The morning bell tolled across the ivory spires of Solaria, the capital of the Kingdom of Aurelia, their deep chimes echoing through marble streets and gilded halls. Dawn filtered through the grand windows of the High wing Palace, painting the court in golden light—light that seemed to bless all who basked in it, yet blinded those who tried to see too closely.
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Lucien Thorne POV
Prince Caelum Valerius, third in line to the throne, stood silently at the edge of the palace celestial garden. Tall and lean with golden-blond hair catching the early sun, he bore the air of nobility—yet it was not birth that set him apart.
It was magic.
More specifically: Celestial Flame.
A divine affinity thought lost since the founding of the Kingdom. It was said to purge lies, illuminate truth, and grant power not only to destroy—but to inspire. But Caelum's talent was not a blessing within the twisted maze of royal politics. It was a threat.
"Again, you're avoiding the central node." A soft but stern voice broke his concentration.
Lady Seraphine Elowen, his mentor and a former Grand Magister of the Crescent Academy, stood behind him with her arms folded, her crimson sash of mastery rustling with the breeze. Her violet eyes shimmered with wisdom.
"You hesitate every time you approach the core of the flame. You mustn't fear it, Caelum. It is yours to command."
"I'm not afraid of the flame," Caelum replied, frowning. "I'm afraid of what the court will see in it."
Seraphine's expression softened. "Let them see. Let them tremble."
Before he could answer, a commotion broke out near the Grand Hall. Nobles were gathering in silken droves, chattering like vultures scenting blood. At the center of it all stood Crown Prince Dravien, Caelum's older brother—a man of flawless charm and strategic cruelty.
"Brother," Dravien said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, "I hear the Magisters have summoned you to present your flame at the next Court of Merit. A bold choice for a prince with no military victories or noble allies."
Caelum's hands clenched at his sides. "Then I suppose I'll have to earn both."
A burst of polite laughter followed the prince's words, but the tension simmered just beneath the surface. Court of Merit was not a mere display—it was a battle of reputation, and one misstep could damn a noble's bloodline.
As Dravien walked off, the crowd parted for him like a tide—while Caelum remained rooted in place, burning with quiet resolve.
---
That night, within the candlelit halls of Crescent Academy, whispers stirred. The Grand Magisters debated his invitation in secret chambers, their voices hushed and divided. A young talent wielding Celestial Flame was a potential threat to every power broker in the capital.
Meanwhile, in the hidden archives below the academy, a figure in black robes traced an ancient sigil on the marble floor. The sigil flared faintly, reacting to an aura unlike any seen in generations.
Far from the palace, beyond the southern gates of Solaria, Erevan Thorne—a name whispered in fear—stood at the edge of a ruined chapel in the woods. With raven-black hair and runes flickering across his violet eyes, the exiled bastard of the throne and secret wielder of Magic Reversal felt something stir in the air.
"A spark..." he murmured. "The flame awakens."
Back in the palace, Caelum sat alone in the Hall of Mirrors, watching his reflection ripple in the silver pool beneath his feet. He'd grown up in the shadows of greatness—of kings, generals, and tyrants. But now?
Now the light was his.
And so was the fire that would burn the lies that bound the crown.