If someone were to ask me what my daily life is like, I would answer without hesitation that it is a haven of pleasure and happiness. But, like everyone else in this world, I am not exempt from the whims of fate or the shadows that sometimes darken the path. I was born into the bosom of a noble family, surrounded by comforts and with a power that many would wish for, but which I, in my innocence, barely understood.
My childhood was a dream come true, woven with threads of love and harmony. My parents, a beacon of tenderness and wisdom; my siblings, models of virtue and courage. I grew up amidst hearty laughter and unbreakable friendships, in a world where worries were alien to my soul and needs, an unknown concept. Everything a child could wish for was within my reach, and happiness was my only reality.
I am the youngest of five siblings, the last link in a dynasty marked by greatness and the weight of an unbreakable legacy. My oldest brother, Maximilian, is the image of discipline and duty; he is followed by Christopher, shrewd and calculating in his every action; then there is Estephan, whose impetuous nature sets him apart from the others; and my only sister, Scarlett, a woman of unwavering mettle and a dagger-sharp gaze. And finally, there is me: Ethan, the youngest of the Sapphirus.
My relationship with my siblings is solid and genuine, like that of a family that has learned to walk together through time. We know each other deeply, and although, naturally, we are not exempt from the typical sibling friction, our bond is strong. We do not fall into trivial or unnecessary conflicts; rather, every disagreement becomes an opportunity to grow and resolve.
We have adopted a family policy that has served as a beacon in times of tension: when one of us has a problem or is uncomfortable with something, we meet without hesitation, face to face, to talk and find a solution. Open communication and mutual understanding are the basis of our approach. In those cases where words are not enough to calm the discomfort or stress, there is the option of a friendly duel, a symbolic way to release the accumulated tension, always under the supervision of the wisest and with the commitment to maintain harmony.
This approach has been our refuge, a tool to resolve our differences peacefully, without letting small misunderstandings fracture the closeness we value so much. Thanks to this balance, we have managed to remain united, rooted in a deep love and respect for the bond we share.
Our family name is not just a name, it is an emblem, a reflection of the wealth and power our family has forged over generations. It is said that "Sapphirús" comes from a deep blue, enigmatic gemstone, a precious stone that, at the dawn of our lineage, represented the key to our prosperity. Our ancestors built their fortune among jewels and precious metals, laying the foundations of a lineage that, over time, expanded far beyond the gemstone trade, extending its influence into realms where true value is not always measured in carats, but in alliances, power and strategy.
Today, the Sapphirús surname is synonymous with prestige, a brand that inspires respect, but also arouses envy and rivalry. Being part of this family is not only a privilege, but a responsibility that weighs on the shoulders of each one of us. And although I am the youngest, I know that my destiny is intertwined with the history of my lineage, with all the splendor and shadows that it entails.
As I left childhood behind and my worldview expanded, I came to understand that my family's power was not only a privilege, but also a burden. With it came inescapable responsibilities and enemies hidden in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike. Yet, among them all, none posed as latent a threat as the Ciavattini family.
My father, in his gravelly, storied voice, used to say that the conflict between our families spanned generations, woven into the very blood that gave us our identity. For decades, hatred and mistrust had been the bedrock of our relationship, a fragile balance sustained only by diplomatic agreements that prevented the outbreak of open war. But in a world where power was everything, how much longer could the flames of inevitable confrontation be contained?
***
At the age of sixteen, my father entrusted me with a mission that, on the surface, was nothing more than a simple business trip: a visit to distant lands under the pretext of overseeing the expansion of one of our most valuable assets. However, even at that age, I understood that nothing in our family was as simple as it seemed.
I was not traveling alone. At my side was Angie Winters, my childhood friend and wife, whose presence served not only as companionship, but also as a symbol of the ties that bound our families together. The Winters, though of middling noble rank, were exceptional merchants and indispensable allies in the consolidation of our fortunes. For generations, their trading skills had strengthened our house, making them key players in our web of power.
Despite the difference in status, the union between Angie and me was never a matter of dispute. My father, a man of calculated ambitions but pragmatic thinking, had granted my siblings and me the freedom to choose who we married, as long as the choice brought some benefit to our family. In his world, love was a secondary luxury to the stability and growth of the family legacy.
However, on that journey, far from the safety of our home, I would soon discover that neither lineage, nor agreements between families, nor even my father's blessing could protect us from the dangers that lurked beyond our borders. What a surprise the future would bring.
