Ronan lay on his bed, the weight of recent events pressing heavily on his mind. As the room's dim light flickered across the walls, he closed his eyes, trying to push the thoughts away. How did I become this cold? The question echoed within him, gnawing at the corners of his conscience. His heart—artificial, yet burdened—throbbed dully beneath the sheets. Memories stirred beneath the surface of his mind, pulling him deeper into sleep... and into the past.
He opened his eyes.
A soft, warm light surrounded him, and he found himself nestled in a pair of familiar arms. His infant mind could not comprehend the sight before him, but the warmth and scent felt right. It was his mother, Elara. She gazed down at him with a serene smile, her golden hair cascading like sunlight, her celestial blue eyes brimming with maternal affection.
"Ronan woke up," Elara whispered softly, cradling him with care.
From across the room, his father, Cyrus Arcanveil, approached with a smile, holding a baby girl—Liviya, Ronan's twin sister—in his arms. Cyrus's presence was commanding yet tender, his silver hair catching the light like threads of moonlight. He leaned closer, inspecting the baby boy with pride.
"He looks like he woke up just in time... to the cheers of the people," Cyrus said warmly. His voice carried a hint of humor, but pride swelled beneath it.
Elara chuckled, brushing a soft finger against Ronan's tiny cheek. "Well, it makes sense, doesn't it? Today belongs to Ronan and Liviya. They are the stars of the day."
Cyrus nodded, looking toward the ornate double doors beyond them. His expression was calm yet authoritative. "Alright, then. Let them know we are ready."
A courtier bowed from the doorway and quickly disappeared to carry out the order. Moments later, a triumphant sound filled the air—trumpets blaring in celebration, the deep hum of ceremonial drums resonating throughout the grand halls.
The atmosphere was electric. The roar of thousands of voices filtered in from beyond the chamber walls—citizens gathered outside the palace, eager and joyful, awaiting the appearance of their emperor and empress.
A voice, rich and ceremonial, rang out across the crowd:
"Presenting, His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Cyrus Arcanveil, and Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Elara Arcanveil! And with them today... the twin heirs, Ronan and Liviya!"
The great doors swung open, revealing the imperial family to the world. Sunlight poured over them as they stood on a grand marble balcony overlooking the gathered people below. At once, the roar of celebration turned to an expectant silence. Every eye was fixed on the celestial family, waiting for them to speak.
Cyrus and Elara stood tall, their expressions dignified, with Ronan and Liviya in their arms—their very presence a symbol of hope, unity, and divine power.
The people stood in awed silence, waiting for their sovereigns to speak the words that would cement this day as one of joy and prophecy fulfilled.
The imperial family stood tall upon the grand marble balcony, bathed in golden sunlight. Below, an endless sea of people gazed up at them with awe and anticipation. The air was thick with reverence, as though the very heavens were watching.
With Ronan and Liviya cradled in his and Elara's arms, Cyrus Arcanveil raised a hand, and the restless murmur of the crowd fell into utter silence. His voice, deep and commanding, resonated throughout the palace square.
"Today," Cyrus began, "marks a moment of history for the Celestial Realm. The twins have been born!"
A wave of cheers surged briefly through the crowd, but Cyrus's raised hand brought them back to silence. His piercing silver eyes scanned the audience, his tone becoming more solemn, filled with both authority and pride.
"The prophecy foretold by the Greater God has been fulfilled." His voice seemed to echo across the heavens themselves. "The immortal heir has been born—Ronan Arcanveil—the Lord of Creation, the true owner of the power that brings life and shapes existence itself."
As he said Ronan's name, a powerful wave of energy seemed to ripple through the crowd, causing many to gasp and whisper in awe. Some knelt, bowing their heads in reverence. The name of the heir to creation carried weight beyond mortal comprehension.
"But he is not alone," Cyrus continued. His gaze softened as he glanced down at the infant girl in his arms. "Liviya Arcanveil, his twin—who shares his immortal blood—is also immortal. She will stand beside him as the Princess of the Realm."
Elara gently held Liviya closer, a proud smile gracing her lips, while the people below erupted into cheers—an explosion of excitement and joy that shook the very foundations of the palace.
"The God smile upon this day," Cyrus declared, his voice cutting through the noise like thunder. "The heirs to creation walk among us. Celebrate, for this is a day of hope and power—a new age for the Celestial Realm!"
The crowd roared in unison, their cheers reaching a fever pitch. Hats were thrown into the air, flags waved in celebration, and music echoed through the streets. The realm's citizens reveled in the arrival of their new lords, knowing that their future was now tied to the immortal twins.
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Ronan, still an infant, blinked slowly in his mother's arms, as if the cheers and triumph meant little to him. But somewhere deep in his tiny heart, the seeds of destiny had been planted.
From the balcony, the emperor and empress looked out over their people with solemn pride, knowing that the birth of these children marked not only a joyous moment—but the beginning of a divine story, one that would reshape the Celestial Realm forever.
Months Later
The palace buzzed with activity, servants gliding through the halls with purpose. Maids and butlers quietly tidied up, and armored guards stood by the doors, always vigilant. Yet, all the staff's eyes softened when the twins were nearby.
On the sunlit terrace, a handful of guards watched as baby Ronan and Liviya crawled across a large embroidered rug. Maids hovered nearby with towels, just in case the toddlers took a tumble, while butlers waited with snacks and toys.
"Come, my little stars," Elara cooed, shaking a glowing toy moon to encourage the children.
