The Birthright War

Location: The Citadel – Inner Council Hall, Tavara Capital

Dark stone pillars loomed around a chamber shrouded in secrecy. The Inner Council, cloaked in ceremonial robes of black and crimson, sat in a circular formation—each one representing a dynasty hidden behind layers of global influence.

"The Kane heir has uncovered the Astralis Codex," muttered Councilor Damar. "This changes everything."

Another voice, crisp and female, spoke. "He has Kael Morvan. If Kael talks, our control over the western bloc collapses."

"Damien Kane is becoming what we feared," said the High Chairwoman. "A symbol."

A chill passed through the room.

"But symbols can be extinguished," Councilor Vharn said coldly. "We've done it before."

"No," said the Chairwoman. "Not this time. We need the girl. The doctor."

All heads turned.

"She carries the bloodline that unites two of the Seven Hidden Houses," she continued. "If she bears a child with Damien, it won't just be a threat. It will be destiny."

"Then what do we do?"

She stood, her silhouette towering and regal.

"We end the bloodline before it blossoms."

---

Location: Blackwing Sanctuary – Tavara's Northern Ice Ridge

Damien walked alongside Nora, his fingers brushing against hers in the cold wind.

"You saw the chart?" he asked.

Nora nodded. "Your family wasn't just royalty—they were chosen. There's a prophecy encoded into the Codex. A rebirth, one that begins when the last scion of Eldros returns the crown to the throne beneath the stars."

Damien exhaled slowly, his breath frosting in the air.

"The Citadel knows," she added. "And they're afraid."

"They should be," Damien replied darkly.

He turned to face her fully.

"We've spent years surviving. Running. Building empires in shadows. But that ends now, Nora."

"What are you planning?"

He reached into his coat and pulled out a ring—an obsidian band etched with ancient glyphs. It pulsed with a dull blue glow.

"The Ring of Eldros," he said. "I found it sealed in the depths of Kairo's ruins. It only answers to one bloodline—mine."

Nora's eyes widened. "Then you really are—"

"Yes," Damien confirmed. "And I'm done letting others write my story. I'm taking back everything—Tavara, the truth, and the future."

He slipped the ring onto his finger. The glyphs flared to life, sending a wave of energy that rippled across the sky like northern lights.

A signal.

A declaration.

The war of bloodlines had begun.

---

Location: Citadel High Spire – Secret Chamber

The High Chairwoman stood alone, watching the distant glow from the northern ridge.

A faint smile curled on her lips.

"So the King awakens."

She turned toward the shadows, where a man cloaked in metallic black armor stepped out.

"Activate the Dominion Protocol. And send the Twins."

"Yes, High Lady."

She whispered to herself as the room dimmed.

"Let's see if prophecy can bleed."