The Grey family, one of the oldest and most influential in Sky Reaper, preserved a pure lineage of Evolved Humans, rarely mixed with other races, except for political or economic convenience. They were known for their arrogance, their wealth, and their unwavering pride in their heritage.
Their mansion, located on one of Sky Reaper's highest islands, was as imposing as the royal castle, built from the same white marble veined with gold, a symbol of their status and power.
They were the oldest family in the kingdom after the Black family, and maintained a veiled rivalry with the current monarchs, always seeking an opportunity to increase their influence.
Logan and Blake arrived at the Grey mansion in the royal carriage, a flying masterpiece adorned with the Black family crest. The carriage, made of elven wood—light and resistant—was pulled by two snow-white pegasi whose wings beat in a hypnotic rhythm.
The boys wore formal attire worthy of princes: Logan, in a dark blue silk suit embroidered with silver thread, matching tight trousers, and black leather riding boots; Blake, in a similar suit, but in shades of blue and gray, his family's colors. Several Royal Guard soldiers, in their gleaming armor, accompanied them, ensuring their safety.
Meena Grey, the family matriarch, and her daughter, Kassia, received them in the entrance courtyard, under a twilight sky tinged with orange and purple hues. The patriarch, Lord Edric Grey, was unfortunately absent, handling urgent business out of town, or so the rumors said.
"Prince Logan, Blake, welcome," said Meena, with a formal smile but a calculating glint in her eyes.
She was a tall, imposing woman with blond hair tied in a tight bun and piercing golden eyes, typical of Evolved Humans. She wore a stunning gold dress that enhanced her slender figure and proud posture.
"It is an honor to receive you in our humble residence. I regret that your parents could not attend."
"We thank you for the hospitality, Lady Grey," replied Logan, with a slight nod. "Kingdom matters, as you know. My parents send their regards and best wishes for Kassia's happiness."
"Mother, please, set the formalities aside," interrupted Kassia, with a radiant smile. "Logan, Blake, it's so good to see you!" She approached and hugged both boys, ignoring her mother's disapproving glances.
Kassia was the picture of youthful beauty. Her long, curly blond hair framed a delicate face with vibrant golden eyes. She wore a sky-blue dress, adorned with crystals that sparkled like stars, which highlighted her slender figure and made her look like a fairy-tale princess.
"Kassia, you look stunning," said Logan, with a sincere smile. "Happy birthday."
"Thank you, Logan. You look very elegant too," she replied, blushing slightly. "Blake, you've grown! The last time I saw you, you were still just a kid."
"Hey!" protested Blake, feigning indignation but quickly breaking into a smile. "You've changed a lot too, Kassia. For the better, of course."
"Children, please, let's go inside," interrupted Meena, her tone slightly impatient. "The party has already started, and Kassia is the star of the night."
They entered the mansion's main hall, and all eyes turned to them. The elite of Sky Reaper were present, dressed in their finest clothes, flaunting expensive jewelry and fake smiles. Murmurs spread through the hall as the guests watched the heir to the throne enter.
Blake, noticing Logan's discomfort, whispered in his ear: "Relax, Logan. Just smile and wave. Imagine they're a bunch of itchy owls." He chuckled, and Logan couldn't help but let out a low laugh.
***
After what felt like an eternity to Logan, enduring empty conversations and flattery, he finally managed to slip away from the crowd, taking refuge in a quieter corner of the hall. Blake was beside him, equally bored.
"I can't stand these vultures anymore," Logan complained, rolling his eyes. "Everyone wanting a piece of me, or worse, of my parents. Sometimes I wish I were just a normal boy."
"Well, you can't," replied Blake, with a sigh. "You're the heir to the throne, Logan. It's your burden to bear."
"I know, I know," said Logan, running a hand through his hair, mussing it further. "It's just tiring, you know? But I would never complain to my father; I don't want him to think I'm not grateful for everything."
"I understand. My father doesn't always have time for me either. Training, missions, the Royal Guard, you know. But I know he cares," said Blake, trying to comfort his friend.
Before Logan could reply, Kassia approached, looking relieved to escape the constant attention of the guests. "You two disappeared!" she said, with a mischievous smile.
"Come on, let's go to the garden. It's quieter there, and we can talk without being interrupted by a bunch of nosy old folks. I couldn't stand pretending to be interested in Lord Elmsworth's hunting stories anymore."
The three went out into the garden, an oasis of peace amidst the bustle of the party. The cool night air was a welcome relief, and the soft sound of running water from a nearby fountain helped muffle the noise of music and conversation coming from inside the mansion.
"So," Kassia began, sitting on a stone bench, the other two joining her, "how are things at the castle? I bet your parents don't give you a minute's rest, with all this training and succession business."
"It's tough," Logan admitted. "We train every day with Magnus, study history, strategy… Sometimes it feels like I won't make it. But I know it's important. I need to be prepared to take the throne one day."
"I can imagine," said Kassia, with an understanding look. "My father is also very demanding. He wants me to be the 'perfect lady.' Etiquette lessons, dance, harp, politics… It's suffocating. I'm almost certain they're already planning my marriage."
"At least you don't have to fight with swords and spears every day," retorted Blake, with an ironic smile. "But I understand what you mean. Sometimes it feels like we're living someone else's life, a life that was already laid out for us, without our consent."
