A dim, flickering candle cast long shadows across the luxurious chamber, its golden light barely illuminating the sleeping figure on the grand bed. The young man lay in peaceful slumber, his silver-lined white robes slightly undone, revealing his smooth yet toned chest. The air was calm—until a sharp, piercing pain erupted in his chest.
A Youngman body trembled as a searing agony tore through him. His breath hitched, and his eyelids fluttered open, only to be met with an indifferent pair of deep purple eyes staring down at him—void of emotion, as cold as the abyss.
The blade embedded in his chest gleamed under the candlelight, crimson liquid seeping around the steel. His body screamed in pain, but his heart screamed even louder in betrayal.
His mind refused to accept what was happening. His lips trembled as he forced a single word through his bloodstained mouth, his voice shattered and weak—
"W-why…?"
The beautiful figure did not answer. Her grip on the sword remained firm, her expression unchanging. Blood pooled in Orion's throat, clouding his vision with a hazy red. His body grew colder. His limbs weakened. His mind faded.
Darkness consumed him.
—
"Hah!"
Orion shot up from his bed, his chest rising and falling rapidly. His breath came out ragged, his skin damp with cold sweat. His hands instinctively gripped his chest, expecting to feel the wound—but there was nothing.
A dream. A nightmare.
But not just any nightmare—a memory.
His fingers curled into fists as he whispered a name, his voice thick with pain, anger, and longing.
"…Shia."
The name lingered in the air, a ghost of the past he could never forget.
Then, His blue eyes drifted toward the window, where the golden hues of dawn had already taken over the sky. The chirping of birds filled the estate, and outside, he could hear the commotion of guards moving swiftly, their boots clicking against the stone pavement. Maids rushed from one place to another, their hushed conversations blending into the morning symphony.
Orion furrowed his brows.
"Why is the mansion so busying this early?"
Then it hit him.
"Fuck… The Blessing Ceremony!"
Pushing aside the lingering weight of his dream, Orion rushed to the bathroom. The cool water washed away his sweat and exhaustion, his mind slowly regaining clarity.
After his bath, he dressed in a pristine white robe with elegant silver linings, the fabric draping over his broad shoulders. His long, bluish-white hair was left open, cascading over his back like silk. He took a moment to glance at his reflection in the mirror, his blue eyes filled with determination.
"Today, I receive the blessing of Eldora wills… Today, my journey begins. Just you wait."
His words hung in the air, filled with unwavering determination, before he turned and left his room.
—
Descending the grand staircase, Orion was met with a breathtaking sight—his mother, Celia, his stepmother, Sera, and his younger sister, Elara , stood together, each of them exuding an elegance that could make any man in Valeria City weak in the knees.
Celia, his birth mother, was a vision of grace. Her long bluish-white hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, her deep blue eyes holding a quiet warmth. She wore an elegant silver-and-blue gown, accentuating her noble beauty.
Beside her, Sera, her mother's older sister and Orion's stepmother, was equally stunning. Though more than his birth mother, she had always treated him as her own son. Her features mirrored Celia's—bluish-white hair, serene blue eyes—but her expression held a hint of mischief, as if she enjoyed watching Orion squirm under her teasing remarks.
Elara , his stepsister, stood beside them, looking equally radiant. Unlike her mother and aunt, she had jet-black hair, but her blue eyes shimmered under the morning light. She wore a sky-blue dress that highlighted her delicate features, though her confident posture held an air of strength.
Orion approached them and greeted respectfully, "Mother Celia, Mother Sera, Elara ."
Celia turned to Orion with a soft smile. "Son, did you sleep well?"
Orion hesitated for a split second before nodding. "Yes, Mother."
Elara beamed. "Brother Orion, you look very handsome today."
A small smirk tugged at his lips. "And you look beautiful, Elara ."
Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure, clearing her throat.
Sera chuckled; her voice playful. "Are you ready for today, my son?"
Orion met her gaze, his blue eyes filled with quiet determination. "Yes, Mother."
Sera glanced at Celia and then said, "Then let's not delay any further. We mustn't be late."
The four of them moved toward the entrance of the mansion, where a grand assembly of soldiers and horses awaited. Their family's insignia gleamed on the armoured knights' chests, and two luxurious carriages stood at the gate.
Celia turned to Orion. "Your mother sera and I will take one carriage. You and Elara will take the other."
Orion nodded.
The four entered their respective carriages, and soon, they departed for the Blessing Ceremony.
—
The journey to the arena was not long, as it was located in Market Square, but they still took carriages to maintain noble decorum.
Orion, however, couldn't care less about appearances. He had lived a life far more luxurious than this before.
As he gazed out the window, his mind drifted.
The streets were bustling with people, all making their way toward the grand Blessing Ceremony. This event was held once a year—a significant moment for any youth coming of age.
The carriage's silence grew thick until Elara's soft hand touched his shoulder.
"Brother?"
The warmth of her touch jolted through him like lightning. His body reacted instinctively, hand shooting up to brush her hand away. The action was abrupt, more reflex than thought.
"Ouch! Brother!" Elara flinched, eyes wide with surprise and hurt.
Orion's heart sank. Guilt churned in his chest as he reached for her hand, his fingers messaging hers with unexpected gentleness. "Elara… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…" His voice faltered as he gently massaged her hand, his own touch shaky with shame.
Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly pulled her hand back, fingers brushing against her dress. "It's okay… I shouldn't have startled you. But… are you really, okay?" Her voice was soft, concern bleeding into every word.
He managed a smile, though the warmth of her kindness made it feel like his chest was being squeezed. "Yes, Elara. I'm fine."
Elara held his gaze for a second before nodding.
The carriage soon came to a halt.
Orion glanced out the window. "We've arrived."
—
As Orion and Elara stepped out of the carriage, their mothers had already arrived.
They stood in front of the back entrance of the grand arena, surrounded by heavily armoured knights. The atmosphere buzzed with energy.
A middle-aged man with short greyish-white hair and a composed smile approached them. His uniform was neat, his posture firm.
"Greetings, Madam Celia, Madam Sera. Greetings, Young Master Orion, Young Miss Elara ."
It was Butler Walton, the Vale family's hidden dagger and butler, a Peak Adept-level warrior. Only a select few knew his true strength.
Celia nodded. "Walton, has the Lord arrived?"
Walton bowed slightly. "Not yet, Madam."
She nodded and said no more.
They followed Walton through the dimly lit corridor, illuminated by magic lamps and candles.
Soon, they entered a spacious and luxurious VIP chamber with a grand balcony, partially covered by elegant curtains. Three exquisite chairs sat at the centre—the grandest one for Lord Viscount Theo Vale, and the two beside it for Celia and Sera.
Moments later, an announcement rang out:
"Viscount Theo Vale has arrived."
The atmosphere within the luxurious chamber was thick with tension. All eyes turned to the entrance as heavy footsteps echoed from the corridor. A man appeared, his presence exuding power and authority. He looked no older than thirty, with sharp, cold black eyes and hair as dark as midnight. A well-groomed beard framed his regal face, highlighting his angular features and seasoned warrior's body. Draped in a resplendent golden robe, he was the very image of strength and dignity.
Viscount Theo Vale had arrived.
"Greetings, Lord," came the synchronized greeting of the butlers and guards stationed along the corridor.
Lady Sera and Lady Celia greeted, "Greeting, Lord."
Orion and Elara greeted, "Greeting, Father."
Theo barely acknowledged them with a nod before taking his seat.
As Orion looked at the man who had always been indifferent toward his own family, he only sighed.
The Blessing Ceremony was about to begin.