Chapter 6 Training the Crimson Hall

The crimson light of the blood moon still lingered faintly in the corridors, casting long shadows that stretched like fingers across the black stone floor. Aria followed Lucian through a twisting maze of halls, her hands tingling as the residual energy of her blood’s power thrummed beneath her skin.

“Tonight,” Lucian said, his voice low and commanding, “you will train properly. Your blood is awakening, yes—but awakening alone will not make you strong. You must learn to bend it, to control it, to wield it without losing yourself.”

Aria’s pulse quickened. “And if I fail?” she asked, though she already knew the answer.

“Then you will falter in a world where faltering can mean death,” Lucian replied bluntly. His crimson eyes softened as they met hers. “But I will not let that happen. I will guide you, every step.”

They entered a vast chamber, larger than any room she had seen in the castle. The walls shimmered faintly with runes, glowing silver and crimson, and the floor bore a circle of intricate carvings that seemed to pulse with energy. The air vibrated, alive with the power of countless generations of vampires.

“This is the Crimson Hall,” Lucian said, his gaze sweeping over the space. “Here, your blood will respond to your will. Here, you will learn. And here, you will face your first challenge.”

Aria stepped into the circle, feeling the energy pulse beneath her feet. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, and focused on the rhythm of her heartbeat. Slowly, the crimson glow that always lingered in her veins spread outward, forming a faint aura around her body.

Lucian approached, his hands gesturing in deliberate patterns. “Extend your intent,” he instructed. “Do not think of control. Do not think of fear. Think of what you want your blood to do—and it will obey.”

Aria hesitated. She could feel the energy responding, but it was wild, like a storm barely contained. Summoning courage, she imagined the aura around her becoming stronger, brighter, controlled. Slowly, the light around her hands flared, then steadied as she guided it outward.

“Good,” Lucian murmured, his gaze approving. “Now… shape it. Create form. Test its limits.”

Aria’s mind raced. She imagined a wall of crimson energy rising in front of her. At first, it wavered, flickering like a candle in the wind. But then, with concentration, it solidified into a shield, glowing with a fierce intensity. She felt the rush of power, thrilling and intoxicating, but also frightening.

Lucian nodded, stepping back. “Very good. Now, attack it. Test your ability to release it without harming yourself.”

Aria hesitated, then thrust her hands forward. A bolt of crimson light shot from her fingertips, hitting the shield she had created. The energy flared, reverberating through the hall, then settled into a perfect rhythm with her pulse. She gasped, exhilarated and exhausted.

“Excellent,” Lucian said, a rare smile tugging at his lips. “You are learning faster than I expected.”

A sudden hiss interrupted them. Aria spun around to see the rival princess standing at the chamber’s entrance, her eyes cold and calculating. “Training? Alone?” she sneered. “I thought you might be fragile without someone to protect you.”

Aria’s aura flared instinctively, the crimson energy responding to her anger and fear. She felt powerful, alive, and ready. The princess’s smirk faltered as the energy pushed outward, forcing her to step back.

Lucian’s gaze hardened. “She is under my protection. Do not test her patience—or mine.”

The princess’s eyes narrowed, but she did not advance. Instead, she vanished into the shadows with a final hiss, leaving Aria trembling with adrenaline.

Lucian stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You see? Control is everything. Your blood will react to threats, to emotions, to your will. You must master it before anyone else can exploit it.”

Aria nodded, still breathing heavily. “I understand… I think.”

“You will,” he said. “Now, rest briefly. Then we begin the next exercise: moving your energy beyond yourself, shaping it into weapons and shields, projecting it over distance.”

Aria’s heart raced at the thought, both terrified and thrilled. She had felt her power today, and it was intoxicating. She would not falter. She would not be weak. The rival princess, the court, the dangers of this world—they would all learn just how strong she could become.

As she rested, leaning against the cold stone wall, Lucian’s presence was a steady anchor. His crimson eyes met hers, filled with a mix of pride and something deeper, something unspoken that made her chest tighten. The bond between them was more than just blood, more than just fate. It was connection, protection… and desire.

The lessons in the Crimson Hall would be grueling. The rival princess would not relent. And the vampire court’s eyes would remain on her, watching, waiting for a misstep.

But Aria was ready. She had tasted the power coursing through her veins. She had felt the thrill, the fear, and the control. She would train. She would fight. And she would survive.

Tonight, under the glow of the blood moon, Aria embraced her destiny. The cursed mate of the Vampire King was awakening—and nothing would stop her.