The Fenralis gardens were a marvel of natural beauty and meticulous design. Towering trees with silver-barked trunks and luminous leaves formed a canopy overhead, their branches intertwined like the vaulted arches of a cathedral. Beneath them, pathways of polished stone wound through beds of exotic flowers, their petals glowing faintly in the twilight. The air was thick with the scent of night-blooming jasmine and the distant hum of cicadas, a symphony of nature that seemed to harmonize with the soft murmur of the gathered nobility.
Above it all, the night sky of Fenris Lupus was a breathtaking canvas of stars and celestial wonders. But tonight, the heavens were dominated by two colossal figures, their silhouettes looming in the distance like ancient gods. To the east, the Draconis Leviathan hung in the sky, a monstrous starship the size of a small moon. Its sleek, obsidian hull was adorned with glowing crimson runes, each one pulsing with the energy of a thousand suns. The ship’s design was both elegant and menacing, its sharp angles and serpentine curves evoking the image of a dragon coiled in the void. From its underbelly, a faint gravitational pull could be felt, a reminder of its immense mass. The Leviathan was a symbol of House Draconis’s military might and political cunning, a silent warning to any who might threaten their delegates on the planet below.
To the west, the Solarius Radiance floated in serene majesty, its golden hull shimmering like a second sun. The ship’s design was a masterpiece of celestial engineering, its smooth, flowing lines resembling the rays of a star. Glowing patterns of light danced across its surface, forming intricate constellations that shifted and changed as if alive. The Radiance was a testament to House Solarius’s mastery of magic and technology, a beacon of their power and influence. Like the Leviathan, it generated its own gravitational field, a subtle but constant presence in the night sky. The Radiance was more than just a starship—it was a symbol of the God-Emperor’s divine authority, a reminder that House Solarius ruled not just by might, but by the will of the heavens themselves.
The soiree was held in the heart of the gardens, where a vast clearing had been transformed into an open-air ballroom. Lanterns hung from the trees, their light casting a warm, golden glow over the scene. At the center of the clearing stood a raised dais, its surface inlaid with intricate mosaics depicting the history of House Fenralis—wolves howling at the stars, warriors clad in silver armor, and starflares blazing against the night sky.
The attendees were a riot of color and opulence, their attire a blend of regal grandeur and vibrant hues. The men wore long, flowing robes in deep jewel tones—emerald greens, sapphire blues, and ruby reds—accented with metallic embroidery that shimmered in the lantern light. Their shoulders were draped with capes of iridescent fabric, each one bearing the crest of their house. The women’s gowns were no less extravagant, with layered skirts that seemed to float as they moved and bodices adorned with intricate beadwork and gemstones. Headpieces resembling celestial crowns or animal motifs—wolves, dragons, and starbirds—completed their ensembles, making them look like figures stepped out of a myth.
Garrett stood at the edge of the clearing, his hands clasped tightly behind his back. He wore the traditional Fenralis attire—a high-collared coat of deep blue, embroidered with silver thread, and a sash bearing the family crest. The outfit was meant to convey strength and dignity, but Garrett felt like an imposter. He could feel the weight of the nobles’ gazes as they passed, their eyes lingering on him just a little too long. He knew what they were thinking: There he is, the second son. The one who can’t wield magic.
“Garrett,” a voice called, cutting through his thoughts. He turned to see his brother, Cassian, striding toward him. Cassian looked every bit the perfect heir, his posture confident, his smile easy. He clapped a hand on Garrett’s shoulder, his grip firm but friendly. “You’re not hiding in the library, are you?”
Garrett forced a smile. “Not this time. Though, to be fair, the library doesn’t judge me for being terrible at small talk.”
Cassian chuckled. “Fair point. But tonight’s important. You know that, right?”
Garrett nodded, though the reminder only made his stomach churn. Tonight was his formal introduction to the noble families of the Celestial Empire. It was his chance to prove himself, to show that he was more than just the “other” Fenralis heir. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was walking into a trap.
Their father, Duke Alden Fenralis, stood at the center of the clearing, surrounded by a group of high-ranking nobles. His presence was commanding, his sharp features and icy gaze drawing attention even in a crowd of powerful people. As Cassian and Garrett approached, Duke Alden turned to them, his expression unreadable.
“Cassian,” Duke Alden said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. “You’ve been speaking with the God-Emperor’s delegate?”
Cassian nodded. “Yes, Father. He’s expressed interest in our latest training methods. I think he’s impressed.”
Duke Alden’s lips twitched in what might have been a smile. “Good. Keep him engaged. We need his support.”
Garrett shifted uncomfortably, waiting for his father to acknowledge him. When Duke Alden finally turned his gaze to him, it felt like being scrutinized under a microscope.
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“Garrett,” Duke Alden said, his tone neutral. “You look... presentable.”
Garrett swallowed hard. “Thank you, Father. I was going for ‘less awkward than usual,’ so I’ll take that as a win.”
Duke Alden’s expression didn’t change, but Cassian stifled a laugh. Duke Alden studied Garrett for a moment longer, then nodded. “Tonight is an opportunity. Don’t waste it.”
The words were curt, but Garrett knew they were as close to encouragement as he was likely to get. He nodded, his throat too tight to speak.
As Duke Alden turned back to his conversation, Cassian leaned in close to Garrett. “Don’t let him get to you,” he said quietly. “Father’s just... intense. He wants what’s best for us.”
Garrett nodded again, though he wasn’t sure he believed it. Cassian was the golden child, the one who could do no wrong. Garrett, on the other hand, was a constant reminder of the family’s imperfection.
