Arin's nights were not her own.
The Veylas had always been a family of heroes. From her great-grandmother to her father, each generation had been trained to lead.
Each generation had been expected to protect the world.
And Arin?
She was the next in line.
Her father, Lord Varian Veyla, the head of their family, called her to his study every evening.
His gaze, cold and calculating, never left her.
"Arin.
You are the future of this family.
You will continue the legacy of the Veyla line.
You will be the shield of this world.
You will live up to our name.**"
His words weighed heavily on her.
Her family was her greatest support, but also her greatest burden.
She could never escape the expectations they placed on her.
Her mother, Lady Selena, though loving, saw only potential in her daughter — not a person, but a symbol. Arin was meant to be the shining figurehead of the Veyla legacy.
"You must always shine brighter than the rest, Arin.
You cannot afford to falter.
The world looks to you."
Arin nodded, her heart sinking.
She knew she had to carry the family name, but sometimes,
she wished for a life where she could be just herself.