The flickering glow of the lanterns cast long shadows along the marble halls of House Aldreth’s estate in the capital. The night air carried the distant murmur of nobles in the banquet hall, but within the private chambers, an entirely different kind of battle was taking place.
Sylas sat quietly on an embroidered cushion, his gaze lowered as Lady Evelyne knelt before him, adjusting the folds of his ceremonial robe. The rich navy fabric was lined with silver embroidery, marking him as a child of House Aldreth, even if most disregarded his place within it.
“You did well today,” Evelyne said softly, running her fingers through his dark hair. “I saw how you carried yourself at the banquet. You observe more than you speak. That is good.”
Sylas tilted his head slightly, his sharp mind dissecting her words. She was pleased—not because of any great achievement, but because he had remained unnoticed. In a household where strength dictated worth, being overlooked was a fragile kind of safety.
“You need not worry, Mother. I have no intention of making a fool of myself,” he replied in an even tone.
Evelyne’s lips curved into a faint smile, though sadness flickered in her silver eyes. “You are my son. That alone makes you a target.”
Before Sylas could respond, the chamber doors creaked open, and footsteps echoed within.
Rael Aldreth entered first, his presence overwhelming. At eight years old, he already carried himself like a ruler, his posture straight, his golden eyes filled with the fire of someone who had never doubted his superiority. He was dressed in crimson and black, his solar energy affinity subtly pulsing around him like a halo of dominance.
Behind him, Cassius followed with his usual quiet demeanor, his cold blue eyes assessing the room. He leaned against the doorframe, offering no greeting, merely watching.
Then came the twins, Dain and Kieran, only a few years older than Sylas. Their expressions were unreadable, but mischief danced behind their emerald eyes.
Sylas remained seated, unwilling to stand and acknowledge them first.
“So, our youngest brother returns unscathed from the grand banquet,” Rael said smoothly, stepping further inside. His gaze flickered toward Evelyne before settling on Sylas. “Tell me, did you enjoy your place among the nobility?”
Sylas met his gaze without fear. “It was… educational.”
Rael scoffed. “You speak as though you were more than a mere observer.”
Dain grinned. “Maybe he thinks he can compete with us someday.”
Kieran chuckled, nudging his twin. “Can you imagine? The disgrace of House Aldreth, standing beside us in the trials?”
Evelyne’s fingers twitched at the insult, but Sylas remained still. He had long grown used to their barbs.
“I do not need to stand beside you,” Sylas replied coolly. “I only need to watch where you stumble.”
Cassius let out a quiet hum of amusement, while Rael’s eyes darkened.
Evelyne rose to her feet. “That is enough.” Her voice was firm, but Rael did not move.
“You should teach him his place, Lady Evelyne,” Rael said, his voice smooth but laced with condescension. “It would save him from many… disappointments.”
“And you should remember yours, Rael,” Evelyne countered, stepping closer. Though Rael was already nearly her height, there was no mistaking the authority in her posture. “You may be your father’s favorite, but you are not yet the Duke of Aldreth.”
Rael’s jaw clenched, but he said nothing. He turned sharply on his heel.
“Come,” he ordered the others.
Dain and Kieran smirked before following him out. Cassius lingered for a moment, his unreadable gaze meeting Sylas’s before he, too, slipped into the shadows.
The door shut behind them, and silence settled over the room once more.
Evelyne let out a slow breath. She turned back to Sylas and knelt before him again, placing her hands on his shoulders.
“You are strong, my son,” she whispered. “But strength is not always in power. It is in patience.”
Sylas stared into his mother’s silver eyes and nodded. He would remember.
He always did.