The sound of trumpets echoed through the gardens, signaling the start of the evening’s formal proceedings. The crowd turned as one, their attention focused on the raised dais. Duke Alden stepped onto the platform, his presence commanding silence.
“Lords and ladies of the Celestial Empire,” he began, his voice resonating through the clearing. “Thank you for joining us tonight. It is an honor to host you in our home.”
As Duke Alden continued his speech, Garrett’s attention wandered. He scanned the crowd, his eyes landing on a group of nobles from House Solarius. They stood apart from the others, their golden robes and serene expressions setting them apart. At the center of the group was the God-Emperor’s delegate, a tall, elegant man with silver hair and piercing blue eyes. He was flanked by two attendants, who stood beside a massive, cloth-draped object that could only be the Solarion.
Garrett’s stomach dropped. He had heard rumors that House Solarius would be presenting a gift tonight, but he hadn’t expected it to be so... conspicuous.
When Duke Alden finished his speech, the delegate stepped forward, his movements graceful and deliberate. “Duke Fenralis,” he said, his voice smooth and melodic. “On behalf of His Divine Radiance, the God-Emperor of the Celestial Empire, I present a token of our friendship and respect.”
He gestured to the attendants, who pulled away the cloth with a flourish. The Solarion stood revealed, its sleek, golden frame gleaming in the lantern light. The crowd gasped, their murmurs of admiration filling the air.
Garrett’s heart raced. The Solarion was a masterpiece of celestial engineering, a symbol of House Solarius’s power and ingenuity. But it was also a weapon, one that required a strong affinity for celestial magic to operate. And Garrett... well, Garrett couldn’t even light a candle with magic.
The delegate turned to Garrett, his smile warm but his eyes sharp. “Young Garrett Fenralis,” he said, his tone almost too sweet. “This Solarion is a gift to you, a symbol of the bond between our houses. May it serve you well.”
The clearing fell silent, all eyes on Garrett. He could feel the weight of their expectations, their curiosity, their judgment. He stepped forward, his legs trembling, and bowed his head. “Thank you, Your Grace. I am... honored.”
As he straightened, he caught a glimpse of his father’s face. Duke Alden’s expression was unreadable, but Garrett could see the tension in his jaw, the faint flicker of anger in his eyes. He knew what this meant. House Solarius had just played their hand, and House Fenralis was now on the defensive.
Cassian stepped forward, his smile easy but his eyes wary. “A generous gift, Your Grace. My brother is truly fortunate.”
The delegate inclined his head. “It is our pleasure. We look forward to seeing what young Garrett will achieve with it.”
The crowd erupted into polite applause, but Garrett barely heard it. His mind was racing, his thoughts a whirlwind of panic and frustration. He knew what this was—a political ploy, a way to undermine House Fenralis by exposing Garrett’s weakness. And there was nothing he could do about it.
As the soiree continued, Garrett found himself drifting toward the edge of the clearing, his mind a storm of emotions. He was so lost in thought that he didn’t notice Cassian approaching until his brother was standing beside him.
“You okay?” Cassian asked, his voice low.
Garrett shook his head. “Not really. They’re trying to humiliate us, and I’m the one they’re using to do it.”
Cassian’s expression darkened, his usual calm demeanor cracking for a moment. “That smug, silver-haired prick,” he muttered, his voice dripping with venom. “I bet his cock is as small as his brain. Probably needs a magnifying glass to find it.”
Garrett blinked, caught off guard by Cassian’s sudden vulgarity. “Cassian, what the—”
“Don’t give me that look,” Cassian interrupted, his tone sharp but his eyes blazing with protectiveness. “You think I don’t see what they’re doing? They’re trying to make a fool of you, and by extension, all of us. But they’re the fools. They think they can embarrass House Fenralis and get away with it. Well, they’re wrong.”
Garrett stared at his brother, surprised by the intensity in his voice. Cassian was usually so composed, so polished. But now, alone with Garrett, he let his true feelings show—crass, petty, and fiercely loyal.
“You’re smarter than they are, Garrett,” Cassian continued, his voice low but fierce. “You’ve always been. You’ll find a way to turn this around. And if you don’t...” He trailed off, his eyes flicking toward the Leviathan and the Radiance in the sky. “Well, let’s just say House Draconis isn’t the only one with a starship.”
Garrett blinked, taken aback by the intensity in Cassian’s voice. “You’d really go that far? For me?”
Cassian’s expression softened, but his eyes remained fierce. “You’re my brother, Garrett. I’d do anything for you. Even if it means starting a war.”
For a moment, Garrett didn’t know what to say. Cassian’s words were a lifeline, a reminder that he wasn’t alone. But they also made him feel guilty. Cassian had always been the perfect heir, the one who could do no wrong. And Garrett... well, Garrett was just trying to keep up.
As the night wore on, Garrett found himself standing in front of the Solarion, its golden frame gleaming in the lantern light. He reached out, his fingers brushing against the cool metal. It was a beautiful machine, a testament to House Solarius’s skill and ingenuity. But it was also a reminder of everything he couldn’t do.
“Maybe,” he thought, his internal monologue tinged with sarcasm, “I’ll just use it as a very expensive paperweight. Or maybe I’ll figure out a way to make it work without magic. After all, I’m the one who reads books, right? Maybe I can outsmart them. Or, you know, accidentally blow myself up. That’s always an option.”
But deep down, he knew it wouldn’t be that easy. The Solarion was a symbol of his weakness, a reminder that he didn’t belong in this world of magic and power. And yet, as he stood there, staring at the machine, he felt a spark of determination. He might not have magic, but he had something else—something that no starship, no matter how massive, could take away from him.
He had his mind.
And he wasn’t going to let anyone take that away from him.