Edrik had been born with an innate talent for the sword, a gift so frighteningly natural that even veteran knights found it difficult to believe.
While other children struggled to steady wooden practice blades with trembling hands, Edrik had already learned how to control the weight of steel before he could properly read.
By the age of five, his grip was firm enough to leave bruises across his palms from relentless training yet he never once loosened it.
To him, the sword was not merely a weapon.
It was instinct, survival and purpose.
Years later, that very talent earned him a place within the Draconum, the most elite military force beneath the Silvaris Household.
Among countless knights who dreamed of standing close to the dragon Duke, Edrik rose high enough to become a proud member of the Vanguard Order, warriors who answered directly under the Duke's command.
The Vanguard were not raised to fear death.