"Speaking of the future, have you thought about the Awakening?" asked Kassia, changing the subject but maintaining the reflective tone. "It's coming up, only two years away. I'm… nervous. What if I disappoint my parents?"
The Awakening. At age 15, every individual, regardless of race or origin, underwent a magical ritual called the Awakening. It was a crucial moment, a rite of passage that defined the rest of their lives.
During the Awakening, a person's first magical ability manifested, a unique ability linked to their personality, past experiences, or family lineage. This first ability was the most powerful, the most important, as it dictated the magical path the person would follow thereafter.
It was possible to learn new abilities through study, exhaustive practice, or ancient grimoires, but it was an arduous and time-consuming process, and the first ability would always be the most natural, the most intuitive.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried," Logan confessed. "My father is the King, a powerful Evolved Human. My mother is an ancient vampire, with unimaginable powers. And I… I'm a hybrid, a mix of races. The responsibility is huge. What if I'm not good enough?"
"I'm scared too," Blake admitted. "My father is the best warrior in Sky Reaper. Everyone expects me to follow in his footsteps, to be as strong and brave as he is. But what if I'm not? What if I disappoint him?"
"I bet your abilities will be related to running," Kassia joked, trying to ease the tension. "From how much Magnus makes you run in that courtyard!"
Logan and Blake laughed, imagining the scene. "Can you imagine? Tickle Resistance or Enhanced Escape," said Logan, playing along. "That would be hilarious."
"At least you have each other," said Kassia, with a sigh. "I'm an only child. All the pressure, all the expectations, are on me."
"You'll do fine, Kassia," said Logan, with conviction. "You're smart, talented, and have a good heart. Your ability will be amazing, I'm sure."
"Thanks, Logan," said Kassia, smiling. "You two will do well too. Remember, no matter what happens, you have each other, and you have me."
The three fell silent for a moment, contemplating the starry sky, each lost in their own thoughts and worries. The night breeze blew softly, carrying the scent of the garden flowers and the distant sound of music from inside the mansion.
Suddenly, Logan felt a shiver run down his spine. A bad premonition, a sense of imminent danger. He looked around, instinctively searching for the source of his unease.
In the shadows, hidden behind a tree, a hooded man watched them. His face was hidden beneath the hood, but the sinister glint of his eyes was visible. He remained motionless for a long moment, like a predator lying in wait, and then, with a swift, silent movement, vanished into the darkness. Logan blinked, disbelieving what he had seen. Was it his imagination?
"Did you see that?" he asked, his voice tense.
"See what?" asked Kassia, frowning.
"There was someone there, in the shadows," said Logan, pointing to where the man had disappeared. "Watching us."
Blake stood up, instinctively reaching for the hilt of a dagger tucked into his belt, an heirloom from his father, albeit miniature. "Are you sure, Logan? It might have just been a servant, or a somewhat... eccentric guest."
"No, I'm sure of what I saw, Blake. That wasn't normal," Logan insisted, feeling a growing sense of danger. "I think we should go back to the party, stay close to the others."
***
The three friends returned to the main hall, the light and carefree mood from before now replaced by a palpable tension.
The farewell at the mansion entrance was brief and formal. Meena Grey maintained her polite smile, but her golden eyes were cold and distant. Kassia, on the other hand, seemed genuinely sad to see them leave.
"Thank you for the evening, Kassia," said Logan, with a sincere smile. "It was… memorable.
"I hope we see each other again soon, under calmer circumstances," said Kassia, returning the smile. "Be careful on your way back."
"Will do," said Blake, with a nod. Logan and Blake bowed in farewell, and Kassia gave a brief curtsy. They turned and walked to the royal carriage, where the Royal Guard soldiers awaited them.
As the carriage pulled away, heading towards the castle, Logan and Blake exchanged a significant look. The party had been a success, but the sense of danger Logan had felt in the garden still bothered him.
"Do you think I'm imagining things?" Logan asked, looking at Blake. "About the man in the shadows?"
"I don't know," Blake replied thoughtfully. "But we'd better keep an eye out. You never know what might be going on. Especially with the Greys, you know…"
Suddenly, the carriage shook violently, throwing both boys forward. Shouts and the sound of clashing metal echoed from outside. The carriage overturned, and they tumbled across the floor, trying to protect themselves.
"What was that?!" exclaimed Blake, stunned. Silence fell, an eerie silence heavy with foreboding. Then, the carriage door was ripped off with a crash.
There, standing against the moonlight, was the hooded man Logan had seen in the garden. His eyes shone with a sinister intensity, and a cruel smile played on his lips.
"Hello, Prince Logan," he said, his voice hoarse and menacing. "We have business to discuss."
Before Logan or Blake could react, the man raised his hand, and a wave of dark energy struck them head-on. Logan felt his consciousness fading, and the last thing he saw before plunging into darkness was the triumphant smile of the hooded man and the blurred image of Blake, fallen beside him, unconscious.
Panic seized him as he realized he was being taken, kidnapped, torn from his life and his home. Where? Why? The questions swirled in his mind as darkness consumed him completely. The game had begun, and Logan Black was the main pawn.