"He didn't protect the world. He protected this table."
— Valenya Vordrakar
Scene 1: The Feast of Crowns
Once a year, the Vordrakar siblings recreate an old tradition:
A fake, over-the-top "royal feast" invented by Rahul, back when he tried (and failed) to be funny.
Kaien arrived last.
Sat at the end of the candlelit table.
Wearing a paper crown Aren had made in 6 seconds. It said: "EMPEROR OF GRUMP."
Aeyra stood on a stool, holding a spoon like a scepter.
"As High Princess of Chaos, I welcome you to this year's Feast of Crowns!"
"Tonight, we eat as if tomorrow isn't war!"
Scene 2: The Play (Chaos Ensues)
Aeyra and Aren performed a dramatic "play" titled:
"The Tragedy of Lord Broodface and His Loyal Siblings"
It included:
Kaien brooding so hard he summoned a thunderstorm Valenya slicing a mountain in half because Kaien was "too emo to do it" Aren inventing a bubble cannon that turned into a sentient teacup Aeyra saving the day with a glitter bomb
Everyone laughed. Even Kaien.
Valenya smirked:
"You smiled. Document it."
Kaien: "You're hallucinating."
Scene 3: Olivia's Song
Later that night, Olivia was asked to sing something from her lineage.
She chose a forgotten Celestial Lament — a quiet, haunting song of longing and warmth.
Her voice echoed through the Citadel…
And the walls — old, ancient walls — began to glow.
At the center of the table, a flame ignited.
Small. White. Silent.
It flickered once… then pulsed with a voice.
Rahul's.
"You've built something I never could."
"Don't let it break."
Then it faded.
Scene 4: Valenya and Kaien – Finally Talking
Later, Kaien and Valenya stood on the balcony.
No armor. No blades. Just breath and silence.
"You're not Dad," Valenya said quietly.
Kaien nodded. "I know."
"But you're doing what he tried to do."
She looked at him.
"Only you're not losing yourself doing it."
Kaien closed his eyes.
"Because I have you."
Valenya didn't smile.
Didn't cry.
She just bumped his shoulder with hers.
"Don't let it break."
"I won't."
Scene 5: Final Moments – The Family
That night…
Aren fell asleep with blueprints on his chest Aeyra curled beside him, still clutching her "royal staff" Olivia leaned against Kaien's side, silent and warm Valenya patrolled the halls… but paused once, hand brushing the family crest etched into the stone
Kaien sat in the center.
Looking at them.
And whispered:
"If this is home…"
"Then gods help anyone who tries to take it from me."