A guard named Orion chuckled from his post. "I wager the young princess will get there first again. She's a little comet, that one."
Ronan, still seated on the rug, stared at his sister with quiet determination. He loved watching Liviya move; her laughter felt like sunshine. I want to do that, too. He furrowed his brows as he crawled to the edge of a chair, gripping it with his tiny hands.
A butler leaned forward, ready to catch him if he stumbled, but Ronan straightened and took his first shaky step.
The terrace erupted into applause. Maids clapped their hands, and guards gave approving nods.
"There we go, young master!" one maid exclaimed, gently catching him as he fell forward into his mother's arms.
Elara kissed the top of his head. "Look at you! Cyrus, come quickly!"
Cyrus appeared, trailed by two butlers and a pair of guards. He grinned broadly when he saw the twins in Elara's arms.
"Ah, first steps! You'll both be running circles around us in no time," Cyrus said, scooping up Liviya while Ronan remained nestled against Elara's shoulder.
Ronan giggled, feeling a rush of pride. I walked! Like a big kid!
A guard leaned toward Orion with a smirk. "You owe me three silver pieces. The young prince walked, too."
Orion shook his head with a chuckle. "He's a quiet one, but he never gives up."
Two Years Old
At two years old, Ronan and Liviya became notorious for their mischievous adventures. Guards, butlers, and maids had learned to keep a constant eye on them—yet even the most vigilant caretakers found it hard to contain their antics.
One sunny afternoon, the twins darted down the grand hallway, their tiny footsteps echoing behind them. Maids gasped as the children zoomed past, knocking over vases and baskets of fresh linens.
"After them!" Orion bellowed, leading the chase with a grin.
Ronan giggled, his heart racing with excitement as he glanced back at Liviya. We're like heroes in a story! The thrill of the chase made him feel invincible.
The children ran through the palace like little whirlwinds, only to be caught by a maid who swept them both into her arms. "Got you, troublemakers!"
Ronan wriggled free, a cheeky grin on his face. "Story now!"
The butler, Sebastian, sighed but smiled indulgently. "You've earned one story—if you promise to behave."
Minutes later, the twins were seated on cushions in the library, surrounded by guards, butlers, and maids. Cyrus held an ancient scroll in his hands, preparing to read aloud, while the children leaned eagerly against his legs.
As he unrolled the parchment, a maid whispered to another, "I wonder if the prince will grow up to love books like his father."
The other maid shook her head. "No, he watches everything too closely. I think he's going to be a tactician."
Ronan's eyes sparkled with curiosity, absorbing his father's words. Maybe I'll be a hero, too! The story pulled him in deeper, filling his mind with dreams of adventure.
Three-year-old Liviya clapped her hands during the exciting parts, her giggles ringing like bells. "Go, heroes! Fight the bad guys!"
Ronan remained quiet, lost in thought. What if I have to fight?
As the tale unfolded, the guards chuckled quietly at the twins' reactions, their laughter mingling with the echoes of heroic deeds told by a loving father.
Three Years Old
At three, the twins had become a familiar sight in the celestial gardens, much to the amusement—and frustration—of the guards and staff.
One sunny afternoon, Liviya ran ahead toward the palace pond, her curls bouncing with every step. "Catch the Flower!" she squealed, chasing after a drifting petal.
"Princess, wait!" a maid called after her. Two guards, stationed nearby, exchanged looks before hurrying to follow the energetic child.
Ronan ran after her, his little legs pumping as fast as they could. I can't let her fall! A butler nearby sighed and hurried to keep up, muttering, "These two never rest."
Liviya leaned too far over the edge of the pond, and for a heart-stopping moment, it seemed like she would fall in.
Before the guards could intervene, Ronan reached her and grabbed her arm, pulling her back from the water with a surprising burst of strength. I won't let her go!
"Not allowed to fall," Ronan said firmly, still clutching his sister's arm.
Liviya blinked in surprise, then threw her arms around her brother's neck with a peal of laughter. "Best Nonan!"
The guards, having caught up, shook their heads with amused smiles. "He's going to keep us all on our toes," Orion muttered, adjusting his armor.
The butler bowed slightly to the children. "Shall we head back inside, young master and mistress? Your mother will be pleased you kept each other safe."
Ronan gave a serious nod, taking Liviya's hand as they walked back toward the palace, trailed by a small entourage of guards and maids. We're a team. Always.
Evening Routine
That evening, after a long day of adventures, the palace staff worked together to prepare the twins for bed. Maids brought in warm towels and silk pajamas, while butlers dimmed the lights and guards stood by the doors, ensuring the children were safe.
Liviya giggled as a maid gently tickled her while helping her change. "No sleepy!" she protested, her eyes sparkling.
"You'll thank me in the morning, little one," the maid said with a fond smile, wrapping her in a blanket.
Meanwhile, Ronan sat quietly as another maid brushed his hair. "Do you like your stories, young master?" she asked gently.
Ronan nodded but didn't say anything, his gaze thoughtful. I want to be like the heroes in the stories.
Once the twins were tucked into their grand, cloud-like bed, Elara leaned down and kissed their foreheads.
"You are my brightest stars," she whispered, brushing her fingers through their hair.
Cyrus stood by the door, watching the scene with a warm smile. "They'll move mountains together one day," he murmured to the head butler.
The butler nodded. "And the staff will always be ready to serve them, no matter where their paths lead."
As Elara and Cyrus left the room, the guards took their posts just outside, while the maids quietly cleaned up the remnants of the day's adventures.