Love In The Abyss

chapter 16: Alternate Climax: The Hunter from the Depths

As Evelyn and Lucien’s love deepens, a new menace emerges—a ruthless hunter who has sworn to end Lucien’s cursed existence. The hunter, Victor Ward, is a descendant of one of Estelle’s former lovers, driven by an ancient family vow to break the curse at any cost. Victor believes Lucien’s soul is corrupted beyond redemption and that his existence only continues to fuel the curse plaguing Blackmoor. Armed with knowledge of dark rites, he arrives in the village, determined to destroy Lucien once and for all.

One night, as Evelyn and Lucien meet by the shoreline, Victor appears, his presence shadowed by a foreboding intensity. He is cloaked in dark robes, a silver dagger gleaming in his hand, the blade etched with sigils of the sea—a weapon designed to banish cursed spirits back to the abyss.

“You have no right to walk this world,” Victor snarls, his gaze fixed on Lucien. “Your love is nothing but a curse, and you’ve condemned us all by clinging to it.”

Evelyn steps forward, placing herself between Victor and Lucien. “Please, you don’t understand,” she pleads, trying to reason with him. “Lucien is no monster. He’s a victim, just like the rest of us. If you harm him, the curse may never be lifted.”

But Victor is unmoved, his face hardened by generations of hatred and fear. “Your love blinds you, girl. I won’t allow his darkness to spread any further.”

Without warning, Victor lunges toward Lucien, his dagger raised. Evelyn acts on instinct, throwing herself between them, but Lucien pulls her aside, placing himself in the path of the dagger to protect her. The blade grazes him, leaving a spectral wound that sends a surge of pain through him.

Desperate, Evelyn grabs a piece of driftwood and strikes Victor, momentarily stunning him. She helps Lucien to his feet, his face pale and contorted with pain. They stumble back along the shoreline, but Victor is relentless, his footsteps echoing as he closes in on them.

As Victor raises the dagger once more, Evelyn suddenly remembers a protective spell she had read in a crumbling tome back in the mansion—a spell to shield loved ones from harm. She wraps her arms around Lucien, chanting the words with all the strength she can summon.

A shimmering barrier forms around them, deflecting Victor’s next strike and sending him staggering back. For a moment, the hunter looks at her in shock, his resolve wavering.

Evelyn’s voice trembles but holds firm. “I won’t let you take him from me. I’ll fight to keep him, no matter what.”

Victor sneers, but his expression softens slightly as he looks at Evelyn, realising the depth of her devotion. “Do you truly believe you can break his curse?” he asks, his tone almost mocking.

“I believe in our love,” she replies, her voice steady. “And that’s something your hatred will never understand.”

Victor hesitates, seeing the fierce light in her eyes. For the first time, he seems to doubt his mission, but years of bitterness cloud his judgement. With a final, frustrated cry, he retreats into the shadows, leaving Evelyn and Lucien breathless but safe—for now.