Chapter 19: The Rael Family's Shadow
The night in the mountains was cold, yet Adrian felt a heavier chill in the air.
Not far away, Selena sat quietly by the fire. She hugged her knees, her eyes fixed on the glowing scroll resting against Adrian's side. Her lips parted as though she wanted to speak, but no words came. Instead, her trembling fingers betrayed the storm inside her.
Adrian noticed. "You're restless," he said, his voice low.
Selena flinched, then shook her head. "It's nothing…" But her silence stretched too long, and her shoulders tightened as if she carried a weight too heavy to bear.
Finally, Adrian rose, brushing the dust from his robes. "Enough hiding. If the assassins were after you because of this scroll, then it's time to face the truth. We're going to the Rael family."
Selena's eyes widened. "No… you don't understand. If we go there—" She stopped, her voice cracking. Fear and longing warred in her gaze. "My family… they are not what you think. If they discover you have the scroll—"
"Then they'll have to face me," Adrian interrupted, his tone hard as steel. "I won't run forever. And neither should you."
Selena lowered her head. For a long moment, she said nothing. Then, softly, almost like a plea, she whispered, "Then at least let me walk beside you."
Adrian met her gaze, and for the first time, he saw not just fear, but determination hidden beneath her sorrow. He gave a single nod.
Together, under the pale moonlight, they set out. The forest path wound downward, leading toward the lands ruled by the Rael clan.
Hours later, the air thickened. Strange silence hung over the trees—too heavy, too expectant. Adrian's senses, sharpened by the scroll, screamed a warning.
Then, without sound, without chant, a crimson flare shot into the sky from the distance ahead. It bloomed like blood across the night, casting the forest in a dark red glow.
Selena froze, horror washing over her face. "That signal… it's the Rael family's summons. They already know we're coming."
Adrian's hand tightened on his blade, his eyes locked on the distant flare.
"So be it," he muttered, his voice low and resolute. "Let them come."
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Author's Note:
🔥 Thank you so much for 5k+ views and 5 collections! Every read and support means a lot. What do you think the Rael family will do when they see Adrian holding the scroll? Comment your guess below!