Bound by the Dark Prince

Evelyn followed Kael through the dimly lit corridors, her pulse quickening with every step. The cold stone beneath her feet sent a shiver up her spine, but she refused to show weakness. Kael had said her training would begin tonight, but she still had no idea what to expect.

They descended deeper into the castle until they reached a pair of massive iron doors, engraved with symbols she didn't recognize. Kael placed his hand on the cold metal, and the doors groaned open, revealing a vast underground chamber.

Torches lined the walls, casting flickering shadows across the arena-like space. In the center stood Lord Varian, his piercing silver eyes watching her with quiet intensity. Several robed figures stood in the background, their faces hidden beneath deep hoods.

Evelyn's fingers twitched at her sides. "What is this place?"

Kael stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "This is where I was trained, where every warrior who serves me is tested." He turned to face her fully. "And tonight, you will face your first trial."

Evelyn lifted her chin. "Another test?"

Lord Varian finally spoke, his voice smooth as silk. "Not just a test, girl. A reckoning."

The torches flickered violently, and suddenly, the ground beneath them trembled. From the darkness, a swirling mist began to rise, thick and unnatural. Shapes formed within it—twisted figures with glowing red eyes and jagged claws.

Evelyn instinctively reached for a weapon, but she had none. She shot Kael a sharp glare. "You expect me to fight with nothing?"

Kael's lips curved into a slight smirk. "You already have everything you need. Trust yourself."

Before she could argue, the first shadow lunged at her.

Evelyn ducked just in time, its claws slicing through the air where her head had been. Her heart pounded as she pivoted, narrowly avoiding another attack. The creatures moved unnaturally fast, their movements erratic.

She clenched her fists, willing herself to think. Kael wouldn't have thrown her into this trial without reason. He wanted to see what she was capable of.

The shadows circled her, their growls vibrating through the chamber. One charged from behind, and this time, Evelyn reacted on instinct. She spun, thrusting her palm out—and to her shock, a burst of energy exploded from her hand, sending the creature flying.

The chamber fell silent for a brief moment.

Kael's smirk widened. "Good. Again."

The shadows didn't hesitate. They attacked in unison, forcing Evelyn to move faster, strike harder. Every time she focused, the strange energy surged through her, repelling the creatures with increasing force. It wasn't just strength—it was something deeper, something ancient.

Minutes felt like hours as she fought, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Sweat dripped down her forehead, but she refused to fall. Then, suddenly, the shadows stopped. The mist faded. The room fell eerily still.

Lord Varian stepped forward, his gaze unreadable. "She has potential."

Kael nodded. "More than I expected."

Evelyn straightened, wiping blood from her lip. "What was that? What did I just do?"

Kael stepped closer, his eyes locked onto hers. "You awakened something inside you. Power that has been dormant for too long."

Her stomach tightened. "What does that mean?"

Varian exchanged a glance with Kael before answering. "It means you are no ordinary human, Evelyn. And now, there is no turning back."

Evelyn's pulse thundered in her ears. No turning back. Whatever was happening to her, whatever she was becoming—there was only one path forward now.

Straight into the darkness.