Chapter 15: Echoes of the Forgotten
The wind howled through the ruins, carrying whispers of a past Aarav couldn't fully remember. He stood frozen, his fingers still tingling from the vision that had just jolted through him. His mind struggled to make sense of it—thrones, battles, a kingdom in his name. It felt impossible.
And yet, it felt real.
Veyron stood beside him, his expression unreadable. "You felt it, didn't you?"
Aarav swallowed hard. "I… saw something. A throne. A city. A war." He turned to Veyron, his voice sharp. "Was it real?"
Veyron's ember-like eyes gleamed. "Every vision you see is a piece of your past, Kairos. You ruled from these very ruins centuries ago. Before the betrayal. Before your fall."
Aarav's pulse—if he even had one—pounded in his ears. "Betrayal?"
Veyron nodded, stepping toward a shattered archway. "You were the last of the true Vampire Kings. Your rule was absolute… until your own council turned against you." His voice was calm, almost amused. "The Elders feared you. Feared your power, your bloodline. So they conspired to end you."
Aarav clenched his fists. "And they succeeded."
Veyron turned to him, his gaze heavy. "For a time."
Aarav looked away, his mind spinning. "If I really was this… king, why don't I remember anything? Why was I reborn without my past?"
Veyron exhaled. "Because they ensured it. When they struck you down, they didn't just kill your body—they shattered your essence. But you are stronger than they anticipated." He smirked. "You found a way back."
Aarav ran a hand through his hair, trying to steady himself. "And the Elders? Do they know?"
Veyron's smile faded. "Oh, they know. They've known the moment you awakened."
A chill ran through Aarav. "Then why haven't they come for me yet?"
Veyron stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Because they are watching. Waiting. They do not yet know if you will reclaim what was stolen… or if you will remain the lost soul they tried to create." He tilted his head. "But that choice is yours, Kairos."
Aarav's jaw tightened. The idea of being watched, of unseen enemies waiting for him to make a move, sent a slow burn of anger through his veins. He had spent his entire life feeling ordinary, powerless. Now, the truth was clawing its way to the surface.
And he wasn't about to let anyone control him again.
He turned to Veyron, his eyes cold. "Then let them watch." He took a step forward. "Tell me what I need to do."
Veyron's smirk returned, satisfied. "Good. Then your true awakening begins now."
The ruins around them seemed to pulse, as if the shadows themselves had been waiting for this moment.
Aarav had made his choice.
And there was no turning back.
To be continued…