Selene took a cautious step back. The man before her didn't look threatening at first glance—calm eyes, neatly tied dark hair, and a quiet smile that seemed almost… warm. But there was something in his presence. Something off.
"Who are you?" she asked, clutching the old journal to her chest.
The man tilted his head. "I suppose introductions are polite… though I find them unnecessary when fate already knows our names." He stepped forward. "But if it gives you peace—call me Silas."
Silas.
The name didn't ring any bells, but it vibrated oddly in her chest, like it was meant to mean something. Selene kept her eyes on him.
"And what do you want with me?"
"I've been watching the devil's sons," he said, folding his hands behind his back. "And watching you, Selene. You intrigue me. Not because of your love for Cain—though that is… fascinating in its own way—but because of what you are."
Selene blinked. "What I am?"
"You think you're human, don't you?" Silas asked softly. "That's adorable."
Back at the manor, Cain sat by the window, eyes glued to the storm-blown trees outside. He hadn't spoken much. Not even to Leo or Eren, who had quietly stepped up to take care of things.
Eira kept her distance, her heart weighing heavy with guilt. She had apologized once—but it didn't undo the damage. And Cain hadn't forgiven her. Not yet.
The brothers' mother, now stronger and more alert, approached Cain with slow steps. She gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
"She's out there," she said. "And she needs you."
Cain's jaw clenched. "Then I'll find her. Even if it kills me."
The wind howled louder.
Back in the forest, Selene's mind spun.
"What are you saying?" she asked. "What do you mean I'm not human?"
Silas stepped closer, voice dropping to a whisper. "There's a reason you could hold that journal. A reason you felt the connection to Cain stronger than any mortal could. You were chosen, too. A soul-tether. A rare bondmate."
Selene's heart pounded. "You're lying."
"Oh no," Silas smiled wider. "I never lie. I just… reveal truths before people are ready to hear them."
Before she could reply, a flash of light burst through the forest. A pulse of energy that crackled like thunder. And Cain appeared—sword in hand, eyes glowing red with barely restrained fury.
"Step away from her," he growled.
Silas's grin didn't fade. "Ah, Cain. You always did make an entrance."
Selene's breath caught in her throat. Cain was here. He came.
Silas raised both hands mockingly. "I was just having a chat with your… beloved. No need for violence—yet."
"Get. Away." Cain's voice dropped into something deeper, colder. His devil's blood was rising.
Silas's eyes gleamed. "Very well. I'll go for now. But Selene—ask him about the mark on your back. Ask him why it burns when he bleeds."
And just like that, he vanished.
Cain rushed to her side, grabbing her like he might lose her again. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I didn't kiss her back—I swear, Selene. I only love you."
Selene nodded slowly, tears building up. "I know. I just… I needed space. But it hurt, Cain. It hurt so bad."
He pulled her into his chest, holding her close. "I'll never let anything hurt you again."
For a moment, there was only the sound of their breathing, and the forest around them stilled.
But Silas's words lingered.
The mark on her back. The connection between their blood.
Something ancient was awakening. And none of them were ready.