"Father, are you certain this was the right choice—to send Eric away?" Eldric asked, his voice steady but laced with unease. He stood before his father, Lord Edric, whose cold, calculating gaze did not waver.
Lord Edric exhaled slowly, his fingers tapping against the armrest of his chair. "Yes," he said, his tone sharp as steel. "Your brother must prove himself. If he is to be my heir, he needs to be strong. If he survives, he will be worthy of the name he carries. And if he dies…" He paused, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Then he was weak, and I will have no use for him. You, Eldric, will take his place."
A flicker of something unreadable passed through Eldric's eyes. He had spent his life watching Eric fight for their father's approval, enduring his scrutiny and endless trials. Now, his father was casting him aside, sending him to the wolves.
Eldric clenched his fists at his sides. "And if he returns?"
Lord Edric's expression did not change. "Then he will have earned his place. But know this, Eldric—there is no room for weakness in my house. Only one of you will stand beside me when the time comes."
Silence stretched between them. Eldric bowed his head slightly, though his thoughts swirled in conflict.
Eric had always been the stronger of the two. But strength alone had never been enough for their father.
And for the first time, Eldric wasn't sure if he wanted his brother to return—or if fate had already chosen him as the true heir.