Forsaken Bloodline

The night was eerily still.

Julian cradled Suzy's lifeless body, his fingers tightening around her as if sheer willpower could anchor her soul. The blood on his hands had begun to cool, the warmth fading—just like her.

Then came the sound of boots against asphalt.

Julian barely registered the figures that emerged from the darkness. But he recognized the insignia on their cloaks—the Royal Family's warriors. Their gleaming silver and gold armor shone under the streetlights, but it did nothing to hide the fury twisting their faces.

"The princess..." one of them whispered, horror-struck. "She's—"

A roar erupted as they surged forward, their rage undeniable. Blades were drawn. Fists clenched.

Julian barely moved.

He wasn't thinking about them. His world had narrowed to a single, pulsing need.

Vengeance.

A voice curled around his mind like a serpent, silky and cold. This is no accident.

Julian's grip on Suzy tightened. His breathing was shallow, erratic.

They wanted you to see this. To break you.

A growl rumbled deep in his chest.

And now, you will break them.

Something inside him snapped. His head lifted, and his emerald eyes glowed—no longer just an echo of power, but an eruption.

The warriors hesitated, sensing the shift in the air. Their instincts screamed at them to retreat, to not challenge whatever force had awakened within him.

But before they could act—

The shadows twisted.

A figure stepped forward from the alley, their hooded form barely visible in the darkness.

Julian's head snapped toward them, his vision sharp despite the dim light. "Who are you?" he growled, his voice laced with venom.

The figure didn't answer immediately. Instead, they stepped into the glow of the streetlight, revealing a cruel smirk.

"You're finally ready to play, Julian."

Julian's fingers curled into fists. "You did this."

The stranger chuckled, their tone laced with amusement. "Not personally. But let's just say… the game needed a little push."

Julian launched forward. The pavement cracked beneath his feet as he moved with inhuman speed, his fist aiming straight for the figure's throat.

But the stranger was just as fast.

In a blur, they vanished, reappearing a few steps away, their eyes glinting with intrigue. "Good. That rage will serve you well."

Julian's breath was ragged, his muscles taut with fury. The world around him felt unreal—like a nightmare he couldn't wake from.

The stranger tilted their head. "The question is, Julian… are you ready to become the monster they think you are?"

The words slithered into his mind, poisoning what little restraint he had left.

Julian's vision darkened at the edges.

And in that moment, he made a choice.

There would be no mercy.

Only retribution.