Several Years Ago
Count Nicalo Vaelmont walked through the golden corridors of the Sun Palace, his footsteps echoing with quiet purpose against marble that seemed to generate its own warm light. In his arms, he carried a child of perhaps younger years, Elara, small for her age but with eyes that already showed the distinctive flicker of inner fire that marked the truly blessed.
She's so young to carry such a burden, he thought, adjusting his grip gently as Elara shifted in his arms, her small hand unconsciously grasping his cloak. The Sovereign of Fire chose well, but the weight of expectation on one so small...
Around them, the Sun Palace displayed its full splendor in ways that never failed to inspire awe. Golden walls seemed to pulse with their own heartbeat of light, and every surface reflected the divine authority that ruled from within these halls. Guards bowed respectfully as they passed, recognizing both the Count's status and the significance of his charge.