The journey would be long and challenging. The outward journey alone would take us approximately two months, a total of eighty-eight days traveling uncertain roads, facing the vagaries of the weather and the hidden dangers of less traveled routes. Once at our destination, a period of at least six months of exploration and negotiation awaited us. We were to thoroughly evaluate the fertility of the lands and the authenticity of the jewels whose reputation preceded them in the reports.
By order of our families, Angie and I had to dispense with our surnames when entering into agreements. We were neither Sapphirus nor Winters in those lands, just two travelers in search of opportunities. My father's strategy was impeccable: if we were to establish solid ties with merchants and farmers, they had to arise from mutual respect and trust, not from the influence of a powerful name. In this way, agreements would be genuine and beneficial in the long run, without the shadow of expediency or fear of a noble family. It was a shrewd move, one more of many that made him an admirable man.
***
Eight months later, we had succeeded in laying the groundwork for a solid network of contacts. Some agreements were already in place, and our roots in those lands were deepening. We had built a small house, modest and discreet, enough to look like the life of a simple family: a home designed for two parents and three children. It was not ostentatious or flashy, but precisely for that reason it was perfect. A haven where we could live in peace and quiet, away from the eyes of those who might recognize who we really were.
Angie and I were never bothered by the lack of luxury. On the contrary, the simplicity gave us something we rarely had before: privacy, closeness... a space just for us. We loved each other with an intensity that needed no frills or riches. If fate had made us be born far from the families that gave us our lineage, without titles or responsibilities, this would be my dream life. A peaceful existence, together with the woman I loved, far from intrigues and conflicts.
But even in that peace, our thoughts looked to the future. We knew that the natural next step would be to start a family of our own. And with each night of shared passion, it was inevitable that sooner or later Angie would conceive our first child. Just imagining it made my happiness rise, giving a new purpose to our story. The idea of seeing her with our child in her arms, of having a little reflection of our love growing between us, filled my heart with a longing I had never felt before.
***
Three weeks later, the tragedy spread like a funeral echo throughout the region: the Sapphirús, Winters, Ferrer and Zannier families had been mercilessly annihilated by the Ciavattini family. It was not a simple conflict between rival houses, but a meticulously planned massacre. Rumors spoke of a sinister alliance with the Church, which would have backed the betrayal in exchange for a share of the wealth, property and vast arsenal that belonged to our families. Those who once wielded power and influence now lay forgotten, their names erased by the blade of treachery and greed.
Were it not for Angie and me, our homes would have disappeared completely. We were the last vestiges of four lineages that had ruled for generations. And the world thought we were dead.
Our apparent demise was but a stroke of fate, an extraordinary coincidence that brought us back from the very edge that cut down the lives of our own. When we set out for the city of Auspect, it was necessary to cross a small town called Monfigt. However, just at the moment of our arrival, a fierce battle broke out between knights and nightmarish creatures. Chaos engulfed the village, covering the roads with fire and blood.
The dates fell into place with macabre precision. Those who knew our route assumed that we had perished along with the unfortunates who were slaughtered at Monfigt. But the reality was quite different.
Our salvation was due to Angie's hunch. I remember her growing restlessness that night, her pale skin and shortness of breath, as if an invisible force was pressing on her chest. She looked upset, consumed by a discomfort she couldn't explain. "We can't go on," she said in a whisper, clinging to my arm as if her life depended on it. Her distress was so genuine that I did not hesitate to heed her intuition. We decided to camp near some mountains on the outskirts of town, away from the main road.
That decision saved our lives.
From a distance, we watched the glow of the flames devouring Monfigt, the screams stifled by the din of combat, the echo of hooves crashing to the earth. Had we continued with our original plan, we would have been caught in the middle of the massacre. When the battle was over and the village was reduced to ashes, we understood that, by a cruel game of fate, we were now dead to the world.
But in that symbolic death was our only chance. While everyone thought we had disappeared, we had the advantage of acting from the shadows, of rebuilding ourselves from exile. Revenge would not take long to germinate in our hearts. And sooner or later, we would make the Ciavattini family pay for what they had taken from us.
