Page 98 of Dark Awakening

Seraphina drifts nearer, opalescent radiance intensifying around her gracefully gliding steps. "You are no ordinary mortal, Danica." Her tone rings gentle yet persistent. "I have awaited this awakening. You are destined for true greatness as creation's own child."

Thoughts collide explosively within me—wonder, uncertainty, fearful awe. "What...what do you mean?" I rasp out through suddenly parched lips.

Compassion warms Seraphina's luminous eyes. "Your essence carries the divine gifts of Elysium, though their meaning remains obscured to you."

I feel anchoring stability crumbling as revelations cascade over me. Elysium...that name alone resonates mythic grandeur, yet stirs inexplicable familiarity. "Who is this Elysium?" I whisper.

"The radiant celestial ruler of Atheria—an embodiment of light and purity, beloved across all realms for his wisdom and benevolence." Reverent admiration suffuses Seraphina's musical voice. "His divine spirit infuses Atheria's fabric itself, blessing his subjects with prosperity."

She continues relentlessly as I stand benumbed. "Prophecies foretold one blessed child of Elysium would arise to reshape destinies—a savior restoring balance and unity. Dear Danica, the god's own blood flows within you, awakening fated power."

Surely, this galaxy guardian Barbie is out of her mind, yet soul-deep recognition of impossible truth shatters all lingering doubts… The note that was left in my crib with the angelic writing. I—a daughter of a god?

Overwhelmed, I meet Seraphina's earnest, golden stare. Reflected there, I see my unbelievable fate reflected back at me, waiting only for an embrace...

My mind reels, struggling to grasp it all. Awe and uncertainty war with this newfound sense of fate's vast purpose. To be the daughter of an immortal celestial ruler—would be a profound blessing and a crushing burden...

One mystery persists, "If this is true...why was I abandoned on Earth? Who is my mother?"

Pain flashes across Seraphina's ageless eyes. "Your father fell deeply for a mortal woman. Their tragic story shall be revealed later." Her tone gentles with compassion. "Just know I have never forsaken watching over you, dear heart. Remarkable destiny awaits, though it demands great responsibility..."

Her words resonate strangely familiar, stirring conviction and questions alike. "Why reveal yourself now after long years hidden?" I press. "What has changed to set the mythic machinations in motion?"

Seraphina's gaze turns troubled. "You have been awakened, Danica. "A development I did not foresee so soon...you choose one shrouded in darkness as your fated mate." Seraphina hesitates, choosing her words delicately. "The prophecy speaks only of a foretold union...but your father misgives bonding our kind's hope to a nightbound son cast from grace."

I blink hard. "Hold up...you're saying my dear old divine Dad disapproves of Rhyland? I snort loudly. "Son cast from—oh my god! Is Rhyland freaking Lucifer or something? What does that even mean?"

Seeing me gear up for drama, Seraphina squeezes my hands gently. "Peace, dear heart. True darkness dwells not in Rhyland's spirit. But still...he is tempted to darkness and can easily be swayed."

I rake both hands through my tangled hair. "Wow, A-plus cryptic metaphor there. So what, vampires can't get down with the celestial types? That’s a little racist."

I hug my stomach as revelations roil and collide violently. Rhyland…unworthy? But our ferocious bond feels ordained by destiny itself—doesn't it?

I blink hard against a swell of defiance and dread. "Rhyland? You question if he can stand beside me against what's coming?"

Seraphina drifts nearer. Her floral aroma envelops me—crisp as rain mingled with jasmine. It somehow calms my internal chaos slightly as she continues gently. "Not all light has abandoned Rhyland's spirit. But the darkness crooning in his blood poses immortal temptation few can resist eternally..."

What does that mean? This cryptic shit is starting to rattle my nerves.

My wide eyes dart back toward the bedroom, and Rhyland's slumbering form just visible, tangled in sheets where passionate intimacy sealed unbreakable promises only hours before. Or so I desperately believed. Could I have been so naive? So wrong? Surely, he is still the formidable guardian sworn to shield my side until death takes one or both. But doubt's familiar claws shred relentlessly...if Seraphina speaks the truth, perhaps Rhyland's shadows may ultimately swallow us both in the trials ahead. Perhaps I stand utterly alone now in destiny's gathering storm...

As if sensing my raging doubts, Seraphina's expression softens further. "There are details I should entrust carefully regarding your gifts...and disconcerting possibilities ahead."

Oh, goody... I glance fretfully between her earnest golden eyes that match mine and Rhyland's shadowed sleeping form.

Finally, Seraphina speaks, hesitant yet resolute. "Your blood holds unique properties, Danica. When ingested by immortal nightwalkers, it grants them access to our celestial gifts, including walking in daylight."

My mouth drops open in utter shock, eyes widening as I stare wordlessly at Seraphina. I can scarcely process what she's revealed.

My blood grants vampire's sunlight? The notion seems unbelievable.

"W-wait...you mean my blood allows Rhyland to walk in sunlight?" I finally manage to stammer out. I glance at Rhyland, this beautiful and mysterious vampire who has captivated me, with new awe and nervous energy flickering through me.

My mind floods with revelations that now make sense—the intense pull between us and the depth of his desire for my blood. I shudder thinking of how potent my blood must be, that the other vampires and Azrael have sniffed me out like catnip.

Seraphina seems to sense my lingering hesitation. "Rhyland has formidable strengths," she acknowledges. "He will challenge, guard, and defend you relentlessly. But stay vigilant in discerning if he fuels rather than hinders your destiny."

I shift restlessly, inner conflicts raging between a yearning heart and a warning mind. None can deny Rhyland's fierce devotion—the exhilarating passion when our equally indomitable wills clash, nor the possessive claim searing my soul irrevocably as his.

---