Who are you?

Luther raised an eyebrow at the sudden shift in tone. "And what might that be?"

Aldermond exhaled sharply before speaking, his voice carrying a weight that only a father could understand. "Protect my son. Let nothing happen to him while I am gone."

Luther's expression softened as he gave a small nod. "Ah, if that is all, then you need not worry. The young prince will be safe under my watch."

Aldermond nodded in return, yet his gaze lingered on the boy standing at the edge of the chamber. Asriel's expression was unreadable, but his eyes burned with the fire of ambition. A desperate need to prove himself. A longing to carve his name into history and be acknowledged. Aldermond recognized that look all too well; once upon a time, he had held that same gaze before fate had forced him onto the throne.

But Asriel was not the heir he had hoped for.