The grand hall was alive with laughter and music. Flames danced in the iron chandeliers, spilling warm light across the stone walls. The smell of roasted meat, fresh bread, and spiced wine filled the air. The long wooden table gleamed with golden plates, piled high with food. Adrian Voss sat at the head of the table, his fingers resting lightly on the rim of his goblet. The deep red wine inside shifted as he moved his hand. Around him, his warriors drank, their voices loud with celebration. It was a feast in his honor. Killian, his younger brother, leaned back in his chair, grinning. He had already drunk more than he should, his eyes bright with mischief as he lifted his cup. “You’re too quiet, Adrian,” Killian said, nudging him. “Is our great king not enjoying his own feast?” Adrian smirked. “A king must stay sharp.” Killian laughed and turned to the men. “Then let’s drink for him!” The warriors roared, slamming their cups together before swallowing their wine. Adrian lifted his

The storm had passed. Adrian stood among the ruins, watching the last streaks of lightning fade into the sky. His body still tingled...a reminder of the power now inside him. He had no idea where he was. No idea who, or what...had brought him back. But he knew what he had to do. Find his way back. Take back his throne. The wind howled through the broken stone, carrying distant echoes. This place was old. Abandoned. Then, a noise. A rustling, faint but sharp. Something or someone was nearby. Adrian’s body tensed. He turned, eyes scanning the ruins. A shadow moved. “Who’s there?” His voice was steady and calm. Dangerous. Silence. Then, a figure stepped into view. It was a man...no, a boy. Younger than Adrian. Thin, with messy dark hair and eyes too sharp for his age. His clothes were ragged, his boots barely holding together. He had a knife in his hand. A thief. Adrian’s gaze flicked to his belt...nothing. No sword, no weapon. The boy smirked, twirling t

Adrian’s body tensed. The hoofbeats were getting closer. The rising sun cast a golden glow over the land, but there was no warmth in it. Only danger. Kai shifted beside him. “They’re not slowing down.” Adrian already knew. Killian’s men had found them. They had no time to think, only move. “Run,” Adrian said. Kai hesitated for half a second, then he obeyed. The ground was rough, the grass tall. Every step felt risky. But they didn’t stop. Behind them, the riders charged forward, kicking up clouds of dust. Their armor shone. Their swords caught the sunlight. Adrian’s pulse quickened. There were too many. Kai cursed. “You got another one of those magic punches?” “Not enough,” Adrian admitted. The riders shouted. Arrows flew. Adrian pulled Kai down. A sharp whistle went past his ear. The arrow hit a tree. Kai groaned. “I hate this!” Adrian grabbed his wrist. “Move faster.” They pushed through the field, dodging trees. But the riders were too fast. Too close. One of them,

The cell door creaked as it swung open. Adrian stepped out first, his senses sharp. The air outside was damp and cold. Kara put a finger on her lips. “No noise. Guards are everywhere.” Kai swallowed. “No arguments here.” They moved quickly, sticking to the shadows. The stone corridor stretched ahead, lined with torches that shook against the damp walls. Adrian’s muscles were tense. Every step was a risk. Kara moved with confidence, her steps light and silent. Kai, however, was the opposite. His boots scuffed against the floor, and he nearly tripped on a loose stone. Kara shot him a glare. Adrian grabbed his arm before he fell. Kai whispered, “Sorry. Not all of us are trained assassins.” Kara smirked but said nothing. She was too focused on the path ahead. Adrian glanced behind them. No guards yet. But that would not last. The corridor split into two paths. Kara stopped. “Left or right?” Adrian didn’t hesitate. “Right.” Kara paused. “Are you sure?” Adrian’s jaw clenche

Adrian’s hand gripped his sword. The old man in the doorway didn’t move. His gray eyes held a look that was hard to read, like he was waiting. Kara’s voice was sharp. “Who are you?” The man smiled. “Come inside.” Adrian didn’t trust him. But the cold bit into his skin, and Kai... barely standing, needed warmth. He made the choice. They stepped in. The cabin was small but warm. A fire crackled in the hearth, filling the room with light. Shelves lined the walls, stacked with books and strange vials. The man walked to the fire, stirring a pot of something that smelled like herbs. He turned to them. “Sit.” No one moved. Adrian studied him. He was old, too old to be dangerous. But his presence felt strong. “Who are you?” Adrian asked. The man’s eyes gleamed. “Someone who has been waiting for you.” Adrian’s jaw tightened. “Why?” The old man chuckled. “Because you are not who you think you are.” Silence. Kara crossed her arms. “Great. Another cryptic old man.” The man ignore