Chapter 1
The candle trembled against the cold stone walls, twisting shadows like whispers of the dead. King Eren was gone—and with him, the kingdom’s heart. Morality, virtue, honor—none remained. The queen knelt amidst the silent halls, tears carving paths through grief she could barely bear. Her beloved had been denied a proper funeral. His own blood had stolen the throne.
Below, Malric moved like a shadow among shadows. The queen and the crown prince would vanish before dawn.
Lyrian huddled in his hidden chamber, knees scraping the cold stone, chest hammering. Every flicker of light seemed a threat; every creak whispered betrayal. He did not yet know how to run, to hide, to vanish into nothing. But one truth burned clear: survival demanded a new name, a new life—and secrets that could kill if ever revealed.
His small hands gripped Malric’s cloak, trembling. “Please… my mother… we’ve done nothing wrong. I’ll serve you… all my life. Whatever you ask.”
Malric’s eyes glinted, dark and unreadable. He circled the boy like a predator. “Your life is worth nothing. And yet… I see potential.”
“Please, my lord… don’t kill us,” Lyrian whispered.
Malric leaned close, voice low and deliberate. “I will spare you—and your mother. But you will forget who you were. A new name, a new life. And the moment anyone learns your true identity… your head will be mine.”
The boy nodded so violently it was almost painful. “I… I understand. I’ll be loyal… forever.”
Malric’s lips curved into a faint, dangerous smile. “Good. Perhaps one day, you will understand why I offered mercy.”
Lyrian did not know. He would never understand. And as the first chill of dawn crept through the castle, Lyrian Dunwall died. Cael Calder was born.
