned. "Mom…"
The door creaked open.
"Hi, Carl," came a sweet voice. "Mom said you skipped breakfast, so I brought food."
Carl didn't even look up. "Since when did she become your mom?"
Vanessa froze. "I—sorry. I just meant—"
"Leave it."
Her smile faltered. She placed the tray on the table and hurried out.
Carl closed his eyes for a moment, exhaling slowly. His whole presence radiated frost.
Since Aster died… he had become untouchable. Untouchable. Unforgiving. Unreachable.
He refused to love again.
Not when love had nearly destroyed him.
Knock knock.
His secretary stepped in, holding a dark envelope with a golden seal.
"Sir, this just arrived."
"From whom?"
"The Vellaria Clan. An invitation. Lord Valus will introduce his twins and announce his successor. He guarantees safe passage for all guests. No conflict permitted."
Carl's eyes narrowed.
"So… he's finally showing his cards."
He took the envelope and broke the seal.
"This time," he muttered, "I'll be ready."