In the heart of Bloodvine Castle, Naida stood, her hand gently resting on her son, Jael's shoulder, her gaze softening as she looked at him. The weight of the coming trials settled heavily on her heart, but she tried to mask her concerns behind a calm expression.
"Son, you are going to face the biggest trial of your life," she said, her voice steady but tinged with worry, "I want you to survive this trial, not only for our House's sake but for your sister as well. She will need you as her brother."
Jael met his mother's gaze with unwavering determination, his hand resting over hers as he gave her a firm nod, "Mother, that is a given," he replied, "But is there any reason you are mentioning it like this? Is something wrong? Or is it because...he suddenly disappeared?"
