Some secrets are worth dying for. Others are worth killing for. Salvianna was about to discover which kind her sister's betrayal truly was.
The news from Redowad had caught Kaer off guard. He had learned that he could find traces of Shadow of Death if he began his search at the Forsaken Mausoleum. Yet he knew the greater shock awaited Salvianna.
"I can't believe you're telling me this about Enneta," Salvianna exclaimed, her voice trembling.
"Why would she betray us and turn to the vampires? I need to find out everything I can."
Kaer tried to calm her:
"Salvianna, let me handle this delicate matter. I promise I won't breathe a word to your sister."
The news visibly shook Salvianna. Her usual calm demeanor was replaced by a gaze of concern and mistrust. Though Kaer knew how deeply this discovery would affect her, he still held faith in her ability to face whatever the unexpected brought.
He couldn't shake the feeling that their world was about to undergo an incredible transformation as they began their farewells. He had to trust in Salvianna's abilities and focus on uncovering the truth about the vampires' plans.
The Forsaken Mausoleum stood in a remote land where the Geuke dynasty had once flourished.
Enneta was surprised to see Salvianna at her door late at night.
"Salvianna, I hope nothing terrible has happened. Please, come inside," Enneta said, concern etched across her face.
"I've learned that you chose to betray us—me and Kaer. And for whom? For vampires?" Salvianna's voice trembled with emotion.
"It's more complicated than you think," Enneta pleaded. "I did it for our survival. The vampires offer us protection."
"Have you lost your mind? Don't you understand that if anyone else had betrayed Kaer, he would be dead already?" Salvianna's voice was a mixture of fury and desperation.
"Enneta, you must see the reason. The Geuke dynasty is collapsing, and we need allies to survive. The vampires have power and resources we can use to our advantage."
"Salvianna, I understand your loyalty to Kaer, but we must consider the bigger picture. We cannot let pride and old grudges blind us to the reality of our situation. Believe me, this is the only way to ensure our survival in this changing world," Enneta said, her eyes pleading for understanding.
Salvianna looked at her sister with a mixture of distrust and sadness. She had never imagined that their bond could be broken so quickly, all for the sake of power and survival.
Enneta pleaded:
"Salvianna, please, let me explain. My eyes are filled with tears. I was left with no options in a grave situation. Our only chance of survival was Kaer, but even he was limited in what he could do. I never thought things would go this wrong."
"I will do everything I can to protect Kaer from the consequences of what you've done, even if I'm not sure I'll ever forgive you."
"Stop, Salvianna! The vampires are not monsters; they're just… different. They have their motivations, their reasons for wanting to coexist," Enneta insisted.
"I don't know if I can forgive you, Enneta. I don't know if I can trust you anymore. Tell me everything," Salvianna finally demanded, her voice firm.
Enneta took a deep breath and recounted the events that had led to this moment. She explained how she had been approached by a group of vampires who promised her wealth and power in exchange for information about Kaer. Enneta confessed that she had made a terrible mistake and deeply regretted it now.
Salvianna listened in silence, her heart heavy with the weight of betrayal. Despite her anger and pain, she understood the necessity of setting her emotions aside for the sake of her family's well-being. Enneta had put them all in danger, yet she remained their only chance of escaping this problem. Salvianna wiped her tears and decided to stand by her sister and help her make things right, no matter the cost.
"I have a vampire lover, and that's why I did it," Enneta admitted quietly.
"A vampire lover? I suspected as much. You've gone mad. If he truly loved you, he wouldn't push you to do such reckless things. But I won't abandon you. Prepare yourself. Tomorrow, we leave together. We're moving to the city of Starteburg. We'll stay there until everything is resolved. I promise you, this problem will be forgotten one way or another," Salvianna said with determination.
Salvianna knew that leaving the city was the best decision for everyone involved, especially given the dangerous situation. She packed her belongings, ready to face whatever challenges awaited her in Starteburg.
She had faith in Kaer and his ability to forgive.
But what Salvianna didn't know was that the vampires' reach extended far beyond their city walls. And in Starteburg, a shadow far older and deadlier than her sister's lover was already waiting for them—watching from the darkness, hungry and patient. The city of refuge would soon become a trap. And Kaer's forgiveness might be the least of her worries.