The Kingdom of Velora was old, wealthy, and proud.
Its marble roads were smooth as river water, its temples carved with golden runes, and its palace stood like a mountain made from dreams.
But the beauty of Velora only hid the truth:
the kingdom was crawling with secrets.
Kael Draven knew that better than anyone.
He served as the Royal Blade, the king's personal protector — not by choice, but because he was the only one who could fight like he had nothing left to lose. People whispered that his past was darker than the forest at midnight.
Kael didn't deny it.
He simply kept walking.
That night, the palace buzzed with noise.
Rich nobles in silk outfits filled the grand hall, drinking, laughing, pretending their lives were perfect. Chandeliers glowed with enchanted fire. Musicians played soft, sweet notes.
Kael stood at the edge of the hall, arms crossed, eyes sharp.
He hated these gatherings.
Too much perfume.
Too many fake smiles.
Too many lies dressed like gold.
Vorian Blackmere — Kael's friend, strategist, and the man who flirted with anything that breathed — slid beside him.
"You look miserable, Ravenblade," Vorian said. "Try smiling. Your face won't break."
Kael didn't bother replying.
Vorian chuckled. "Fine, be moody. But keep your eyes open. Rumors say the king invited… someone special tonight."
Kael raised an eyebrow.
"Special as in important? Or special as in dangerous?"
Vorian smirked. "With this kingdom? Probably both."
Kael straightened as the king's advisor stepped forward and announced loudly:
"Presenting Lady Seraphine Nyx of the House of Ashen Flames."
The hall fell silent.
Kael turned — and saw her.
Seraphine walked with quiet grace, her dark cloak trailing like night smoke behind her. She wore no gold, no jewels, nothing to prove her status. Yet every noble stared at her like she carried storms in her eyes.
Her beauty was not loud.
It was sharp, calm, ancient — like she belonged to a story older than Velora itself.
Something about her presence made Kael's chest tighten.
She moved without fear.
Like she had walked into enemy territory before.
Vorian leaned in. "Never heard of her House. You?"
Kael shook his head.
But he kept watching her, unable to look away.
The king greeted Seraphine warmly, but she didn't bow.
She simply placed her hand on her heart — a gesture from a forgotten culture.
Whispers filled the room.
Arrogant.
Mysterious.
Strange.
Beautiful.
Kael didn't care about the whispers.
He cared about the look in her eyes.
She scanned the hall like she was searching for someone.
Or scanning for threats.
Her gaze finally met Kael's.
And for a brief second, the noise around him faded — like someone pulled the world away.
Her eyes were deep, calm, unreadable… yet filled with something wounded.
She looked away quickly.
But Kael's heartbeat didn't slow down.
It got worse when she approached the throne — and the king asked loudly:
"Lady Seraphine, you wished to speak privately about the danger approaching Velora?"
Danger?
Kael instantly stepped closer, instinct rising.
Seraphine nodded.
"Yes, Your Majesty. The threat is real. He is awake. And he is coming."
Kael frowned. He? Who?
The king said, "Speak freely. My soldiers will protect this kingdom."
Seraphine's voice remained soft but carried weight:
"No soldier can stop Dragon Velmart."
The hall froze.
Someone dropped their goblet.
A noble gasped.
Vorian grabbed Kael's arm.
Kael felt a chill run through him.
Velmart…
The ancient beast.
The creature of forgotten wars.
The monster that had disappeared centuries ago.
The king whispered, "We believed him dead."
Seraphine shook her head.
"He lives. And he wants something from Velora. Something hidden inside these palace walls."
A shiver ran across the room.
Kael noticed something important — Seraphine wasn't scared for herself.
She was scared for the kingdom.
The king asked, "How do you know this?"
Seraphine hesitated.
Kael leaned forward, eyes narrowing, studying her.
She was hiding something.
Not out of selfishness.
But out of fear.
Then Seraphine said softly:
"Because I… escaped from him."
A murmur shot across the hall like lightning.
Kael straightened.
Vorian whispered under his breath, "Well. That explains her expression."
Kael wasn't listening.
He watched Seraphine like she was a puzzle carved from moonlight.
Her hands trembled slightly.
She tried to hide it.
Most people wouldn't notice.
Kael did.
He stepped forward before he even realized it.
"Your Majesty," Kael said, voice strong. "I request permission to escort Lady Seraphine to safer quarters."
Everyone turned.
Seraphine's eyes flicked toward him — shocked at first, then warm, almost grateful.
The king nodded. "Very well. Kael Draven will oversee her protection."
Vorian leaned in, whispering, "Smooth."
Kael ignored him.
He approached Seraphine slowly.
Her breathing was steady, but her eyes… carried storms.
Kael stopped in front of her.
"Lady Seraphine," he said quietly. "I'll take you somewhere private. You can tell me everything there."
She studied him.
Calm.
Silent.
Sharp.
Then softly:
"You don't trust me."
Kael replied simply,
"I don't trust anyone."
A small, almost sad smile touched her lips.
"Good," she whispered. "Because trust is dangerous."
As Kael led her out of the hall, he had two thoughts:
Something ancient was waking in Velora.
And this woman — Seraphine Nyx — was tied to it in ways he didn't understand.
But he would.
Even if it destroyed him.