Kael stood atop the ruined balcony of the palace, gazing over the broken city below. Once, this had been a kingdom of power and light. Now, it was a graveyard.
But not for much longer.
Behind him, the Herald lingered in the shadows, silent and waiting. Rhia stood nearby, watching with a healer's concern, while Fenir—his mate, though neither of them would say it aloud—was at his side, arms crossed, silver eyes unreadable.
Kael exhaled. "It's time."
He descended the steps into the courtyard, where the people—what few remained—had gathered. They were wary, uncertain. Some had lived here all their lives, watching their home fall to ruin. Others were refugees, survivors of war, looking for a place to start over.
Kael's voice was steady when he spoke.
"I am Kael of Vaelthane." His words carried, echoing against stone. "This kingdom was forgotten, abandoned, left to ruin. But no more. We rebuild."
The silence that followed was thick, uncertain.
Then, someone stepped forward—a woman, her hands rough from years of hard labor. "How?" she asked. "We have nothing."
Kael met her gaze. "Then we build with our hands. We start small, and we rise." He turned to the others. "Brick by brick. Stone by stone. We will make Vaelthane stand again."
A murmur rippled through the crowd. Doubt, yes—but hope as well.
Then Fenir stepped beside him, voice cool but unwavering. "He speaks the truth. I have walked these lands, seen kingdoms rise and fall. And I will tell you this—only those who dare to rebuild can call themselves rulers of their own fate."
The murmurs grew. Some nodded. Others looked at one another, as if seeing the possibility for the first time.
Then the first man knelt, pressing a fist to his heart. "I will help rebuild."
Then another. And another.
Kael nodded. This was the beginning.
The Kingdom Awakens
The next days were filled with work.
Stone was gathered. Walls were reinforced. What little magic remained in the land was used to purify the water, strengthen the earth.
Travelers began to arrive. Word of a rising kingdom spread, and people seeking refuge, opportunity, or simply a fresh start came in search of Vaelthane.
Merchants returned. At first, cautiously. Then with more confidence. The promise of trade, of growth, was enough to bring them back.
And through it all, Kael led.
He did not rule from above—he worked beside them. He lifted stones, built homes, stood in the sun with the workers, showing them that this was not just his kingdom—it was theirs, too.
A Kingdom That Will Be Known
Weeks passed.
Where there had been ruins, there was now life.
The streets were no longer empty. The sound of laughter, of hammer on stone, of voices sharing meals—this was what a kingdom should be.
Kael stood atop the gates one night, looking at the lanterns glowing below. It was real now.
Fenir stepped beside him, silent.
Kael glanced at her. The bond between them was stronger than ever. He felt her presence even before she spoke.
But he ignored it.
She did too.
Instead, she looked at the kingdom below and said, "You're making something worth remembering."
Kael exhaled. "That's the idea."
And in the distance, beyond the rising walls of Vaelthane, the world was beginning to take notice.