The Stolen Heir’s Bond

Silence hung heavy in the ruins.

Kael's grip tightened around the sword, its weight both familiar and terrifying. He wasn't just holding a weapon—he was holding history.

Elaria stared at him like she was seeing him for the first time. "Kael… what does this mean?"

He exhaled slowly, his heartbeat still racing. "It means everything I was told about my past was a lie."

He ran his fingers along the blade's edge, watching the way the golden runes along the steel pulsed in time with his heartbeat. His father's voice echoed in his mind—"Closer than you think."

Somehow, his father had known he would find this place. Find this sword.

But why?

Elaria took a cautious step toward him. "Okay, let's say this sword is proof that you're… well, you." She gestured vaguely at him. "What now?"

Kael hesitated.

Because that was the real question, wasn't it? What now?

The kingdom still believed he was dead. The king—the man who stole his father's throne—had spent years erasing every trace of his family's legacy.

Now, Kael was holding the one thing that could undo it all.

He took a slow breath, forcing himself to focus. "We go to the capital."

Elaria blinked. "You mean the same capital where the king's men are actively hunting us?"

Kael nodded. "Yes."

Elaria made a frustrated noise. "You just learned you're the rightful heir to the throne, and your first plan is to run straight into the enemy's hands?"

Kael sheathed the sword, meeting her gaze. "We don't have a choice. If my father really is alive, he's hiding somewhere in that city. And now that I have this sword… I can't keep running. If I want the truth, I have to face it."

Elaria sighed, rubbing her temples. "You're going to get us killed."

Kael smirked. "Not if we're smart about it."

She gave him a flat look. "Right, because we're so good at staying unnoticed."

Kael ignored that. Instead, he turned toward the ruins' entrance, his fingers still tingling from the magic humming beneath his skin.

His father had been erased from history. His entire lineage had been buried beneath lies and fear.

But now?

Now, the kingdom would remember his name.

And Kael intended to make sure of it.