The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the city as Kael paced back and forth in his chamber. His mind was a storm of conflicting thoughts. Lord Varian's words echoed in his head, the revelation of his heritage still gnawing at him.
"The last heir of the Azure Throne."
It felt like a lifetime ago that Kael had known of his bloodline's significance. The people, the throne, all of it had been lost when the old empire fell. Or so he had thought.
He leaned against the stone wall, hands running through his hair. His eyes fell upon the map of Evernight, but the names of the cities, the roads, the mountains—none of it mattered. The decision that weighed on him now had little to do with strategy. It was a matter of loyalty, of trust.
At that moment, a knock echoed from the door.
Kael straightened, his hand instinctively moving toward his sword. "Come in."
The door creaked open, and Lela stepped inside, her face unreadable. She closed the door behind her and walked toward him, her presence filling the room like a shadow.
"Still thinking about it?" she asked, her voice soft but carrying the weight of years of battle and bloodshed.
Kael turned to face her, his brow furrowed. "I have to, Lela. We're talking about a war that could consume everything. If I align with the Astral Dominion, what happens to the people we've fought for? What happens to Evernight?"
Lela was silent for a moment, her eyes studying him carefully. "You know the answer already, don't you?"
Kael met her gaze, but for the first time, he couldn't see the certainty he had always admired in her.
"It's not that simple," he replied. "I can't just turn my back on our people… on what we've built here. But I also can't ignore the fact that Varian's army is stronger than anything we've ever faced. If I reject him, we're signing Evernight's death warrant."
Lela took a step forward. "What about the truth, Kael? You're not some random heir from a broken dynasty. You're not just a survivor of an empire that fell." Her voice was low, but it carried the weight of something ancient. "You're the one who could lead them. The one who can bring the old empire back."
Kael swallowed hard, his gaze flickering. "Do you think I want that?"
Lela placed a hand on his shoulder. "I think you have a choice to make. And whatever you choose, we'll stand by you. But don't ignore what's in front of you. The people of Evernight… they need something to believe in. And you might be that belief."
Her words stung more than he expected. "But what if I'm wrong?"
Lela's eyes softened. "What if you're not?"
Before Kael could answer, the door opened again. Hadrian entered, his face grim as usual but tinged with urgency.
"They've advanced," the old general said. "The enemy is camped on the horizon. They'll be within range by morning."
Kael nodded, taking a deep breath. "I'll make my decision by dawn."
A Choice to Be Made
By the time the sun began to rise, the war council had gathered in the Great Hall. Every face was grim, no one certain what to expect in the hours ahead.
Kael stood before them, his mind still racing. The weight of his bloodline, the fate of his people, and the looming war with the Astral Dominion—all of it rested on his shoulders.
Hadrian stood at his side, his eyes sharp as always. "We've prepared as best we can," he said. "If you've chosen to stand against Varian, we'll need every man and woman to fight. But if you've chosen to submit—"
"I haven't chosen yet," Kael interrupted, his voice firmer than before. He turned to face the council, meeting the eyes of every man and woman in the room. "But I will."
Lela stepped forward, her gaze unwavering. "Whatever you decide, Kael, I'll follow. We all will."
Mary, who had been silently watching from the back, spoke up. "You can't just choose for yourself, Kael. If you choose the Astral Dominion, we lose everything. The very thing we've been fighting for is gone."
Kael held her gaze. "I know."
Suddenly, a voice from the back of the room interrupted. It was Lady Ilara, who had been mostly quiet until now. "And what about the people of Evernight?" she asked, her voice surprisingly soft. "What will they think of this? Will they follow you if you side with the Dominion?"
The room fell silent at her question. Kael felt a cold chill in his chest. Could he really rule the people if he turned them over to another power? Could he lead them to freedom, or would they be subjects once again?
"We'll see," Kael said, the words tasting bitter on his tongue. "But I'll make sure they have the choice."
Hadrian stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "Then it's settled. We'll send word to Varian by midday. He'll get our answer, and then we prepare for the worst."
The Dawn of War
As the sun crested the horizon, Kael mounted his horse, his resolve finally hardened. The people of Evernight had prepared, and now it was his turn to lead them—whatever the cost.
He looked out across the fields. The enemy's army still lay in the distance, their banners fluttering ominously in the wind. Lord Varian had been right. They weren't here for petty conquest. They had a purpose, a plan.
Kael turned to Lela, who stood by his side. "It's time."
Lela nodded, her sword gleaming in the morning light. "Whatever happens, we fight."
As they rode out to the battlefield, the gates of Evernight were opened, and the people lined the walls, watching as their leaders rode into the unknown.
A Flash of Steel
The clash was inevitable.
Kael's heart pounded as he led his troops into position, the first wave of Astral Dominion soldiers visible on the horizon. The ground trembled beneath their feet as the enemy marched forward, their banners held high.
But just as the armies prepared to meet, a sudden explosion of light shattered the morning. Kael barely had time to react when Varian's voice echoed across the field.
"We were patient with you, Kael. But now… there is no turning back."
A massive explosion of arcane energy erupted from the heart of the enemy camp, blasting a huge crater into the field.
Kael's eyes widened as the blast cleared, revealing a towering figure—a massive warrior encased in glowing armor, holding a spear that crackled with divine lightning.
"Gáe Bolg," Kael whispered, recognition dawning.
Varian was not just playing politics. He was preparing for war.