DISCLAIMER: The author's imagination and passion are the only sources of inspiration for this novel, which is a work of dedication. Parallels between these pages and the past or present may be apparent to some readers, but they are completely coincidental. You are free to interpret this art anyway you see fit, and it is meant for your enjoyment.
A clear reminder of the size of the planet was provided by the change from the sun-drenched southern villa to the untamed northern highlands. Dyierrean came to Reinn's door when the stars were still visible, his breath catching in the fresh air, without waiting for the morning light.
"The sun is for showing off," Dyierrean remarked, his voice resonating softly in the still corridor. "The stars are for seeing what truly matters. Come. I want to show you where the winter cannot reach."
The air grew colder and thinner as they rode north until they came to the "Iron Gate," a huge stone gateway carved straight into the side of the Permafrost Mountains. The Eternal Hearth, a haven that had been in the Duke's family for many centuries but was kept a secret from the Imperial Court, was located behind it.
In contrast to Giywon's spacious villa, Dyierrean's house was a work of art made of stone, warmth, and complete security. Despite the roaring blizzards outside, the interior was heated by geothermal vents, which made the air feel like a constant spring.
Dyierrean said, "In the North, we do not build for beauty first. We build for the survival of the blood," as they passed down a hallway covered in tapestries that told the story of the Frost-Wolf.
He came to a standstill in front of an enormous round obsidian hearth. "Giywon offers you a garden. I offer you a fortress. If the world outside turns to ash, this fire will still be burning. I want our children to grow up knowing that no matter how loud the wind screams, they are untouchable."
His blue eyes reflected the swirling flames as he turned to face Reinn. "I have spent my life being the 'Great Wall' of the Empire. I am tired of guarding a border, Reinn. I want to guard a nursery. I want to be the man who teaches our son how to track a star and our daughter how to lead people."
As expected, Dyierrean's effort at a romantic evening was intense. After witnessing Giywon's culinary shortcomings, Dyierrean made the decision to provide a "Warrior's Feast."
In the center of the living room, he had cooked a whole wild pig on a spit.
"Dyierrean," Reinn said while gazing at the enormous, boiling creature. "There are only two of us."
He said gravely, "It is better to have an excess of resources than a deficit," while using a dagger that appeared to be big enough to bring down an oak tree to carve a slab of flesh.
She pointed to the floor, which was now covered in around twenty layers of thick white bear fur, and said, "And the... fur rugs?"
Dyierrean said, "I calculated the floor temperature," with a deadpan expression on his face. "I did not want your feet to experience even a one-degree drop in comfort. I may have... overcompensated."
The crackle of the fire became the sole sound as the night grew darker. The warmth of the hearth enveloped them like a blanket as they sat on the thick furs.
Reinn gently reminded him, "You have the blood of the Emperor's sister. If we have children, they won't just be Hyldes. They will be the heirs to a magic that can freeze time itself. Are you prepared for the weight of that?"
Dyierrean glanced at his hands, which were now steady and composed like those of a soldier. "That is why this hearth exists. I don't want them to be heirs to a throne. I want them to be heirs to a Home. I will teach them that their magic is a tool for protection, not a weapon for conquest."
His thumb lightly touched her cheek as he extended his hand. "I am a man of few words, Samantha. But my actions have always been yours. I don't need a palace or a parade. I just need to know that when I close my eyes at night, you and the life we made are safe within these walls. Could you live in the silence with me?"
Reinn looked into the violet flames. Giywon offered the dream of a new world, but Dyierrean offered the reality of an unbreakable one. The choice was becoming heavier with every heartbeat.