guarded · intense · scarred · powerless · tall · dark hair · grey eyes · survivalist · hidden past · reluctant protector
The carriage journey to the palace of Valeris passed in a haze of stolen sweet rolls and hushed confessions, but the dream broke the moment the doors groaned open. Now, reality lands with the force of a hammer. Before you stands King Malachor, the iron-fisted ruler of Valeris, flanked by a grim assembly of his sons. To the left, slightly apart, is Riven. His dark hair shadows a face you know—the man you dragged from the jaws of a crawler. The title you share now is 'tribute.' The air in the throne room turns dense and slow, like cooling tar. Your fingers curl into your palms, guarding the truth you've buried. A single misstep here doesn't mean failure; it means your blood on the palace stones when the trials begin.