POV: Kieran Solis
Timeline: Same day as Kaelis' trial
Location: Nocterra — Shadow Court
---
"King Daemon is requesting an audience."
I look up from the reports spread across the desk. Ravion stands in the doorway of our private study, his expression grim.
"Requesting?" I repeat. "Or demanding?"
"Officially requesting," Ravion says. "Unofficially…"
He hands me a letter. "Read it yourself."
The parchment is expensive. Thick. Gold-leafed. Sealed with Daemon's mark—a blood-red crown pierced by thorns.
Dramatic. Very on-brand.
I read.
---
TO THEIR MAJESTIES,
KING KIERAN AND KING RAVION OF NOCTERRA:
Recent events have left our kingdoms in turmoil.
Queen Isolde's disappearance.
The revelation of her crimes.
The destabilization of Arventis.
I propose a meeting—neutral ground—to discuss how we might work together to restore order and ensure the safety of all our realms.
I believe we want the same thing: justice, stability, peace.
I await your response.
HIS MAJESTY,
KING DAEMON OF VALDRIS
---
I read it twice. Then look at Ravion.
"He's lying," I say flatly.
"Obviously." Ravion leans against the desk. "The question is—what's he really after?"
"Isolde." I tap the letter. "He wants her before we do. The question is why."
"He was obsessed with her," Ravion says. "Before the prophecy. Wanted marriage. Alliance. Power. She refused."
"So this is personal."
"Revenge? Love? Power?" Ravion shrugs. "With Daemon, it's always all three."
I think through the implications.
"If he reaches her first," I say slowly, "he'll either use her… or kill her. Or both."
"Agreed."
"But if we refuse this meeting, he'll know we don't trust him. And he'll move faster."
"Also agreed."
I stand. Begin pacing.
In 2025, I'd be checking social media. Tracking patterns. Reading digital tells.
Here, the rules are different—but strategy is still strategy.
"We accept," I decide.
Ravion raises an eyebrow. "You're sure?"
"No. But we need information." I stop pacing and face him.
"We meet—but on our terms. Our location. Our security."
"I like this side of you," Ravion says faintly. "Strategic. Ruthless."
"I learned from the best." I kiss him quickly.
"Send the reply. Three days. Obsidian Tower. Border territory. Neutral—but close enough to retreat."
"And if he tries something?"
"Then he regrets it." My voice is steady. "I'm done being the weak one. I'm a king."
Ravion studies me, then pulls me close.
"Have I mentioned," he murmurs, "how attractive you are when you're being politically ruthless?"
"Once or twice," I say, smiling despite the tension.
"But feel free to repeat it later. In detail."
---
Three days pass too quickly.
The Obsidian Tower looms—black stone, sharp angles. Built as a watchtower centuries ago.
Now it hosts kings who don't trust each other.
Perfect.
Ravion and I arrive first. Intentionally.
Shadow guards are everywhere—hidden, silent.
Nyx sent water constructs too. Invisible. Watching.
We're ready.
"He's here," Ravion says.
I look out the window.
Gold carriage. Fifty guards. Banners flying.
"Show-off," I mutter.
"Says the king who arrived on a shadow dragon," Ravion replies.
"That was YOUR idea."
"And it was magnificent."
Daemon enters alone.
Tall. Broad. Handsome in that dangerous, warrior-king way. Gold-and-ruby crown catching the light.
He studies us.
"King Ravion. King Kieran."
His voice is deep. Commanding.
"Thank you for agreeing to meet."
"You said you wanted an alliance," Ravion replies coolly. "Speak."
Daemon sits without invitation.
"I'll be direct. I want Queen Isolde. Before anyone else."
"Why?" I ask.
"She owes me." His eyes harden.
"She promised me power. Alliance. Herself. Then discarded me."
"So this is revenge."
"This is justice." He leans forward. "She deserves to answer."
"And she will," I say. "Through law. Trials. Not bloodshed."
"That takes too long." He slams the table.
"She'll escape again."
"Not if we're thorough," Ravion says.
Daemon laughs. "You sound like children. This is war."
"It doesn't have to be," I say firmly.
He studies me closely.
"You're the twin," he says slowly.
"The one who was thrown away."
"Yes."
"And you still believe in justice?" He shakes his head.
"After what she did?"
"Because of it," I reply.
"I won't become her."
"Naive." He stands.
"I'm hunting her—with or without you. Get in my way, and you become my enemies."
"We already are," Ravion says quietly.
Daemon laughs.
"Entertaining," he says. "When you're ready to stop playing, you know where to find me."
He leaves.
The tower door slams.
Only then do we breathe.
"Well," I mutter. "That went badly."
"He's going to be a problem," Ravion says.
"He already is."
---
That night, I can't sleep.
Ravion sleeps beside me. Peaceful.
My mind races.
Daemon.
Isolde.
Everything that could go wrong.
The twin bond pulses.
Warm.
Kaelis.
Kaelis? I think into it.
A pause.
Kieran?
Oh my god. It works.
I can hear you!
Apparently we can do that now, he replies, amused. Can't sleep either?
Worried about Daemon. And everything.
Same. I visited Mother's grave today.
How was it?
Hard. But necessary. I promised her we'd fix this. Together.
We will.
A pause.
Kier… thank you.
For what?
For surviving. For being my brother.
I'm crying quietly now.
You're my best thing too, I send back.