Lucien Silver Star had spent weeks adjusting to his infant form, perfecting the *art of deception*. He was helpless in body—but his *mind*, his *will*, remained *unyielding*.
The corruption of his wet nurse, Isolde, had already begun. It was subtle—so subtle that even she did not notice. But he did.
Her actions had changed. She lingered longer than necessary, cradling him with an almost obsessive devotion. She smiled at him with a strange reverence, as if a primal part of her knew she belonged to him.
Her [ corruption meter ] ticked upwards.
[Corruption Progress: 21% – Mental Instability Stage]
She rationalized his presence in her mind, convinced that it was her duty to prioritize him above all else.
Yet, this was merely the beginning.
---
[ The First Trial ]
One evening, when his mother, Lady Elira Silver Star, entered his chambers, Valerian felt the perfect opportunity arise.
She was stunning —silver-haired, regal, the picture of nobility. Soft, kind eyes that bore no suspicion. Her presence alone demanded admiration.
She sat beside his cradle, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead.
"You will grow strong, my little Lucien ," she whispered.
And in that moment, his ability flared.
*A single thought, planted deep within her subconscious.*
"You will always protect me. You will favor me above all your children."
Her mind did not resist —for why would it? It was a harmless thought. A mother's devotion was natural.
She kissed his forehead once more. But as she left, he saw it— *the change*.
Her steps lingered, hesitating at the doorway. **Doubt. Conflict. A momentary lapse in logic.
His lips curled. The corruption had begun.
[Corruption Progress: 4% – Seeded Thoughts Stage]
The world had no idea what was coming