The sun had not yet risen when Lukas stepped out of bed. Each movement felt strange—like his soul was too large for that frail, skinny body. But his heart pounded so hard it hurt.

  “I came back,” he whispered to himself, like a mantra. “I came back.”

  Descending the stairs, old Le?ncio was already waiting, holding a dark robe.

  — Master Lukas… shall I prepare breakfast?

  He shook his head.

  — “No… I need air.”

  — But… your father? Count Fernandes asked you to attend the hall for the harvest planning meeting…

  For a moment, memory burned like fire. On that day, forty days from now, the first spies of Anatoly would cross the borders. That morning, he had done nothing. This time, he would not allow it.

  — “Tell him I’m… indisposed.”

  He left before Le?ncio could protest.

  The cool dawn air hit his face. For a moment, Lukas stopped at the entrance of the training yard. Here, years later, he would fall for the first time at Luiz’s feet, covered in blood and shame. Here, he would discover he had no talent.

  — “Only willpower,” he murmured.

  That was when he felt it—the presence, like an ember burning in his chest.

  — Are you ready?

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  César’s voice was clearer, almost tangible. Lukas closed his eyes.

  — “You… came back too.”

  — I promised I wouldn’t leave you alone, César replied, with that arrogant, almost paternal tone. But this time, don’t expect me to hold your hand every step. You’ll need to become worthy of Maximus and the Aegis Invicta.

  — “I know.”

  For a moment, silence. Then another presence manifested—soft, almost timid, but carrying something he preferred not to name.

  — Lukas…?

  He froze.

  — “Morgana…”

  — I… I don’t know if I have the right to be here… But… if you allow me… I want to stay.

  Lukas clenched his fists. Part of him wanted to drive her out. Part of him remembered how she had cried before dying.

  — “Stay,” he said at last, his voice dry. “But don’t expect me to trust you yet.”

  — I… I know.

  The silence returned. Then César cleared his throat, impatient:

  — Enough sentimentality. Let’s begin.

  — “Begin… what?” Lukas raised a brow.

  — What do you think? César growled. If you want any hope of changing this fate, you’ll need far more than willpower. You’ll need power.

  Lukas breathed deep, staring at the sky that was just beginning to brighten. At that very moment, elsewhere on the estate, he knew Luiz was waking up. That Valquíria was training alone. That Adriele was still only a girl full of dreams.

  I won’t lose you again.

  — “Very well,” he said, clenching his fists. “Where do we start?”

  — First… César almost sounded amused. We test what this frail body of yours can handle. Then… we rebuild everything.

  Morgana chuckled softly.

  — And I’ll help too… in my own way…

  — Your way, César snapped with disgust, is nothing but corruption of character.

  — Corruption? I call it spice, you grumpy relic…

  — “Silence.” Lukas pressed his temples. “Gods… I can’t believe I’ll have to put up with both of you again…”

  But even as he grumbled, he felt something he hadn’t in a long time. Hope.

  And so, as the sun rose over a new morning, the boy who one day would be called the Blood Demon began walking toward becoming something greater. Something capable of rewriting a legend.

  End of chapter 2