Damian, Emberhavens True Heir

Two days of relentless riding brought Solomon, Ariel, Henry and their escort to the hidden lake within the Dragon's Spine mountains. As they crested a ridge, Ariel's visions guided them toward a secluded cottage.

Solomon's heart quickened, sensing their quest's end. "We're close. Ariel, stay behind."

Ariel nodded, her hand on the hilt of her dagger.

As they approached the cottage, a figure emerged from the doorway. Lady Elara, the king's former mistress, stood before them. Her piercing green eyes locked onto Solomon and Henry.

"My Prince," she said, her voice laced with emotion. "I've expected you."

Solomon's gaze shifted, searching for the hidden heir. A young man, with striking resemblance to their father, stepped out from behind Elara.

"Damian," Solomon whispered, his voice filled with wonder.

Damian's eyes, a mirror of their father's, widened. "Brother?"

Henry's absence weighed heavily on Solomon's mind, but he pushed forward. "Damian, we've come to protect you. You're the rightful king of Emberhaven."

Elara's expression turned resolute. "I've kept him hidden, safe from those who would harm him. But the prophecy... it's time for Damian to claim his birthright."

Ariel stepped forward, her eyes shining. "Your visions, Damian. Do you see them too?"

Damian nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "I see darkness, and light. A choice to make."

Solomon's determination hardened. "We'll guide you, brother. Together, we'll face whatever lies ahead."

As the brothers shared a tentative smile, Elara's gaze met Solomon's.

"Protect him, Solomon. The shadows closing in are darker than you imagine."

Two days of relentless riding brought Solomon, Henry, Ariel, and their escort to the hidden lake within the Dragon's Spine mountains. As they crested a ridge, Ariel's visions guided them toward a secluded cottage.

Henry's heart quickened, sensing their quest's end. "We're close. Ariel, stay behind me."

Ariel nodded, her hand on the hilt of her dagger.

As they approached the cottage, Lady Elara emerged from the doorway. Her piercing green eyes locked onto the group.

"Princes Solomon and Henry, Ariel," Elara said, her voice laced with emotion. "I've expected you. It's time for you to meet your brother."

Elara stepped aside, revealing a young man with striking resemblance to their father.

"This is Damian," Elara announced, her voice filled with pride. "Your younger brother, born a year after you two."

Solomon's gaze widened in wonder. Henry's expression mirrored his shock.

Damian's eyes, a mirror of their father's, sparkled with curiosity. "Brothers?"

Solomon's smile softened. "Damian, we've come to protect you. You're the rightful king of Emberhaven."

Henry's face still held surprise, but a hint of warmth crept into his voice. "A year younger, yet... you look so much like Father."

Ariel's eyes shone with tears. "The prophecy... it's true. You're the hidden heir."

Elara's expression turned resolute. "I've kept him hidden, safe from those who would harm him. But now, it's time for Damian to claim his birthright."

As the brothers shared tentative smiles, pain lingered in their heads. Elara continued.

"Damian, these are your brothers, Solomon and Henry. They'll guide and protect you, as you navigate your destiny."

Damian's gaze locked onto Solomon and Henry, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've always felt... different. Like there's something more."

Solomon's determination hardened. "We'll help you uncover your truth, brother. Together, we'll face whatever lies ahead."

Henry nodded, his expression warming. "Welcome to the family, Damian."

Solomon and Henry felt pain, the kingdom they gave their life to protect was never theirs to rule. But the kindness in their hearts wouldn't let their anger escalate.