Years ago—
The floating kingdom of Glimmereach drifted peacefully above the world below.
Its royal palace stood at the center, surrounded by smaller floating islands, crystal bridges, and hanging gardens. Everything about it looked magical, majestic, and far removed from ordinary life.
In one of the palace courtyards, the sound of a child playing echoed through the air.
A young boy around five years old ran around with a wooden stick in his hands, spinning it like a spear. He swung it left and right, pretending to fight invisible enemies.
Dex Volkov.
Even at that age, his movements were surprisingly sharp.
Nearby, a beautiful woman sat beneath a shaded pavilion, sipping from a cup while maids stood close by to attend her.
She wore a royal white dress and a matching hat. Her cream-blonde hair rested neatly over her shoulders, and her dark blue eyes carried a calm but strict warmth.
Queen Olivia Volkov.
Dex's mother.
Her hand rested lightly over her stomach.
