Abisai
Higmer strides into my study as if he owns it.
Always with that calculating wolf's smile. Impeccable clothes, perfectly styled hair, and that air of someone who thinks the world owes him everything.
"Abisai," he greets, nodding slightly.
I rise slowly, measuring every movement.
"Cousin. You've returned."
"I couldn't miss your coronation," he replies, sitting without waiting for an invitation. He pours himself a glass of wine as if he's in his own chambers.
"It's in fifteen days."
"I know," he says, taking a sip and looking at me over the rim of his glass. "But I wanted to be here for you. You, who never wanted obligations and lived as you pleased… now you're going to sit on the throne. Life's twists, huh?"
A cold smile crosses my lips as I sit back down.
"Life's twists," I repeat, studying him.
The silence stretches for a moment. Higmer has always been good at that — letting the air grow uncomfortable before striking.
"I heard about your new concubine," he says at last, casually.
I raise an eyebrow and accept the glass he offers, though I don't drink.
"And what does that have to do with you?"
He smiles, that white-toothed grin that has never inspired trust and has gotten me into trouble in the past.
"Calm down, cousin. I'm just surprised you've fallen for a human."
"Who said I've fallen for her?"
Higmer leans back in his chair, watching me with curiosity.
"Aren't you?"
"That's none of your business."
The air between us grows heavier. He knows I'm lying, and I know he knows.
"What have you found out about Agur's death?" he asks.
I'm glad he changes the subject before he digs any deeper into Zabina.
"The humans know our secret. They know we shift forms."
I watch his reaction closely. There's no surprise on his face. Of course, he already knew.
"That's… dangerous," he says, feigning concern.
"I've sent royal guards to watch the kingdom's entrances. We don't want surprises."
Levin enters at that moment, interrupting the conversation. His gaze immediately lands on Higmer with clear distrust.
"Higmer," he greets with a brief bow. "I didn't know you'd returned."
"I couldn't miss my dear cousin's coronation," Higmer replies with that easy smile that fools anyone who doesn't know him. "Besides, I wanted to see for myself how the rebellious Abisai becomes emperor. Who would've thought?"
Levin doesn't respond. He just stands beside me in silence, as he always does when he senses danger.
Higmer rises.
"Well, I won't take up more of your time. I'm sure you have plenty of preparations and boring meetings. I'll go to the library to read a bit."
As soon as he leaves, Levin turns to me.
"I'll send men to watch him."
"No," I reply immediately. "He'd notice. Higmer notices everything. He's a damn bloodhound with a serpent's mind."
Levin nods, though he doesn't look convinced.
"Stema gave us information straight from your uncle's new wife's mouth," he continues. "Thymá has been meeting secretly with several nobles from the Padras clan and the River clan. They talk about 'restoring the old order.' And Higmer… he's in almost every conversation."
I stand when I see the time. The sun is already low.
I need to meet with my father and the priests of the Onyx Temple. They're waiting for me in the sacred pavilion.
I walk down the hallway with Levin at my side. The servants bow their heads as I pass. My shadow seems larger, darker.
Once I'm emperor, I'll shake off all the filth lingering in this castle.
If I have to take the throne, I'll take it and rule by my own laws. Not my father's, and not under the shadows Thymá and Higmer are weaving.
I stop at the terrace overlooking the pavilion.
The sacred building stands at the far end of the complex.
Without a second thought, I take my dragon form.
The shift is fluid, almost instinctive. Black scales cover my body, my wings unfurl. I spread them and take flight with a single powerful thrust.
From above, the castle looks imposing. But today, I don't enjoy the view.
I land in front of the pavilion, and the columns vibrate. My wings fold, and I return to my human form in a blink.
The priests and my father are already waiting inside.
The consecration ceremony begins in the Onyx Temple.
I'm on my knees in the centre of the sacred circle, surrounded by the eldest priests. The blessed oil, thick and perfumed with black resin, rolls slowly down my head, over my forehead, my temples, and slides down my bare shoulders like warm blood.
I feel my inner beast grow stronger, expand, stretch within my chest. My eyes change colour — the deep black turns to bright amber, almost golden, reflecting the fire of the eternal torches.
The priests chant the ancient incantations in the forgotten tongue.
I only invited my personal guard. They, too, will be consecrated under my command.
No one expected it.
Not my father.
Not the priests.
Not them.
But as emperor, I'm changing some things.
And this is just the first.
When the last of my men receives the baptism of oil and fire, I stand.
Power courses through my veins like a raging river.
I transform.
The shift is brutal and glorious. My body grows, expands, the black scales become denser, shinier. My muscles are more regal, my wings wider, my claws deadlier. I'm bigger than ever. Stronger.
I take flight with a roar that shakes the temple's columns.
My men follow instantly. Ten black dragons rise with me, forming a perfect formation at my back.
We fly over the kingdom of Anwar.
I land heavily on the altar at the centre of the main square.
The afternoon falls like a fire devouring the sky, staining everything in blood-red and dark gold.
The crowd has already gathered around the altar. Thousands of eyes watch me.
My men remain in the air, flying in slow circles above the square.
I growl.
A deep, powerful roar that echoes in every corner of the kingdom.
Everyone kneels instantly. Men, women, children…
The entire crowd bows, lowering their heads in submission and recognition.
My men land beside me, one by one.
I survey the crowd from atop the altar. I feel the weight of their gazes — the fear, the hope, the uncertainty, the awe.
When I judge the moment sufficient, I take flight again.
I return to the castle without looking back.
I've fulfilled my duty to my father. I've fulfilled my duty to the court. But above all… I've made it clear to all of Anwar who I am now.
The future emperor.
And no one will dictate how I rule the kingdom I never asked for but is now mine.
As I fly back, I can only think of one thing: Zabina, and how, despite all the power I've just claimed, the only person I truly want to see tonight is her.