***
A year passed like a whisper in the wind, swift and leaving no trace of answers. There was no concrete news about the massacre that extinguished our families, only scattered rumors that came with the hustle and bustle of commerce in the city of Auspect. Meanwhile, Angie and I continued with our lives, building a new existence under common identities, away from the shadow of our lineage. But peace is a fleeting luxury. And the truth, no matter how hard you try to bury it, always finds a way to emerge.
***
Six months later, on a morning like any other, I found myself in the local market, choosing provisions for our breakfast the next day. Amidst the bustle of merchants and the comings and goings of shoppers, a young adventurer emerged from the crowd and approached me urgently. His gaze was heavy with despair and his breathing was erratic, as if he had run a long distance to find me.
-Sir, are you... are you Ethan? -he asked in a breathy voice.
I tensed immediately. There was something unsettling about his attitude. He was no ordinary buyer or someone looking for a business deal. His frenzy and the way he was scanning my face insistently told me that this was no mere coincidence. For a moment, I thought about ignoring him and going on my way, but there was something in his eyes that made me stay.
-Yes, I'm Ethan," I replied with measured calm. A merchant. Tell me, are you interested in buying or selling me any products?
Although his anxiety did not completely disappear, I noticed how his features softened just a little.
-Yes... yes, I would like to see some products," he said quickly, but his tone carried a different weight. As if those words were just an excuse for what he really wanted to say. Could it be right away?
It was a strange request, too abrupt and direct to be simple business. Something didn't fit. For an instant, I considered the possibility that he was a thief, a spy, or even an assassin sent to finish the job the Ciavattini family had started. But Angie and I were no strangers to danger. We had both been trained in fencing, and if this young man had hidden intentions, he would meet more resistance than he expected. Showing no distrust, I nodded and led him back to our home.
Upon arrival, the young man wasted no time in inspecting every nook and cranny of our home with unusual thoroughness. His eyes were not those of an ordinary shopper; he examined every object, every detail, as if trying to confirm something only he knew. It was then that Angie came through the door, with her usual grace, and fixed her gaze on the young man with slight suspicion.
-My love, is this business so important? -he asked, surveying the scene with curiosity.
As soon as his face was exposed, the stranger reacted with a mixture of astonishment and relief. He immediately rose to his feet and, with a solemn bow, uttered the words that made the whole room freeze.
-My Lady Winters... it is an honor to see you alive.
The air became heavy. Angie half-opened her lips, disbelief painted on her face.
-Will that be you... Leo? -she asked in a doubtful whisper.
-Yes, my lady.
-Angie, do you know this man? -I interjected, feeling the ground beneath my feet begin to crumble.
She nodded slowly, still processing what she saw.
-The last time I saw him, he was just a boy... You've grown up a lot, Leo. I'm glad to hear you're doing well.
He smiled wistfully, but his expression soon darkened.
-My lords... I have come because you must know the truth.
We sat around the table, and at that moment, the story of the betrayal unfolded before us like a cursed scroll.
It all began with a secret meeting between the most influential houses: Sapphirús, Winters, Ferrer, Zannier, Ciavattini, Herbert and Bernadotte. That meeting was supposed to seal a new era of diplomacy between the families, establishing rules and agreements that would guarantee mutual prosperity. On the surface, it was a pact that promised stability, equitable benefits and unbreakable alliances.
But it was nothing more than a vile lie.
The Ciavattini, Herbert and Bernadotte had already signed their own agreement in the shadows, one in which our families were the necessary sacrifice to consolidate their power. The Church, in its eagerness to eliminate any threat to its influence, offered them its blessing and support in exchange for impunity. And so, in the midst of false diplomacy, the fate of our homes was sealed.
It was a meticulously planned execution. As soon as the meeting began, the guards turned on their own lords, the gates were closed and daggers were drawn. One by one, the patriarchs and their heirs were slain, their bodies falling to the ground they had once trod with honor. There was no trial, no warning... only blood spilled and screams that drowned in betrayal.
The justification for the massacre was as ruthless as it was effective: the rumor spread that our families were plotting to overthrow the newly crowned King Charles Von Mondragon XII, who had ascended the throne as his predecessor crumbled, caught between the frailty of old age and the relentless advance of disease. In an instant, we went from loyal subjects to traitors, not because of our actions, but because of the greed of those who longed for our downfall. The truth never mattered; only the ambition of those who turned lies into their most lethal weapon.
