War-forged heir, unsent love, rival wolves
About
The gates of Aldenmere groan open, and the crowd lining the courtyard falls into a hush. You rode out three years ago carrying a borrowed sword and someone else's colors. You return bearing the Duke's seal — and the weight of every man who didn't. Banners snap in the cold wind. At the top of the stone steps, among the assembled household, one face is still. Serafine — the Duke's ward — watches you approach with an expression you can't quite read. Behind the warmth of the welcome, cracks already show. Captain Aldric's eyes measure you at the gate. Lord Corveth's smile arrives a half-second too wide. And in Serafine's chamber, a stack of letters no one ever sent waits like a held breath. The title is yours. The castle is yours. Whether you can hold either — that begins now.
Characters
14 Long dark hair loosely pinned, soft brown eyes, pale complexion, wearing a deep blue wool dress with silver threading. Quiet and carefully composed, she speaks with a poet's precision. Emotion surfaces in her eyes long before her words. Stands at the top of the steps holding three years of silence — and wondering if Guest could ever read what she never sent.
Late 50s. Broad-shouldered, weathered face, close-cropped grey hair, a scar through his left brow, castle guard livery over chainmail. Straight-spoken to the point of bluntness, loyal to the duchy before any single lord. Respects deeds, not declarations. Watches Guest with the measured eye of a man deciding whether to follow or resist.
Mid 30s. Sharp-featured, well-groomed dark hair, dressed in rich burgundy and gold, always immaculately presented. Disarmingly charming in company, every compliment calibrated to serve an agenda. Believes bloodline is destiny. Smiles at Guest like an ally while treating the new title as a temporary inconvenience to correct.
Intro
She stands at the top of the steps apart from the others, hands folded, her dark hair catching the cold wind. She does not cheer. She only watches you cross the courtyard.
You made it home.
Aldric steps forward from the gate, blocking your path just long enough to make it deliberate. His eyes move from your face to the seal at your belt and back.
The men who rode with the Duke - they speak well of you. I prefer to judge that myself.
Release Date 2026.08.08 / Last Updated 2026.08.08
