A Veil Between Worlds - During the wedding, Ari was broken inside, but understanding the situation—and the faint vampire bite still fresh on her neck—she hid it all. She linked Rowan's arm with hers and began walking down the golden aisle. Then… Lucien appeared. The doors creaked as the Prince of the Night stepped through the entrance. But Ari and Rowan did not look back. The golden halls fell silent. Candles flickered. The music died. Every guest froze. Lucien's voice echoed through the royal chamber, his boots tapping against the marble floor as he stepped forward—eyes only on Ariana. "Ari... what's wrong with you?" She stiffened, clutching Rowan's arm. Her veil shifted, revealing the faint trace of the bite mark. "I know you don't want this wedding," Lucien said, voice cutting through the stillness. "Stay bold. Refuse it." Rowan's jaw clenched. "Don't look back," he whispered. "Just walk." But Lucien's steps grew louder. He wasn't smirking. He wasn't cruel. He was wounded. "Ari," he said again, softer. "Why do you keep ignoring me? Do you truly think you can marry him… after what happened between us?" Her breath caught. Every eye was on her. Lucien stopped walking. The ache in his chest was unbearable. And slowly… Ari turned. Her veil lifted just enough to show her eyes. "Because you're a vampire, Lucien!" she cried. "And I'm a human! Do you really think we can be close?" The room gasped. Lucien's breath hitched. His fingers trembled at his sides, aching to reach for her. "You hurt me," she continued, "and I'm scared. I don't know what to feel. I… I did like you. But I'm tired, Lucien." Lucien couldn't speak. Rowan pulled her gently. "Enough," he said. "Leave now, Prince of the Night." Lucien didn't move. His voice cracked—"You said you liked me…" Rowan tensed, ready to shield her, but Lucien was faster. He wrapped his hand around her wrist—gently, longingly. The guards flinched, but Lucien's tone was calm. "Yes, Ariana… it's true. I'm a vampire. But do you know what happens when a vampire drinks the blood of someone he's bound to… someone he cherishes?" Her eyes widened. Her pulse raced. Lucien leaned in, voice brushing her ear. "They become… like us. Half-immortal. Half-vampire. Still human in heart, but bound by blood. You, my flame… you're becoming one of us." Ari gasped. Her knees faltered. Rowan moved to catch her, but she didn't go to him. She stood between them, trembling. Panic. Confusion. But also… a thrill. She looked at Lucien, voice cracking—"W-what… what does that mean for me?"
Crimson Escape - The hall erupted. Guests screamed. Candles blew out. In a flash of crimson mist, Lucien vanished—taking Ariana with him. Her veil fell to the floor like a dying breath. "LUCIEN!!" Rowan roared, but it was too late. In a quiet moonlit tower of Lucien's castle, Ari reappeared in his arms. Her heart thundered—part fear, part longing. Lucien gently placed her down, brushing her hair back. "Now no one can stop me from holding you… not even your princely Rowan." Ari touched her neck—the bite mark still pulsed. "So… it's true," she whispered. "I'm really…" "Half vampire," Lucien finished, eyes gleaming. "Your senses will sharpen… you'll feel everything stronger. And…" he smirked, "you'll crave me too." Ari's face flushed, but she didn't pull away.
Between Kingdoms and Longing - Days passed. Ari's confusion faded. Her instincts sharpened. She could no longer deny the truth—she liked Lucien. But… she missed her brother. She missed Rowan. "Let me go," she told Lucien one twilight. "Just for now." He looked into her eyes, soul exposed. "Only if you promise… you'll return with their blessing." Ari nodded. "I promise." And she left, riding alone through the hills, wind whispering through her hair, heart heavy with secrets. At the palace gates, guards stared, stunned. Ari dismounted in silence. Edward ran to her. "Ari… you're back!" She smiled softly. "I missed you, brother." But the real test stood behind him. Rowan. His arms folded, his eyes quiet. Ari met his gaze. "I… I like Lucien." Edward blinked, then smiled with relief. "Then I trust you. If he makes you happy… it's enough." Rowan's voice was calm. "Do you really like him?" She nodded. "Yes… I'm sorry." But Rowan stepped forward, held her hands, and gave a gentle smile full of heartbreak and loyalty. "It's okay. I'll always protect you, no matter who you love. That's my promise… as your prince." Tears filled her eyes. The kingdom gave its blessing. Whispers turned to songs. That night, Ari wrote a letter:"Lucien… they've accepted us. And I've accepted myself, too. I'm coming back—this time, with their blessings. Wait for me."
One Condition - Just as she sealed the letter, Rowan entered her chamber. "You can like Lucien… on one condition." Ari turned, puzzled. "What condition?" His voice dropped low. "Stay here. With us." "But why—" "You're just half vampire. Not full. That makes you vulnerable. There are others out there… dangerous ones. The same group that once used Lucien. I can't risk losing you again." Ari's heart dropped. He wasn't wrong. "So for your safety," he continued, "you have to stay. Just until it's safe." Her shoulders fell. She wanted to scream. But she also knew Rowan's heart. She nodded slowly. "Okay… I'll stay. But promise me, Rowan… if the time comes, when it's safe… let me go to him." Rowan hesitated… then nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "If that time comes… I will."