Arising

The halls of Vaelthane were no longer silent ruins but alive with purpose. Soldiers trained in the courtyards, their weapons clashing in rhythmic strikes, while builders raised new structures from the remnants of the old kingdom. Markets buzzed with traders from near and far, eager to witness the rebirth of a once-forgotten empire.

Kael stood on the highest balcony of the palace, watching as the kingdom he had reclaimed took its first true breath of life. The scent of fresh wood, burning forges, and earth after rain filled the air. It was no longer a dying land—it was his kingdom.

Beside him, Fenir leaned against the railing, her silver eyes scanning the horizon. "You're changing this place," she murmured. "It feels… different."

Kael exhaled, the weight of leadership heavy on his shoulders. "It has to be different. If we build on the ashes of the past, we'll only repeat old mistakes."

Below, the training fields roared with activity. The new recruits—many from the neighboring kingdom he had conquered—were being trained by the best of Vaelthane's warriors. Among them stood Dain, his most trusted fighter, leading drills with precise, disciplined commands.

Kael's gaze shifted to another part of the city, where Rhia was instructing a group of young women in the art of healing. Unlike the swordplay of the soldiers, their training was quiet and delicate, but no less essential. Rhia's presence had become a beacon for those who wished to mend rather than fight, ensuring that Vaelthane was not just a kingdom of war, but of life.

Fenir smirked. "Are you finally accepting that you're a ruler, Kael?"

He turned to her, his expression thoughtful. "A ruler isn't just someone who commands armies or takes a throne. A true king makes a home for his people."

She studied him, something unreadable flickering in her gaze. Then, she nodded. "Then you might just be the king Vaelthane needs."

A loud horn suddenly blared from the gates, snapping them both out of their moment. Kael stiffened, instincts sharpening.

A messenger arrived moments later, breathless. "Your Majesty—envoys from the Eastern Kingdoms have arrived. They seek an audience."

Kael exchanged a glance with Fenir before straightening. This was the next step. Not just war, not just conquest—politics, alliances, and the shaping of an empire.

"Let them in," he ordered.

As the great doors of Vaelthane opened, Kael knew this was only the beginning. The world was finally taking notice of his kingdom, and he would prove that Vaelthane was here to stay.