Dawn finally arrived, ushering in a wave of celebration that swept through Crimson City.
A subtle electric energy crackled in the air, carrying the unmistakable atmosphere of festivity. Streets buzzed with excitement, banners fluttered in the cool morning breeze, and the hum of anticipation filled every corner of the grand city.
Kallen stirred awake to the sight of the rising sun, its soft glow casting a mesmerizing sapphire hue over the world. The beauty of the blue-tinged morning was almost surreal—impossible to capture in mere words.
A firm knock echoed through the quiet of his chambers.
"Master Kallen," a deep voice called from behind the door.
"Come in," Kallen responded, his voice calm, almost distant.
The door creaked open, revealing Thaddeus. His sharp eyes immediately landed on Kallen, who stood by the window, lost in thought. Whether he was admiring the dawn's splendor or simply staring into the void, it was difficult to tell.
"Happy birthday to you, young lord," Thaddeus greeted with a respectful bow.
Kallen peeled his gaze away from the window, his crimson eyes meeting Thaddeus's for a brief moment before he gave a small nod in acknowledgment.
"Young lord, there will be a meeting at midday in the Patriarch's throne room, where you will be officially presented to the Crimson family. The birthday celebration will commence at twilight, and the bloodline activation ceremony will take place at midnight, after all our esteemed guests have departed.
The Patriarch—Lord Luiz, has asked me to relay this schedule to you," Thaddeus informed him, his tone steady and formal.
Kallen nodded again, offering no words, before turning his gaze back to the vast horizon beyond the window.
A brief silence stretched between them until Thaddeus spoke again, his voice softer this time.
"A beautiful view, isn't it?"
Kallen turned back, slightly surprised by the remark. Though his expression remained composed, a flicker of curiosity danced in his eyes.
"It indeed is," he admitted after a pause.
Thaddeus offered him a knowing smile before quietly taking his leave.
Kallen lingered, staring at the closed door for a long moment, then turned his attention once more to the morning sky, his thoughts unfathomable.
---
Later in the day, when the sun was already at it's peak, bathing the world in a warm blue glow.
In the Main Hall of Crimson Castle
The hall buzzed with quiet murmurs as crimson-haired individuals sat in clusters, engaged in hushed discussions. About twenty figures were present, their regal bearing and sharp eyes betraying the weight of their lineage.
Despite only four generations of history, the Crimson family was an enigma. Unlike the ancient powerhouses that had ruled for eons, they had emerged seemingly out of nowhere, toppling the Emberblades, a dynasty that had stood for countless generations. Their rapid rise defied convention, making them both admired and feared.
A keen observer would note that only 4th Ascendent powerhouses and below were present. It was likely a silent statement, one of measured restraint, perhaps out of respect for Luiz's authority as Patriarch.
The massive double doors of the hall creaked open.
A young boy, no older than seven, stepped inside.
He quickly drew attention and scrutiny, yet the way he walked made it seem as if no one else existed.
His presence was like that of a cold blade... frigid and razor-sharp. Clad in midnight-black robes, his crimson hair resembled a fountain of blood atop a dark mountain peak.
Many watched him in silence, their thoughts unknown, though most pondered his bearing.
A subtle yet unnerving pressure pressed down on him in waves, not from a deliberate attack, but the sheer weight of the gazes upon him. The scrutiny of 4th Ascendant powerhouses, seated on elevated platforms, combined with the presence of numerous 3rd Ascendants and even his peers, was enough to make most falter. Yet, he moved through it all as if sailing across a still lake.
Without sparing a glance at anyone, he strode toward a series of elevated steps leading to a throne-like chair, positioned just below the two grand thrones at the peak of the staircase.
Upon reaching it, he sat casually yet authoritatively. He leaned back, spreading his legs slightly, exuding an air of dominance more befitting an emperor than a child. His black robes, unyielding in their ominous presence, only amplified the psychological pressure he emanated.
Surprise flickered in some gazes. Some frowned in offense, while others found it oddly amusing.
_'Hmm. He's exactly as they say he is. Not bad,'_ a woman mused to herself.
Among the children, reactions varied. Atticus especially, smirked, his expression teetering between amusement and intrigue. He had yet to figure out what went on in the head of this cousin of his.
Moments later, a door behind the two grand thrones slid open.
A couple stepped through.
Like Kallen, the man wore robes as black as night, accented with crimson embroidery. His dual-colored eyes carried a quiet yet profound arrogance, an unshakable presence that demanded respect.
Beside him stood a woman as radiant as the sun and as beautiful and serene as the moon. Her brown hair cascaded like a waterfall made of chocolate rather than water. Her skin was smooth as milk, and brown as the earth, hiding within it a hidden, sickly paleness, as though kissed by moonlight.
The hall fell silent.
Everyone of the 3rd Ascension and below rose to pay their respects. Everyone save for one certain kid.
He did open his closed eyes though did not stand. His crimson eyes filled with boredom. Though he did and might never will give Luiz face when in private, he knew better than to openly disregard Luiz in public.
Not because he cared, but to protect Luiz's image and the image of the Patriarch's position. All of that would be key to the plans he had for the future.
However, what truly took the room by surprise; including Kallen himself, was the presence of the woman at Luiz's side.
Lyra.
This was her first public appearance since Kallen's birth. Nobody here seemed to know the real story behind her condition. They all knew however, it had something to do with birthing Kallen and the wild phenomenon that happened during his birth.
And even now, it was hard to tell if she was truly crippled. Her aura remained powerful, commanding. Only those at her level could detect the instability within it; the hidden fractures, and the quiet imbalance beneath her poised exterior.