Silence swallowed the grand hall, broken only by the echo of Kaelvir's footsteps. His steps tapped against the polished floor, each sound magnified in the stillness. A heavy incense lingered, rich and smoky, settling in his lungs—calming yet oppressive—as he approached the throne.
It loomed before him—a massive seat of blood-red steel, etched with ancient engravings. Beasts, men, and scenes of conquest shimmered faintly in the light, twisting like half-forgotten runes. The throne itself was formidable, yet even it seemed diminished beneath the man who sat upon it.
Zar Veydrak. His father. The embodiment of strength.
Zar sat like a resting tiger—still, yet coiled with power that demanded respect. His dark, warm skin framed sharp, commanding features. Golden eyes burned with piercing intensity, stripping away hesitation and lies alike. Rarely did emotion stir in them, and when it did, it vanished like lightning behind storm clouds.
Braided locks fell past his shoulders, threaded with white cowries that glinted faintly. A rear cowry dangled from his ear, a symbol of status, while two sharp fangs hung from a necklace across his chest, primal and daring. His sleeveless golden robe flowed with regal structure, and red beads on his wrist pulsed faintly, echoing a steady heartbeat.
Even seated, Zar radiated control and dominance. Kaelvir swallowed, sweat threatening to fall. Does he know? Gods… if he knows, I'm finished.
Zar's gaze never wavered. Finally, his voice cut the silence, low and edged with disdain.
"In the whole of Dreamtide City—no, in the entire Sacred Fire Kingdom—I have never seen a fool like you. What were you thinking? Were you unaware of the danger?"
Kaelvir froze, then exhaled inwardly. Thank the heavens… he doesn't know. I thought I was cooked.
But Zar caught the flicker of relief. His lips curled into a sneer.
"Oh, don't think I'll let this go unpunished. You wasted my time. You caused needless trouble for your siblings. Tell me, Kaelvir—how should you be punished?"
The air grew heavier. Kaelvir's tongue felt tied.
"Answer me," Zar commanded.
Kaelvir knelt, voice steady despite his fear. "Father, I've disappointed you. I've caused worry, and I am sorry. Such a mistake will not happen again."
He was never used to this kind of situation in the first place.
Zar's expression remained unreadable. "And why should I trust your words?"
Kaelvir met his father's gaze, determination hardening within him. Memories of the core clan's trait flickered. "As a Veydrak, my words are as precious as gold. I will not break them." His eyes flared faintly golden.
A rare flicker of surprise crossed Zar's face. His voice was stern but measured. "Do not think sweet words will buy forgiveness. But as a Veydrak, I'll give you one chance. Until the next Awakening Ceremony, you are confined to your courtyard. You may leave, but nothing more."
The oppressive weight lifted.
Kaelvir hesitated, as something surged in his memory, then bowed. "Father… may I ask one favor?"
"Speak."
"Allow me to attend this year's Awakening Ceremony. One last chance. If I fail, I will give up cultivation forever and live as a mortal."
The golden-eyed man paused. Kaelvir was Obsessed with cultivation, willing to swear such an oath? What are you planning, boy?
"You forget what it means to be a Veydrak so soon," Zar said coldly. "Do you understand the weight of your words?"
"I do, Father. I will not fail this time," Kaelvir replied, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Zar studied him before waving a hand. "Go. Your siblings await."
Kaelvir bowed deeply. "Thank you, Father. I will not fail."
The colossal doors swung open and shut behind him, restoring silence.
For a moment, Zar sat still. Then a shadow stirred beside him—formless, face and gender concealed in darkness.
"Master," it murmured. "If you worry about him, why scold him?"
Zar exhaled. "Zanra… if I don't, who knows what he might attempt next? I don't need his mother chasing me through Soneth."
The shadow tilted its head. "Is she that dangerous?"
Zar groaned. "Her temper alone is something I'd rather avoid. Enough. The mission I gave you—report." His voice sharpened once more.
---
The doors closed behind Kaelvir, and the scent of incense gave way to laughter and soft sobs.
Three figures waited.
The youngest, Ani, ran to him. She leapt into his arms, trembling, tears streaming down her face. "Third brother! I thought… I thought you wouldn't wake!"
Guilt stabbed Kaelvir. She was only fourteen, fragile yet fiercely caring, ever since the death of their mother they only had each other. "What did Father say? Was he very angry? Is he punishing you?"
Ani's wide brown eyes sparkled through tears, her fair skin and long hair mirroring their mother's beauty. Even in innocence, there was a cunning instinct beneath her softness.
Kaelvir stroked her head gently. "Don't worry. Father didn't overreact."
A lazy drawl came from the side. "Overreact? You should've seen his face when he found you half-dead. Priceless."
Esuryon, twenty-one, leaned against a pillar, golden eyes glinting with mischief. Slim braids framed his smirk. A bow rested across his back; a golden gauntlet caught the light. Predator and trickster alike.
So this is Esuryon kaelvir figured.
"Second brother," Kaelvir said, lips twitching. Esuryon's nickname—Smiling Serpent of Fortune—fit him perfectly.
"What? Not happy to see me? Heartbreaking," Esuryon said dramatically.
"I'm happy to see you," Kaelvir cut in, forcing a smile.
"Enough," cold Kaelvon, twenty-four, intervened. Tall, burnished bronze, braids neat, cowries catching the light, crimson robe flowing. Authority in silence.
"Esuryon, stop teasing him. He's still recovering. Want me to send you to bed instead?"
Esuryon's grin faltered. "Elder brother… you have no sense of humor."
Kaelvon's gaze stayed on Kaelvir. "How do you feel now, little brother?"
This should be my elder brother he put things together quickly.
Kaelvir's throat tightened. On Earth, he'd been the eldest. Now, to be cared for as the youngest… foreign, yet comforting. "I'm glad to see you all. Thank you… for caring."
"Don't act distant," Esuryon said, slinging an arm around him. Ani squeezed them both smiling happily.
Even Kaelvon allowed a rare smile. "For once, Esuryon's brain is working."
"Are you saying it never works? Brother I swear...I" Esuryon muttered.
Kaelvon gave a dangerous smile. "Go ahead. Swear."
"No...nothing much brother"
The surrounding burst with laughter as he gave up on his words
Soon the laughter faded. Fay watched quietly, a small smile on her lips.
Kaelvon's face grew serious. "Third brother… who told you to awaken like that?"
The atmosphere shifted, heavy and tense.
Esuryon smirked. "Finally, someone says it. I thought I was the only one bothered."
Kaelvir froze. Zar had said something similar but different, saying he was a fool. Memories raced until one detail surfaced. "I… overheard the young masters of the Obren and Zar clan speaking. That's all."
"By coincidence?" Esuryon's tone sharpened.
"Think carefully," Kaelvon pressed. "Do you really believe that?"
Kaelvir's blood ran cold as his suspicions turned out to be true. Someone's after my life? I've barely arrived and already targeted… His heart pounded, fear curling deep within him.
---
Author's note: revised chapter for clarity and no plot change thanks