The sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden hues across Eldorin's rooftops. Seraphina sat in the dim glow of their rented inn room, her expression unreadable as she gazed at the flickering candlelight. Leon rested peacefully in her arms, his tiny fingers curled around the fabric of her cloak.
They couldn't stay here.
The city was dangerous, a web of unseen forces and hidden daggers. The mere mention of the Crimson Fangs had unsettled her, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something—or someone—was watching. If they remained in Eldorin for too long, it was only a matter of time before they were found.
Her choice was clear.
'We need to leave this kingdom.'
Eldorin, for all its power and wealth, was still under the rule of the Vildren Empire, an empire bound by rigid laws and a noble hierarchy. If she sought a true fresh start, they needed to go somewhere else.
Somewhere with more freedom.
Her mind went through the possibilities. There were other nations, each with their own rulers and power struggles. But one stood out—a kingdom known for its independence, where status mattered less than one's abilities.
The Kingdom of Astralis.
Unlike the Vildren Empire, Astralis was a meritocratic nation. Strength, skill, and ambition mattered far more than bloodlines. It was a place where even those without noble status could rise through their own power.
Seraphina traced her fingers along the fabric of her cloak, deep in thought.
It was far, but it was their best chance.
She would make arrangements to leave Eldorin as soon as possible.
------
As she planned their escape, her eyes flickered to a small, ornate artifact on the bedside table. It was a simple pendant, once belonging to her father—a relic connected to their bloodline.
Aether's Bond.
An ancient family heirloom, it was designed to react to the life force of the Aeternis bloodline. As long as her father lived, it would glow faintly with his presence.
With trembling fingers, she picked it up.
It was cold.
The light was gone.
Seraphina's breath hitched. A wave of icy numbness washed over her, her vision blurring as realization struck.
Her father was dead.
She had lost him. The last connection to her family—the last tie to House Aeternis—was severed.
A shuddering breath escaped her lips.
'First Reynard… now my father…'
She had known he was in danger. After their home fell, there was no guarantee that he had survived. But the confirmation… it made her chest tighten painfully.
And the worst part?
She had no idea how he died.
No rumors. No warnings. Just silence.
A part of her screamed for answers. Who had taken him? Why? Was it the same people who had destroyed House Aeternis?
Her hands curled into fists, but she forced herself to breathe.
Mourning would come later. Now, she had Leon to protect.
Her father would have wanted that.
She wiped away the moisture gathering in her eyes and placed the pendant back down. The weight in her chest remained, but her resolve hardened.
If her father had truly fallen, she would avenge him.
But first—
They had to survive.
-----
By the time dawn broke, Seraphina had gathered enough supplies for their journey. Travel cloaks, rations, and a sturdy carriage—everything they needed to leave Eldorin behind.
She had used a portion of her remaining gold coins to secure a discreet passage to Astralis. The merchant handling their travel arrangements asked no questions—so long as the coin flowed, he cared little for their identities.
She held Leon close as the carriage rolled forward, moving toward the city gates. The streets were still waking up, merchants preparing for another busy day. Yet despite the normalcy, Seraphina couldn't shake the feeling that unseen eyes were still watching.
'Just a little longer…'
The guards at the gates barely glanced at them as they passed. With a simple bribe, they didn't even bother checking the carriage's interior.
And just like that—
They were gone.
Eldorin, House Aeternis, the past—
Left behind.
Ahead lay the Kingdom of Astralis.
A new beginning.
But also… the start of something far greater.