Chapter 4: The Forgotten Bloodline

The silver pendant felt unusually warm in Evelyn's trembling hand.

Everyone remained silent as the ancient symbol engraved on its surface reflected the moonlight.

"House Ashbourne..." Orion repeated quietly.

"I haven't heard that name in decades."

Ryland looked between Evelyn and the pendant.

"I thought that family disappeared before we were even born."

"That's what everyone believed," Orion answered.

"Because someone wanted history to forget they ever existed."

Thaddeus extended his hand.

"Let me see it."

Evelyn reluctantly handed him the necklace.

The moment his fingers touched the silver, dark energy pulsed around his hand.

The pendant suddenly emitted a faint blue glow.

"It's enchanted," he muttered.

"Old blood magic."

"Can you break it?" Marcus asked.

"No."

"Whoever created this spell belonged to one of the oldest magical bloodlines."

Evelyn stared at the pendant.

"My mother never told me anything about House Ashbourne."

"She only said we moved often because it was safer that way."

"Safer from what?" Ryland questioned.

"I never asked."

"I was too young to understand."

Orion folded his arms.

"Then it's time we found someone who does understand."

"There's one person left who might know the truth."

Thaddeus looked toward him.

"You mean Elias?"

"Yes."

"The Oracle of Hollow Peak."

Marcus frowned.

"I thought he refused to see anyone after the Shadow Wars."

"He refuses most people," Orion corrected.

"But he still owes me a favor."

Thaddeus nodded once.

"Then we're going."

The group mounted their horses once again and began the long journey deeper into the northern mountains.

Hours passed beneath a sky filled with stars.

The forest slowly gave way to rocky cliffs covered in mist.

Near sunrise they finally reached Hollow Peak.

At the top of the mountain stood a lonely stone tower.

It looked abandoned.

No smoke rose from its chimney.

No lights burned inside.

"This place gives me bad memories," Ryland muttered.

"That's because the owner enjoys making people uncomfortable," Orion replied.

Before anyone could knock, the old wooden door creaked open by itself.

"You're late," an elderly voice echoed from inside.

"Come in before the mountain decides to eat you."

Ryland blinked.

"The mountain can do that?"

"No," Orion answered.

"He's just dramatic."

Inside the tower, shelves overflowing with ancient books stretched from floor to ceiling.

Crystal bottles, dried herbs, and glowing artifacts covered every table.

An elderly man with long white hair sat beside the fireplace.

Without looking up from his book, he spoke.

"Dark King."

"Oracle," Thaddeus answered respectfully.

"It's been many years."

"Not enough," the old man grumbled.

His pale blue eyes finally settled on Evelyn.

For the first time, surprise crossed his face.

"Impossible..."

"She survived."

Everyone exchanged confused looks.

"You know who I am?" Evelyn asked.

The Oracle slowly stood.

"Child..."

"You carry the blood of the Ashbourne Queens."

The room became silent.

"Queens?" Evelyn whispered.

"What does that mean?"

The old man walked closer.

"House Ashbourne wasn't just another noble family."

"They were the Keepers of Balance."

"For centuries, they protected the boundary between darkness and light."

"Until someone betrayed them."

"Who?" Thaddeus asked.

The Oracle looked directly into his silver eyes.

"Your grandfather."

The words struck like lightning.

"That's impossible," Thaddeus replied.

"My grandfather died before I was born."

"History remembers heroes differently than truth does," Elias answered.

"He feared Ashbourne magic because it could destroy the Dark Throne forever."

Evelyn stepped backward.

"Then my family was murdered because of him?"

"Most of them," Elias answered sadly.

"Your parents escaped with you when you were only a baby."

"They erased your identity to keep you alive."

"But someone found us," Evelyn whispered.

"Exactly."

"The Obsidian Circle has been searching for the last Ashbourne heir for over twenty years."

Ryland rubbed his forehead.

"So this isn't just revenge against Thaddeus anymore."

"No," Elias replied.

"It's much bigger."

"If Evelyn dies before claiming her birthright..."

"Darkness will rule without balance."

"And if she survives?" Orion asked.

"She becomes the strongest magical queen this world has ever seen."

No one spoke.

The revelation changed everything.

Suddenly the pendant around Thaddeus's hand began glowing brighter.

"What's happening?" Marcus asked.

The Oracle's expression shifted from curiosity to fear.

"Run."

"Everyone, get out of the tower!"

A violent explosion shook the mountain.

The windows shattered instantly.

Black arrows rained through the broken glass.

"We're under attack!" Marcus shouted.

Thaddeus drew his sword as dark flames surrounded the room.

Outside, hundreds of black-armored warriors emerged from the mountain fog.

At their front stood Kael Draven.

He smiled as he raised his blade toward the tower.

"Bring me the Ashbourne Queen alive," he ordered.

"Kill everyone else."