Reeve felt it the moment he stepped deeper into the ruined hall.
The air was wrong—heavy, ancient, saturated with something cold and regal. His instincts screamed before his mind could react.
Someone was there.
A figure stood near the shattered pillars, unmoving. Long shadows stretched behind her, flickering against the frost-bitten walls.
"This place is dangerous," Reeve said cautiously. "You shouldn't stay here."
No response.
The next instant—
she vanished.
Reeve's eyes widened. He spun—
A presence slammed down behind him.
He jumped back instinctively, sword flashing into his hand as he faced her once more, heart pounding.
"Who are you?" he demanded.
She stood calmly, crimson eyes glowing faintly beneath the dim light. She wore a deep red gown, elegant and lethal, the fabric clinging perfectly to her form as black silk flowed beneath like shadowed blood. Crystal-like adornments traced her shoulders and neck, and translucent veils drifted around her arms, as if even the air obeyed her will.
"I am the Vampire Queen," she said, her voice cold yet composed.
"And you are standing in my castle."
The pressure of her presence alone made the floor beneath Reeve's feet creak.
Realization struck him instantly.
"I apologize," Reeve said, lowering his sword at once. He stepped forward and bowed deeply. "I entered without permission. That was my fault."
She stared at him—expression unreadable.
When Reeve raised his head to speak again, her gaze sharpened. She didn't understand his words… or perhaps she simply didn't care.
Her hand moved.
Steel sang.
Her sword flashed toward him with killing intent.
Reeve barely blocked the strike, sparks exploding as the force drove him backward. Another slash followed—precise, merciless. This was no test. This was execution.
Then—
"Please stop!"
A small voice shattered the tension.
A little girl ran between them, trembling but fearless, arms spread wide.
"Don't hurt him!"
The Vampire Queen froze mid-strike.
Her eyes widened slightly. "You…?"
The girl turned toward Reeve. It was the same child he had saved near Eldmere.
"He saved me," she said desperately. "He's not an enemy."
Silence fell over the hall.
Slowly, the Vampire Queen lowered her blade.
But her expression hardened—not with mercy, but with resolve.
"This land is dying," she said at last. "Frostveil is collapsing. My domain will not survive what is coming."
Her gaze locked onto Reeve.
"I have no allies. No choices left."
She sheathed her sword.
"There is only one path forward."
---
Later, beneath the dim sky of Astra Nox, Reeve stepped through the World Gate.
Tsukiyra appeared beside him, her expression serious.
"How's the situation?" Reeve asked.
"The foundation is stable," Tsukiyra replied. "But defenses are incomplete. If a high-ranking force attacks before completion…"
She paused.
"This place will fall."
Reeve exhaled slowly. "Then we finish it before that happens."
---
Meanwhile, far from Astra Nox—
The Eclipse Collectors moved through broken terrain, tension thick in the air.
"We should've found him by now," Kaelith muttered.
Elaryn suddenly stopped.
"…Something's coming."
The air twisted violently.
A towering figure emerged—horns curved like obsidian, aura ancient and crushing.
Lunareth's breath caught.
"…That can't be."
Her voice trembled.
"A Primordial."
The being stepped forward, a faint smile forming.
And the world itself seemed to grow silent.