"...."
The room was deathly silent, save for the soft rustling of the curtains stirred by the faint night breeze. Neron's breath remained uneven as his eyes stayed fixed on the corner of the room where he'd sensed the presence.
"You're awake," a calm voice said, breaking the stillness.
Neron whipped his head around to find a man standing by the window. The intruder's golden hair caught the moonlight, giving him an almost ethereal glow. His features bore a striking resemblance to the Emperor's—sharp and regal—but with a more youthful vigor.
He was dressed in elegant golden robes, though they lacked the imperial embellishments that marked the Emperor's attire.
"Who are you?" Neron asked, his voice steady despite the unease gnawing at him.
The man's lips curled into a faint smile.
"I am Kido, younger brother to the Emperor and uncle to Prince Kuzon."
Neron tensed, his gaze narrowing. "Why are you here?"