With that excuse, the executioners, with false smiles of righteousness, were not only exonerated of guilt, but set up as heroes of an invented cause. They were rewarded with what was once ours: lands that for generations belonged to our families, prosperous businesses that we built with effort, forges full of steel ready for war... Everything was taken from us in a matter of days, as if it had never been ours, as if our very existence could be erased with a well-told lie.
Thus, the kingdom, which should have been a haven of justice, became a court of corruption and treachery.
Leo told us how he managed to escape, hiding in the rubble of the slaughter, fleeing under the cover of darkness. For months, he had been gathering information, following the threads of the conspiracy, searching for answers... and now, finally, he had found us.
When he finished, the room fell silent. There was only the faint crackling of the candle on the table and our bated breaths.
My hands were balled into fists, my knuckles white with tension. Angie's eyes were glued to the table, her lips parted, unable to speak.
We had lost everything. But now, at least, we knew the truth.
And with the truth came the first step to justice.
To make them pay.
After the tension in the air dissipated and calm returned, we made a decision that would change the course of Leo's life. He was still very young, a wandering soul who had lost his home and was now living from day to day as an adventurer. Although he earned his bread with hard work, he lacked a place to call his own. His temporary home was a modest inn near the guild, a place where he could only rest between quests, but which would never give him the stability he needed.
We had a property on the outskirts of the city, a haven surrounded by a lush forest and a crystal clear lake that looked like something out of a dream. It was our personal sanctuary, a corner where we escaped when city life became too overwhelming. There we found peace, away from responsibilities and hustle and bustle, a place where time seemed to slow down.
We offered Leo the opportunity to live there, to make it his home. At first, he was reluctant, perhaps moved by his pride or by the burden of accepting such a great favor.
But Angie, with her innate gentleness and persuasiveness, managed to make him see that this was not an act of charity, but a mutually beneficial solution.
-Think about it, Leo," she said with a reassuring smile. You wouldn't have to keep paying rent at the inn, you could store your belongings without fear of having them stolen, and you wouldn't have to carry everything with you every time you went on a trip. Plus, if you needed to be away for long periods of time, you would always have a home to return to.
Angie's words seemed to strike a chord with him. It was a proposal that made perfect sense. A safe roof over your head, a place to rest without worrying about thieves or unnecessary expenses... In the end, with a sigh and a slight smile of resignation, he accepted, although with a tinge of shame reflected in his eyes.
-All right... but only because you are so insistent," he said, crossing his arms. In exchange, I'll make sure the neighborhood is protected. You never know when the Ciavattini family might show up.
Angie and I exchanged a knowing glance before letting out a small laugh.
-We think it's perfect," I said, resting a hand on her shoulder. And who knows...in the future, we might need someone to watch our kids, too.
Leo froze for a moment, staring at us with narrowed eyes before letting out a resigned sigh.
-Don't tell me they're already planning to give me free babysitting work?
-Oh, don't worry," Angie replied with a mischievous smile. It's a job of high honor.
And so, without imagining it, Leo went from being a wandering adventurer to having his own home, a refuge where he would always find a place to rest.
***
A week passed in total calm, without news that would alter the routine, until tonight.
-Ethan, my love... I have something to tell you.
Angie's voice interrupted the silence in my office. When I looked up, I saw her enter with a radiant expression, although in her eyes shone a shadow of restlessness. He tried to hide it, but he knew her too well. Still, to see her there, with her sweet smile and that adorable gesture of feigned unconcern, was enough for my heart to speed up with pure happiness. I left what I was doing and leaned on the desk, giving it a smile.
-Sure, honey. Sit down while I make something to drink... tea or coffee?
-A cup of tea, please.
I took advantage of the excuse to get up and hide the clutter of thoughts that were crowded in my mind. Although, to be honest, it was also a perfect opportunity to annoy her a little, make her angry and then make up for it with a night of kisses and caresses. But no, Ethan, control yourself. This is one of those serious conversations... and if I screw it up, there will be nothing at all.
I returned as quickly as possible with the tray and, with an exaggerated reverence, presented myself as his personal butler.
-Miss Angie, I bring you your special house tea, prepared with the utmost care.
She let out a playful chuckle and responded with the same theatricality.
-Whoa, you're the new employee... I think you're charming, but could you bring my husband back?
-As you command, my lady.
The atmosphere became lighter with that brief interaction and I knew it had made her relax a little. Smiling, I served tea in her cup and mine, before looking at her with sweetness.
-Well, love, tell me... what did you want to talk about?
