The air of the Steleigh Grand Hall was filled with lively chatter, captivating melodies and the clinking of goblets. Enchanted chandeliers floated effortlessly above the polished marble floor. Their star-essence, a breathtaking cascade of golden light, bathed the room in a warm, ethereal glow. 

Duke Steleigh, a man of imposing stature, sat at the head of the long, onyx table. His peppered hair framed a face etched with the lines of authority and eyes that held immense wisdom. He was clad in the colors of his house: white, gold, and black. A heavy velvet robe, lined with ermine, draped over his black doublet, intricately woven with gold threads. A magnificent gold signet ring, bearing the crest of his lineage, adorned his finger, and a gleaming sword, its hilt encrusted with precious stones, hung at his hip. 

He stood and raised his goblet, the ruby wine within catching the light of the enchanted chandeliers. A hush fell over the room as all eyes turned towards him. “To peace and prosperity,” he declared, his voice booming through the hall. “May this feast be a celebration of our strength and a testament to the enduring power of House Steleigh!”

The room erupted in cheers, the sound mingling as the lively melodies restarted. But beneath the surface of the festivities, a current of unease flowed. Old rivalries simmered, and whispers of discontent circulated through the crowd. The Steleigh, once a beacon of strength, now stood on the precipice of change, and the future of this ancient house hung precariously in the balance.

A sharply dressed man moved like flowing water between and around groups of the chatting nobles. Lightly conversed and shook hands with people here and there, smiling and nodding his head but never staying too long to get drawn into conversation. He was a few steps from catching the Duke’s eye when a beauty stepped into his path. 

“Kasper, it’s so good to see you.” Aurora, the Duke’s youngest daughter said. Her shimmering platinum-blonde hair was parted on either side of her head by ornate, obsidian-colored horns, marking her as unique even among the nobility. A source of rumors, of a cursed origin, suspected betrayal and a corrupted house. Her elaborate white and gold dress clung to her form, causing the eye to wonder and sparked more rumors still. 

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Kasper stopped short, looking down at the woman and greeted her with an ingratiating smile.

“Ah, Aurora. You look so enchanting tonight. I would love to talk but I must have a word with your father.”

“Ye-” Aurora started but her eyes glazed over, seeming to cease focusing on Kasper. 

Kasper paused, he heard rumors about this from his contacts. The girl was a prodigy of divination but had yet to fully control the power. He was in luck. He tucked his rune-silenced blade back into his sleeve, thankful he didn’t have to hurt the only genuine person he’d met in House Steleigh. 

He promptly moved around her, heading again towards the Duke. He had to suppress the giddiness that always came when he was a few seconds away from his favorite type of work. Years of planning had led to this moment and he couldn’t fuck it up now. His preparation was perfect. Even now, the Duke was captivated by a gorgeous woman with long golden hair and a masterpiece of clothing that shaped her form into lust itself. The dukes over enthusiastic laugh and something the woman said spoke to just how engaged he was in the conversation. 

2 steps away. 1 step. Flick, swish. The blade was an inch from Duke Steleigh's throat when the air itself seemed to shudder and time almost lurched to a stop.

The explosion came from everywhere and nowhere at once. A sphere of pure force erupted from the center of the hall, sending nobles, furniture, and magical artifacts flying against the ancient stone walls. The enchanted chandeliers shattered, their star-essence scattering like falling diamonds. Where the explosion originated, a figure curled into the fetal position – a dark-skinned man with finger-length white hair that seemed to imitate the falling essence, without shred of clothing or dignity.