Kael Ashford was born to the noble House of Ashford, a family celebrated for its swordsmanship and military prowess. His father, Lord Aldric Ashford, was a renowned general, and young Kael had always admired him, dreaming of becoming a great knight. But their world shattered when Kael was just thirteen.
A betrayal from a supposed ally left the Ashford family in ruins. Kael's father, in an attempt to gain more power, allied with a rival faction—only to be betrayed. The Ashford estate was destroyed, and Kael's father was killed in the ambush. His mother, pregnant with Kael's younger sister, Alina, died soon after from the shock.
Alina and Kael were left orphaned and penniless. Forced to flee their home, they became wanderers, with Kael taking on mercenary work to protect his sister and survive. During these years, Kael's sword skills sharpened, but so did his mistrust of the world. Every day was a battle, not just against enemies, but against the demons of his past.
Despite the darkness, Alina remained his anchor, her hope and laughter the only light in his world. But even that couldn't shield Kael from the brutal reality of his life.
Everything changed the day he crossed paths with Elias Drayven—leader of the rebels aiming to overthrow the empire. Initially seeing her as another noble seeking power, Kael was surprised by Elias's cunning and the vision she had for the future. Her ambition and intellect resonated with him. Perhaps this was a chance for both of them to rebuild the world.
Kael offered his loyalty to Elias, but it wasn't just out of duty. Over time, he began to admire her strength and resolve. But as much as he felt drawn to her, Kael kept his feelings buried, reminding himself that Elias was the enemy—a villainess in the eyes of the empire. His role was to serve, not to love.
Then came the day of betrayal. The coup failed. Elias was captured. Kael fought desperately, but the battle was lost. Standing in silence as Elias was executed, Kael realized that he had failed her. He had failed the woman who had, in a way, become his family.
That was the end of his old life.
But when Rika awoke in Elias's body, Kael's world shifted once again. He didn't recognize her as the woman he had once sworn loyalty to, but slowly, her actions began to remind him of Elias—and a strange, unspoken bond began to form. His heart, scarred by the past, began to hope again. This time, he wouldn't fail her. This time, he would protect her—not as a knight bound by duty, but as a man who had learned the true meaning of loyalty.
And perhaps, this time, he could fight for a future where both of them could have peace.