Angie held the cup in both hands, gave it a small sip and bluntly let out the words that would change our lives forever.
-I am pregnant.
The whole world seemed to stop.
My mind went blank, the words evaporated in my mouth and for the first time in a long time I didn't know how to react. I just looked at her, unable to process what she had just said.
-Ethan? - he asked softly. Are you all right?
I blinked several times before I could articulate anything.
-Angie... are you kidding me? please tell me you're not playing with this.
His eyes shone with a flash of emotion, and his voice trembled just when he answered:
-I'm not kidding, baby. I mean it.
It was all I needed to hear.
I jumped up, surrounded her with my arms and lifted her in the air, laughing among excited gasps.
-Angie, I'm going to be a dad! I'm going to be a dad!
She laughed with me, clinging to my neck as tears of happiness flooded her cheeks.
-Yeah, Ethan... you're gonna be a dad.
I could not help it. I filled her face with kisses, whispering words of love and gratitude among them.
-Thank you, Angie... thank you, thank you...
-Why do you thank him? - she said with laughter, her face flushed-. He is also my son.
-For everything. My happiness overflowed beyond what I thought possible.
-You are an exaggeration...
I didn't let her finish. Before she could add anything else, I kissed her with all the passion and tenderness that I felt at the time.
Nothing else mattered.
Our family was growing, and with the arrival of our son, our love reached a new dimension
***
It was still early, very early, but the weight of uncertainty already weighed on my chest.
Angie was about to give birth to our first child. It could happen at any moment, at the least expected time.. Although we had taken all the necessary precautions, the shadow of fear still lurked in my mind. What if something went wrong? What if I couldn't protect them? That uncertainty was eating away at my soul, stealing my peace.
Everything was prepared. Doctor Gregory, a man whose experience was as vast as his compassion, would be by our side. His daughter, Anne, would follow in her footsteps as an assistant, which I found moving.
To see a son carry on his father's legacy should be one of the greatest pride anyone could feel. That image made me dream of the future... imagining my little one following in my footsteps, inheriting not only my name but also my values and teachings.
And then, the miracle happened. The cry of a new life filled the room, breaking the silence and making my heart beat with uncontrollable force. The doctor's words came as a balm that relieved all my worries.
—Congratulations... He is a healthy and strong child. - Gregory said, with a warm smile as he brought the baby to Angie for her first hold.
And there he was. So small, so fragile... but at the same time, so perfect. My eyes became wet as I looked at that little wonder that was now part of us. Her light brown hair, like Angie's, framed her angelic face, while her deep blue eyes reflected my own gaze. It was as if it had been sculpted from our souls... an unmistakable blend of both.
-You did amazing, love. - My voice just came out as an excited whisper. It's... it's perfect.
Angie, exhausted but radiant, gently stroked her cheek as her lips outlined a smile full of love and tenderness.- Ethan... - He whispered, eyes shining with emotion-. Look... it's our baby. Our son.
Those words resonated in my mind, making my heart swell with pride and happiness.
Gregory interrupted the moment with delicacy.- And well, family... what are you going to call this little miracle?
We already had his name decided. A name that honored my lineage, a promise that would last through the generations of the Sapphirus.
-Drake. - I spoke firmly, but with my heart beating a thousand
Gregory nodded, pleased.- A powerful name for a little one who will surely bring great things.
-We're out for now. - Anne added, with a warm smile. If you need anything, we'll be close.
-Thank you for everything, Gregory. And to you too, Anne.
They both bowed slightly before leaving, finally leaving us alone... the three of us.
That night, under the soft moonlight, everything changed.
Angie slept soundly, exhausted after giving birth to our child. I couldn't ask for more... she had already done the impossible. Now, it was my turn to watch over them.
And there he was. Drake, huddled between us, breathed quietly, his little chest up and down in the rhythm of a serene sleep. A light night breeze caressed his skin, and a faint silver flash settled on his angelic face, giving him an almost divine aura.
I could not resist it. I approached slowly, taking care not to disturb his peace. Gently brushing his cheek with the tip of my fingers, I whispered to him in a voice broken by emotion:-This is where your story begins, my little Drake Sapphirus... - my voice trembled, as a tear of happiness ran through my eyes-. My precious jewel...
And at that moment, with Angie by my side and our child in my arms, I knew there was nothing greater in this world than that instant. Our family was complete