Beyond Death: the rise of atreya

The next day, the castle buzzed with news of the Kerwin Kingdom's destruction. The queen, regal and composed, discussed war strategies with her council, her voice steady despite the gravity of the situation.

Atreya lingered in the shadows, listening to their plans. His chest tightened at the mention of his family's downfall, the memories still fresh and raw.

"You shouldn't eavesdrop," Celeste said, appearing beside him.

"I wasn't," he replied, though his tone lacked conviction.

She studied him for a moment before softening. "I know it's hard, Atreya. But you're not alone anymore. My mother, my brother, even the king—they see something in you. So do I."

Her words stirred something in him, a fragile sense of belonging he hadn't felt since his family's death. But as he looked at her, he couldn't shake the image of the void and the destruction he had seen.

In the shadows, the mysterious figure watched silently, their presence a reminder that Atreya's journey was far from over.