Bound by fire, Claimed by love

The Legacy of House Vale

Evelyn's steps were careful as she descended the stone staircase, her fingers brushing against the cool walls for support. The flickering light of torches lined the passage, casting elongated shadows that danced eerily.

Damian walked beside her, silent, his presence steady.

At the bottom of the staircase, a heavy wooden door loomed before them. Carved into its surface was an emblem—a phoenix wreathed in fire, wings spread wide.

Evelyn reached out, tracing the design with her fingertips. "Your crest?"

"Not just mine," Damian said, his voice quiet. "This symbol predates House Vale itself."

Before she could ask what he meant, he placed his palm flat against the wood. There was a faint click, and then, with a groan of shifting mechanisms, the door unlocked.

It swung open, revealing a vast chamber beyond.

Evelyn stepped inside and felt her breath catch.

The room was lined with bookshelves filled with ancient tomes, their spines worn with age. But what drew her attention wasn't the books—it was the massive stone table in the center of the chamber.

Upon it lay an intricate map, etched directly into the surface. Golden veins of metal traced the borders, glowing faintly under the dim torchlight.

"This…" Evelyn whispered. "This is a map of the empire."

Damian nodded, his gaze unreadable. "More than that. It is a record of every noble house's rise and fall. Every battle. Every betrayal."

Her eyes scanned the markings, and her heart stilled when she saw it—House Ravenshire, her family's name, once marked proudly, now faded, barely visible.

She swallowed. "Why show me this?"

Damian exhaled, stepping beside her. "Because your father isn't telling you everything. House Ravenshire's fall wasn't just misfortune—it was orchestrated."

Evelyn turned to him, her pulse racing. "By whom?"

Damian's jaw tightened. "That is what we must find out."

The weight of his words settled over her.

This wasn't just about their engagement anymore.

This was about uncovering a truth that had been buried for generations.

And she wasn't sure she was ready for what they would find.