CHAPTER 7
WRITER COLLINS COLLEX
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The Arclight mansion in Ember's Keep, once a place of quiet solitude, now thrummed with activity. Powerful figures from all corners of the kingdom gathered, drawn by a mix of grief and curiosity. The skies were filled with the soaring forms of flying beasts, while a long procession of carriages wound through the narrow roads. As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the land, preparations were underway for a grand banquet to honor the visitors.
Darius stood in the quiet of his chambers, his heart heavy with sorrow but his resolve firm. His gaze fell upon his newborn son, Kai Storm Arclight. The baby, with his striking silver eyes and long white hair, exuded an almost otherworldly presence. Darius couldn't shake the feeling that this child was destined for something extraordinary, perhaps even the one foretold in the prophecy. He made a silent vow to prepare Kai for whatever challenges the future might bring. A new era had begun.
Meanwhile, Prince Sezo Voltcrest arrived at Ember's Keep, riding a majestic serpentine winged creature. He had been stationed in the northern part of the kingdom, overseeing resource distribution, when he received the news of Aceso's death. A letter from his father summoned him back to the capital. Though Sezo dreaded the idea of visiting the Arclight family, especially Cara—whom he had not seen in years—he had no choice. The king insisted that he attend the funeral, as the rightful heir to the throne.
Sezo had learned upon his return that his grandfather's health was failing, and the king, fearing his own demise, gifted Sezo a powerful silver necklace, capable of protecting him from attacks by Demi-Gods. With this new artifact in hand, Sezo embarked on his journey to Ember's Keep, a mix of anticipation and anxiety gnawing at him. Would he see Cara again? The woman he had once loved, now grown into a sophisticated lady?
Upon his arrival, Sezo was greeted by representatives of the Great Families. His older brother, Sails, approached with a look of rivalry in his eyes. "So, you've finally decided to show up, brother?" he teased. Sezo offered a cool smile. "Of course, I wouldn't miss a grand event like this," he replied, before turning away.
After paying their respects to Aceso and presenting gifts to the newborn heir, the guests gathered in the grand hall for the banquet. It was a gathering of the most powerful individuals in the kingdom—mages, warriors, nobles—though the absence of the Duke Flame family was noted, raising suspicions about their intentions. The air was thick with anticipation as the feast began, and the fate of the kingdom seemed uncertain.
Sezo scanned the room, searching for Cara. It had been years since they last met, and the ache of longing swelled in his chest. As he looked around, he noticed the absence of the Arclight family—another curious detail that caught his attention. Though he couldn't find Cara, Sezo joined in the festivities, mingling with the other guests, enjoying the lavish spread of food and drink.
His brother Sails sat with the representatives of the Wind-Whisper, Song, and Tange families, smiling and chatting, while the Nomad family sat alone in a quiet corner, sipping their drinks. The other influential families were scattered about, seated with their respective allies.
Sezo, accompanied by his seven loyal mage knights, sat off to the side with a few other individuals. His solitary position stood in stark contrast to the lively atmosphere around him. Suddenly, the mood in the hall shifted. The rhythmic beat of drums and the captivating melodies of traditional instruments filled the air, drawing guests to the stage.
It was then that the Arclight family entered, and a hushed silence fell over the crowd. Darius and Cara, walking with dignified grace, made their entrance, carrying the infant Kai. Cara, with her radiant beauty and silver-white hair, carried herself with an air of elegance that stole the attention of all in the room. Dressed in refined knightly attire, Darius and Cara took their seats at the head table, their presence casting a shadow over the otherwise festive atmosphere.
Sezo's heart skipped a beat as he laid eyes on Cara. She was even more breathtaking than he remembered. Her beauty had only deepened with time, and he couldn't help but feel the stirrings of old emotions. As he stood at the edge of the crowd, memories of their youthful love flooded his mind.
Darius, the host of the evening, stood and delivered a heartfelt speech. He thanked the guests for their support during this difficult time, and the banquet resumed with music, dance, and performances from the villagers. Yet, amid the celebrations, Sezo's eyes often drifted back to Cara, his heart aching with the desire for a connection that seemed forever out of reach.