Morning came not with sunlight, but with silence—a silence steeped in tension.
Kael sat at the head of a long table in the War Council Chamber, flanked by carved statues of ancient Vaelthorn generals. A dozen high-backed chairs surrounded the table, all filled now with members of the family's inner council.
On the far right sat Uncle Albrecht, the silver-haired war veteran and Kael's father's older cousin. Cold eyes. Pristine armor. A relic of past campaigns.
Beside him: Lady Cirelle Vaelthorn, sharp-tongued, widow of a former duke's brother. Matriarch of a minor but stubborn branch.
Others were lower-ranked relatives—lords, knights, managers of trade, border affairs, and education within the territory. None outranked Kael by blood.
But influence? That was a different beast.
"So," Albrecht began, steepling his fingers, "the rumors are true."
Kael didn't blink. "They are."
"You've created a private squad. Without clearance."
"It's within my right as heir."
Cirelle scoffed. "Rights don't equate to wisdom, boy. You're barely out of the academy. You return home and form a band of armed loyalists before even greeting half your uncles."
"They're not loyalists," Kael said flatly. "They're soldiers. The estate's been stagnant. I need operatives I can trust."
A murmur rippled through the room.
One of the younger councilors—Lord Tenric, in charge of estate law—cleared his throat. "With respect, Lord Kael, we agree that the younger generation should begin contributing. But this... Lion's Teeth... Their authority is unclear. Their duties undefined. Their accountability—nonexistent."
"They'll answer to me," Kael replied.
"And who do you answer to?" Cirelle said sharply.
He smiled faintly. "Technically? My father. Who hasn't objected."
"Because he's not here."
A pause.
Kael leaned forward. "Let's not pretend this is about military structure. You're worried I'm acting independently."
Albrecht's fingers twitched.
Kael continued. "You fear I'll upset the balance of power within the estate. That I'll shift eyes, loyalty, and influence."
He let the silence stretch.
"Good. Keep fearing it."
---
Outside the chamber, Lyra waited.
She stood by the arched windows of the upper hall, listening to the distant echo of raised voices.
"You're making enemies quickly," came a voice beside her.
Lyra turned to see Rin, Kael's younger sister, in a dark velvet coat. Her gaze rested calmly on the door.
"They were already enemies," Lyra replied.
Rin nodded. "True. But Kael's pushing the game forward faster than they expected. The council hates being outmaneuvered."
"…You sound like you've seen this before."
Rin's smile was faint. "This estate eats its own. I've had a front-row seat my whole life."
Lyra hesitated. "You don't seem surprised."
"I'm not." Rin looked toward the door. "But I am curious."
"About what?"
"What Kael wants."
---
An hour later, Kael emerged from the council chamber.
His expression unreadable.
Lyra fell into step beside him. "Did they concede?"
"They barked," he said, "but they'll bite only if they think they can win."
"They can't?"
"They don't know yet." He stopped. "I'll show them soon."
Just as they reached the courtyard, a servant approached.
"Lord Kael, a guest has arrived. Without escort. Bearing this."
The man handed Kael a sealed letter—pure black parchment with a crimson wax insignia. A snake curling around a rose.
Kael's eyes narrowed.
"…Where is she?"
---
In the east guest wing, under strict guard, stood a woman in silver heels and a black lace dress. A veil covered the lower half of her face, but her eyes were vibrant emeralds—cold and beautiful.
She sat sipping tea as if she owned the estate.
Kael entered with Lyra and two estate guards.
The woman stood, graceful.
"Lord Kael," she said. "It's been a long time. Or perhaps... it hasn't been long at all for you."
Kael froze.
Lyra caught the shift in his aura.
"…Who are you?" Kael asked slowly.
The woman gave a small bow.
"I am Lady Serentha, envoy of the Velcras Circle. We represent certain families interested in... truths. Hidden ones."
Kael stared. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Oh, I think you do." She stepped forward, removing the veil. "You remember things you shouldn't. You act differently. You form military squads, provoke councils, and avoid your fate."
Kael's hand twitched toward his sword.
Lady Serentha smiled. "Relax. I'm not your enemy. But I know what you are."
"…What am I, then?"
She leaned closer.
"A soul out of place. A lion with two shadows. One old… and one you haven't seen yet."
Kael said nothing.
"Consider this a courtesy," she whispered. "The Circle watches. And one of your ancestors made a deal they never paid."
Kael didn't move. "Leave."
Serentha turned, unfazed. "I will. For now. But next time we meet, I won't be the one knocking."
She stepped past Lyra, pausing briefly.
"You're loyal," she said to her, "but loyalty blindfolds."
And then she was gone.
---
Back in his chambers, Kael threw the black letter into the fire.
Lyra sat nearby, arms crossed.
"…You recognized that symbol," she said.
Kael didn't answer.
"What's the Velcras Circle?"
"A remnant," he said quietly. "From the past... or maybe the future."
She frowned. "Are they the ones who—"
"No." He met her eyes. "But they might know what I am."
Lyra stood. Walked to him. Her voice was calm, serious.
"Then find out. But don't do it alone."
He looked at her.
For a moment, the mask he wore slipped.
"…I'm scared, Lyra."
She nodded. "Good. Fear means you're still human. Just don't let it stop you."
---
That night, a rider cloaked in black left the Vaelthorn estate, heading east under the cover of shadows.
In his satchel: a copy of Kael's squad list, and a sketch of Lady Serentha—already headed to a different master.
The message was clear:
"The heir has begun to awaken. The Lion stirs. We must prepare."
---
End of Chapter 53