PreviouslyA light.Emerald green, glowing beneath the waves.
A presence descended—neither human nor beast—watching them with amusement. Then, it smiled.
Snap.
Chapter 1 - Life 1Location – Leonhart DuchyDate – 23rd, Month of Zephyris, XXX
The great bell tower loomed over the heart of the Leonhart Duchy, its silent watch uninterrupted for decades. Now, it awoke.
BONG.
A deep vibration rolled across the lavishly decorated market below, signaling the birth of an heir. The joyous cries of the people filled the streets, laughter and music merging into a symphony of celebration.
Leonhart EstateBAM!
The heavy wooden doors swung open.
"Sophie, are you ready?"
The Duke stood in the doorway, candlelight flickering against his broad frame. His deep brown hair cascaded past his shoulders, framing sharp features softened by a rare smile. Draped over his broad shoulders was a sapphire velvet mantle lined with ermine fur—a mark of nobility. His black brocade doublet, subtly embroidered with silver, hugged his form, the high collar edged with delicate lace. A crimson sash, fastened by a golden brooch bearing the Leonhart crest, crossed his chest.
His eyes drifted to the cradle, where a tiny figure lay swaddled in the softest velvet. A child—his son.
The Duchess fastened her earrings, her movements slow and deliberate. Her gown, a masterpiece of silken white, shimmered under the candlelight. Though devoid of excessive embellishment, the way it draped over her form spoke of elegance beyond words. A simple silver necklace graced her collarbone, and emerald earrings—glistening like untouched forests—mirrored her piercing green eyes. Around her, a faint scent of tulips lingered, as if spring itself had woven its essence into her being.
The Duke stepped forward, gently cradling his wife's face.
"Sophie, you look radiant."
She smiled, her gaze falling upon their son. Wrapped in plush velvet, his tiny fingers twitched as if reaching for the world beyond the crib.(Changed "musky velvet" to "plush velvet" – "musky" usually refers to scent, which seemed a bit off here)
The Duke carefully lifted the boy into his arms.
"Time to see the world, my son."
They stepped onto the grand balcony. Below them, the people of the duchy roared in unison:
"Long live the Duke!""Long live the Duchess!""Long live the young master!"
The Duke raised his hand, and the cheers fell into a reverent hush.
"To all who stand before us, I give my deepest gratitude. May your loyalty and blessings shape this boy into a Duke worthy of his name."
The crowd erupted once more. As the cheers echoed through the marble halls of the estate—
Elsewhere, another pair of green eyes blinked open for the first time.
Tigranclaw DuchyThe heavy doors creaked open as Duke Tigranclaw entered the chamber.
Clad in midnight-black velvet, his long cloak lined with sable fur trailed behind him. Beneath it, his onyx brocade doublet shimmered under the dim torchlight, silver embroidery tracing patterns of thorns and tiger heads—symbols of his house's enduring strength. A silver spear rested at his back, whispering of battles both fought and won.
His breath hitched as his gaze fell upon her.
The Duchess moved across the marble floor like a drifting specter, her gown flowing like liquid moonlight. The satin fabric shimmered with every step, embroidered with delicate silver filigree in the shape of lilies and doves—symbols of purity and peace. A sheer veil, edged with lace, cascaded over her shoulders, trailing behind her like the whisper of winter's first snow.
Her snow-white hair framed her delicate features, teardrop-shaped pearl earrings dangling like frozen dewdrops against her pale skin. Around her throat rested a necklace of moonstone and diamonds, catching the dim firelight with an ethereal glow.
He exhaled.
"Darling, you look breathtaking."
A faint blush colored her cheeks.
"And you look... quite handsome tonight."
The Duke chuckled, his usual cool demeanor breaking for just a moment.
The newborn lay swaddled in soft black linen, his tiny fingers curling instinctively. Dark hair, like his father's, framed his fragile features. When his eyes—brilliant green, like twin shards of emerald—fluttered open, the Duchess gasped.
"He has your eyes, Amelia."
The Duke gently lifted his son, holding him as if he were the most precious thing in the world. The moment felt surreal—a whisper of fate intertwining their lives.
The carriage awaited them outside, drawn by sleek obsidian stallions, their polished coats gleaming under the night sky. As the couple stepped in, the streets erupted in celebration. Citizens lined the roads, their cheers filling the air as torches lit the night in golden fire.
The Duke turned to his wife, a rare warmth in his eyes.
"Are you ready?"
She nodded, her gaze drifting to the baby in her arms.
"Always."
Location – XXXXX CountyA boy sat beneath the towering oak, bathed in the cold glow of the moonlight. His silver hair shifted in the night breeze, strands catching the soft luminescence as his purple, piercing eyes—deeper than the abyss—stared up at the stars.
The wind howled. He did not flinch.
A small smirk tugged at his lips. A knowing smile—one far too unfitting for a mere five-year-old.
His whisper, soft yet heavy, vanished into the wind.
"Gods. Devils. Just wait, you weaklings. I'm coming."