CHAPTER 1—Shadows of the Obsidian Walls And The Realm Of Valerius
THE REALM OF VALERIUS In a world where mortal life is measured in fragile heartbeats, the Kingdom of Valerius reigns supreme as a nightmarish fortress of blood, iron, and absolute terror. Ruled by King Valerius—a tyrant whose very name makes even the bravest shiver—the kingdom is wrapped in perpetual darkness. Valerius is a monster of unmatched cruelty, but years ago, his life was touched by a rare, breathtaking mortal woman—Arom’s mother. She was a creature of such ethereal, luminous beauty that even the stone halls of the castle seemed to soften around her. With eyes that held the quiet innocence of the stars and a face carved like a tragic masterpiece, she was an impossible light trapped in a dark empire. Though she is long gone, her striking features, her melancholic grace, and her gentle soul were entirely passed down to her son.
THE PRINCE AND THE CONFIDANT
Arom (The Crown Prince): Standing at an impressive 6 feet tall, Arom is the picture of lethal elegance. He has a lean, athletic build that hides terrifying speed, and neat, artfully styled dark hair that falls just right over his forehead. But his most striking feature is his eyes—a mesmerizing, piercing shade of silver-violet that seems to glow in the shadows, carrying the exact haunting beauty of his mother. Despite being the heir to a throne of blood, his personality is a mix of quiet rebellion, sharp sarcasm, and a deep-seated hatred for his father's cruelty.
Zane (The Loyal Best Friend): Just as tall at 6 feet 1 inch, Zane is built slightly broader, carrying a dangerous, commanding aura wherever he goes. He has striking center-parted dark hair and piercing deep emerald-green eyes that miss nothing. While Arom is more brooding and sarcastic, Zane is the quick-witted, reckless one who often drags them into trouble—or helps them slip out of it with a dry, teasing remark.
Together, their dynamic is pure gold. Amidst the terrifying gloom of Valerius, you’ll often find them whispering sarcastic comments about the guards, rolling their eyes at the royal council, or exchanging playful, brotherly jabs right when they should be taking things seriously. # CHAPTER 1—Shadows of the Obsidian Walls
The torches lining the obsidian corridors of Valerius didn't crackle; they hissed, casting long, writhing shadows that looked like grasping fingers. For centuries, these walls had swallowed screams, dissent, and anything resembling a heartbeat.
Inside the royal bedchambers, however, the atmosphere was considerably less apocalyptic—and considerably more annoying.
"If I have to listen to Lord Vane talk about his 'glorious conquest of the eastern village' one more time," Arom muttered, leaning against the cold stone pillar, "I am going to throw myself off this balcony. And honestly? Gravity would be a mercy compared to his voice."
Zane chuckled, leaning over a heavy mahogany desk as he expertly picked the lock of a forbidden royal archive box with a silver hairpin. Without looking up, his deep emerald-green eyes glinted with amusement in the dim light. "Relax, Your Highness. Save your dramatic leaps for later. Besides, Vane only talks about his conquests because his last three centuries have been profoundly boring. Unlike us."
Arom rolled his silver-violet eyes, crossing his arms. He adjusted his dark jacket with effortless precision, pausing for a split second to check his reflection in a polished brass shield hanging on the wall. "Boring? Zane, my father wants us to lead a battalion into the mortal settlements tomorrow night. You call impending mass slaughter 'boring'?"
"I call it a Tuesday," Zane shot back with a dry, wicked smirk, the lock finally clicking open with a satisfying snap. He pulled out a folded parchment detailing the outer guard rotations. "And we aren't leading anything tomorrow. Because tonight, we are walking out of these cursed gates."
Arom pushed off the pillar, a rare, genuine smile breaking through his serious expression. "Now that is a plan I can get behind."
Before Zane could fold the guard rotation map into his pocket, the heavy iron doors of the chamber groaned open. A shadow fell across the stone floor—tall, ominous, and carrying the icy chill of absolute authority.
"The King demands your presence. Now," the royal guard announced, his voice trembling slightly.
Arom exchanged a quick glance with Zane before stepping out into the grand hall of throne and blood.
King Valerius sat upon the throne of blackened iron, his crimson eyes gleaming like burning coals in the gloom. He didn't offer a greeting. He simply threw a scroll at Arom's feet.
"Tomorrow night, you will ride to the border villages," Valerius commanded, his voice echoing off the high stone arches like thunder. "Burn every shelter. Slain every mortal—men, women, and children alike. Leave nothing behind but ashes and fear."
Arom stood tall, his silver-violet eyes locking onto his father’s terrifying gaze. He didn't bow. He didn't flinch.
"No," Arom said quietly, his voice calm yet unyielding. "I won't do it. I don't want this war, Father. I want to be gentle... like my mother was."
The name hit the throne room like a lightning strike.
Celestia.
For a fraction of a second, King Valerius froze. Deep beneath his armor of cruelty and blood, his heart bled for the only soul he had ever loved—his late wife, Celestia. A sudden, sharp ache rushed through his chest, and his eyes softened with hidden grief. But in an instant, the cold mask slammed back down. His face flushed with dark fury to cover his pain.
"Silence!" Valerius roared, slamming his fist onto the armrest. "You will obey, or you will rot in the dungeons!"
Arom turned on his heel without another word and walked away, leaving the furious king on his throne of grief. "Enjoyed this chapter? Please vote and leave your thoughts in the comments!"
