Three Days Later – The High Council Chamber
A storm brewed inside the Royal High Council.
Twelve noble houses gathered beneath stained-glass windows, each window depicting Aerthrial's founding myths.
But no one cared for myths today.
They cared for blood.
The Accusation
Prime Minister Greymoor—Evelyne's father—stood at the center of the room, voice cold and sharp.
"The assassination attempt on Lady Selene Valeburne is not an isolated incident."
He turned toward Duke Raen Aurelian, Lucien's father.
"Evidence has surfaced implicating the Aurelian estate in hiring mercenaries from the Eastern Reaches."
Gasps rippled through the chamber.
Lucien's Eyes Narrow
Seated beside his father, Lucien said nothing—but his golden eyes gleamed, dangerous and calculating.
So that's how they're playing this.
Frame the Aurelians.Force the Valeburnes into war.Break the crimson-gold bond through bloodshed.
Simple. Effective. Cruel.
Selene's Arrival
The chamber doors opened.
Selene Valeburne entered, crimson hair cascading over her shoulders, red eyes steady despite her recent recovery.
Her father, Duke Kaelen Valeburne, rose slightly, but Selene raised a hand.
"I'll speak for myself," she said quietly.
The room fell into a tense hush.
Selene's Move
Selene's gaze swept the council, calm but cold.
"Prime Minister Greymoor," she said, voice smooth as frost, "you accuse without proof."
Greymoor smiled thinly.
"A witness came forward."
The Witness Appears
A man in shackles was dragged into the chamber.
His face was half-hidden, his robes marked with the Eastern sigil.
"I was paid by Duke Raen's men," the prisoner whispered, voice trembling.
Lucien's jaw tightened.
Selene's eyes narrowed.
A planted witness. Obvious. But dangerous.
Lucien's Intervention
Lucien stood, his golden cloak falling behind him like a second shadow.
"Let the witness look me in the eye."
The council hesitated, but no one dared stop him.
Lucien approached the prisoner slowly, his golden gaze cutting deeper than any blade.
"Who bribed you?" Lucien asked softly.
The man's lips trembled.
Lucien leaned closer.
"Tell the truth."
A flash of gold passed between them—the faintest whisper of soul magic, untraceable but real.
The Truth Unravels
The man's eyes widened in terror.
"I—I lied," he gasped. "I was paid by the Greymoor House to frame the Aurelians."
The room exploded in chaos.
Selene's Expression
Selene said nothing, but her eyes met Lucien's across the chamber.
You used soul pressure.
Just enough to reveal the truth, Lucien's thoughts whispered back, brushing against hers through the bond.
That's dangerous, Selene replied silently.
So is dying.
The Aftermath
King Aldric's fist slammed down, silencing the council.
"This matter will be investigated privately," the king announced, eyes narrowed. "Leave. All of you."
But the damage was done.
Lines had been drawn.Sides chosen.
The first real battle of the crimson-gold cycle had begun.
Later That Night – The Moon Garden
Selene and Lucien met in secret beneath the Moon Tree once again.
This time, there were no words—just silence between them.
But their hands brushed.
And for the first time since the ceremony, their fingers intertwined.
No guards. No court. No war councils.
Just two souls, tied together by something older than kingdoms.
Selene's Whisper
"If they tear us apart again…"
Lucien's grip tightened.
"They won't."
Selene closed her eyes, resting her forehead lightly against his.
But deep down, both of them knew:
This wasn't the end of danger.
It was just the beginning.