A hall stood high up on the mountains. Beside the mountains lay a sea that stretched endlessly beyond.
The hall was massive, as though it could reach the skies. Its walls were made of grey stone that seemed to shine softly in the moonlight, and all the towers beside the hall rose into the clouds.
At the very top of the hall was a wide balcony facing the sea, offering a clear view of both the sky and the ocean.
A young boy sat on that balcony in a chair, his bare foot resting on the carpeted floor. The wind drifted through the air, flowing through his pitch-black hair. He gazed quietly at the sky, his chin resting on one hand, supported by the balcony wall.
On his hand was the symbol of a star, the mark of his family name—_Solmere._
A shooting star flashed across the heavens, glowing brighter than the rest. His dark eyes followed it until the light slowly faded away.
'I wish I could disappear like that,' Alaric thought.
"Alaric," came a soft, warm voice from the edge of the balcony.
He didn't turn. "Mom."
"You were gone again," she said, approaching where he sat. "Why are you here? We have an important event tonight."
"I was just observing the sky." His voice was flat.
"At this time?" She sighed. "It's not just any day, it's important for you. You have to come now."
'Of course it is' he swallowed the bitterness. "Okay."
He rose from the chair and followed his mother inside.
They both entered the hall—the huge hall covered with black crystal all over, with sparkles scattered across the ceiling like a night sky. Crystal clear and sparkling chandeliers hung from the ceiling like frozen stars against the black background. The sound of hooves echoed in the courtyard below.
A servant appeared, bowing deeply with his hand on his chest. "My lady, His Grace requests your presence in the great hall. There are guests from House Aurelian."
Liora's brow lifted slightly. "Seraphine's family?"
"Yes, my lady."
Alaric's heart stirred. Seraphine Aurelian—his betrothed since childhood. He had met her only a handful of times, but she had always been kind, laughing easily, her eyes the color of dusk.
Liora glanced at him. "Then you should greet them properly. It's expected."
He hesitated. "I... don't think they like me."
"They don't need to." Her voice was firm but not unkind. "You just greet them formally. Later, you can speak with Seraphine privately."
Alaric's face blushed and felt heat rise to his face. 'Why does she always say it out loud like that?'
Together, they walked deeper into the grand hall.
The hall was enormous, its black glassy walls shining under the chandeliers that sparkled like stars against the dark ceiling. Below, several rulers dressed in jeweled attire were laughing and talking to one another.
Alaric and his mother approached his father, who stood among the nobles, and settled beside him.
While his parents talked with other lords and ladies, Alaric's gaze wandered across the crowd.
Then he saw Seraphine near the fountain, laughing with other heirs, her violet dress shimmering in the light. For a brief moment, she noticed him and smiled.
He smiled back, shyly. 'Maybe tonight won't be so bad'
A butler's voice rang out, cutting through the noise. "Welcome, honored rulers, to the ceremony of House Solmere. We await the arrival of the Crownbearer before the main announcement. Please, enjoy your evening."
The Crownbearer.Alaric had heard whispers about tonight, but no one had told him exactly what would happen. Whatever it was, his parents seemed tense.
After that, Alaric stayed quietly near the edge of the hall while his parents continued their conversations with other Veylords.
He stood alone for a while, wishing the night would end, until a young man approached him with a friendly smile.
"Hey, um... your name's Alaric, right?"
"Yes." Alaric blinked, confused.
"Oh, good. Someone's calling for you."
Alaric frowned. "Calling for me? But I don't know anyone here—well, except Seraphine."
"I don't know who it was," the young man said cheerfully, "but they seemed to know you well."
'Seraphine It had to be'. He thought to himself before asking the boy in front of him. "Where did they say I should go?"
"Oh, over there." The young man pointed toward one of the rooms above the hall, past the main staircase.
"Okay. Thank you."
"No problem."
Alaric decided to go. 'It's probably her. She must want to talk privately.' The thought made him nervous, excited and shy at the same time.
He made his way up the stairs, leaving the noise of the hall behind.
As he climbed higher, the laughter and music faded. By the time he reached the upper corridor, the sounds were almost nonexistent. 'This place is far from the main hall. Why would she come all the way up here?'
He stood in front of the door smiling brightly and knocked on the door.
A voice called out, "Come in."
'That doesn't sound like Seraphine.' But he was already here, and maybe he'd misheard. He pushed the door open.
Inside, he saw a girl—unfamiliar, with sharp eyes and a cold expression.
His stomach dropped. "Excus—"
But before he could finish, something struck the back of his head.
Everything went black.
Down below, the celebration continued. Rulers laughed, servants poured wine, and the chandeliers sparkled like stars.
Five minutes later, a scream shattered the hall's peace.
"Please... someone help me!" The girl's voice tore through the air, desperate and panicked. "He—someone, please!"