Twenty years later.
In the royal palace, Adrian sat on the golden throne, attending to the matters of his kingdom.
The once-rebellious wolf prince was now a renowned and wise king.

His rule was just and strong, and the kingdom flourished under his hand.
But only he knew that, for all these years, a mysterious power had been helping him in secret.
Whenever the kingdom faced a crisis, enemies would inexplicably retreat.
Whenever disaster struck, timely rains would save the crops.
Whenever a plague broke out, mysterious herbs would appear where they were needed most.
"It's you, isn't it, Elena..." Adrian gently stroked a faint scratch on the arm of his throne.

He had carved it with his claw twenty years ago.
An "E."
For the woman who had changed his life.
"Your Majesty," a servant entered the hall. "The Harvest Festival preparations are complete. Will you be attending?"

"Of course." Adrian stood, adjusting his royal robes. "It was... her favorite festival."
The servant looked at him, confused. There was no important figure in the kingdom named Elena.
But Adrian didn't explain.
He walked to the window and gazed at the setting sun.
"Thank you, my Queen. Even though you're not by my side, you are still protecting me."
Meanwhile, in the ruins outside the capital.
A brand new monastery stood on the site of the old castle.
The sign above the door read in golden letters: "Saint Elena's Abbey."
This was the training ground for the Holy Knights, founded by Cassian.
For twenty years, countless young knights had graduated from this place, becoming warriors of the light.
Cassian sat in the monastery garden.
His hair was white, his face lined with age.
He held a heavy book, teaching a lesson to the young apprentice knights.
"Remember," his voice was still firm, "our mission is not to destroy all heretics, but to destroy evil."
"Even a heretic can be worthy of our protection. Just like... Elena."
The young knights whispered among themselves.
Who was Elena?
Why did their master always mention that name?
"Master," a brave boy raised his hand. "Who is Elena?"
Cassian smiled and closed his book.
"She was a vampire who saved an entire city. A being more good than any human."
"She taught me the true meaning of redemption."
The boys' eyes went wide.
A vampire? Good?
Wasn't that a contradiction?
"Master, have you met her?" another boy asked.
"I have." Cassian's eyes were full of longing. "She was the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. Not for her face, but for her soul."
"Then where is she now?"
Cassian looked up at the sky.
"She is protecting this world. Protecting all of us."
Forty years later.
Cassian was a frail old man.
He lay on a bed in the monastery, his breathing shallow. The young knights at his bedside knew their master's time was short.
"Master, do you have any last words?" one knight asked softly.
Cassian weakly shook his head.
"I... I just want to see her one more time..."
Just then, the faint scent of flowers drifted in through the window.
It was the scent of night-blooming jasmine, Elena's favorite flower.
The young knights looked out the window, confused. They saw nothing.
But Cassian's eyes lit up.
"You... all of you, leave," he said, using his last bit of strength.
The knights exchanged glances but obeyed their master's wish.
Only Cassian remained in the room.
A gentle breeze stirred the curtains.
A familiar figure appeared silently by his bed.
Her face was still young, still beautiful, just as it was forty years ago.
"Elena..." Tears welled in Cassian's eyes. "You... you really came..."
"I told you I would watch over you," I said, gently stroking his aged cheek. "I always have."
"These years... have you been well?" Cassian shakily reached out, wanting to touch my face.
"Very well." I took his hand. "I saw Adrian become a wise king. I saw you train countless fine knights. I am very proud."
Tears rolled down Cassian's cheeks.
"Elena... do you regret it? Regret choosing to leave us?"
I was silent for a long time.
"I got everything I wanted," I finally said. "Power, freedom, and..."
I looked at him, my eyes full of love.
"And the ability to protect the ones I want to protect."
"If I had to do it all over again, I would make the same choice. Because seeing you live safely and happily is my greatest joy."
Hearing this, a peaceful smile spread across Cassian's face.
"Thank you... Elena. Thank you for giving me the most beautiful memories of my life."
"Thank you for showing me that there are things in this world more precious than faith."
His breathing grew weaker.
"I love you, Elena. In my past life, and in this one. Always."
A single, clear tear fell from the corner of his eye.
That tear held all his life's longing, all his life's regret.
Cassian closed his eyes and passed away peacefully.
I stared blankly at his calm face.
The man who would have given up everything for me was gone.
On impulse, I reached out my finger and touched the still-warm tear.
I brought it to my lips.
It tasted the same as I remembered.
Bitter, salty, and filled with deep affection.
But the moment the tear touched my tongue, a powerful force slammed into my mind.
Memories I had sealed away came flooding back. From a time before time.
I saw another time, another world.
A young Cassian, his innocent smile, and...
The green-eyed girl who always climbed the wall to see him.