House Valcrest was one of the oldest noble houses in the Kingdom of Lionheart.
For generations, the Valcrest name had been associated with loyalty, discipline, and strength. Their golden lion crest could be found carved into ancient monuments throughout the capital, a reminder of the family's long service to the crown.
At the head of the family stood Lord Edric Valcrest.
Edric was a disciplined man who rarely raised his voice and even more rarely showed emotion. His golden hair—the famous golden lion's mane associated with Lionheart's oldest noble bloodlines—made his heritage unmistakable.
His wife, Lady Eleanor, was his opposite in many ways.
Where Edric commanded respect through silence and discipline, Eleanor possessed a warmth that seemed to follow her wherever she went. Her silver hair framed gentle features, and her presence softened even the imposing halls of Valcrest Manor.
Together, they had four children.
Eight-year-old Elara was the eldest, a talented young mana wielder already showing remarkable promise.
Five-year-old Lucious was adventurous, curious, and seemingly incapable of staying away from anything that looked remotely dangerous.
Edric Valcrest Junior, only four, was his father's namesake and inherited much of his appearance, including the unmistakable golden hair of the Valcrest bloodline.
And finally, there was Lillian—the infant youngest daughter of the family, still far too young to understand the expectations that came with the Valcrest name.
On this particular afternoon, however, noble bloodlines and family expectations were the last things on Lucious's mind.
He was much more concerned with hitting his sister with a wooden sword.
"Stop running!"
"I'm not running!"
Elara laughed as she easily stepped away from another wild swing.
"You are absolutely running!"
"No, I'm strategically moving!"
"That's called running, Lucy."
Lucious frowned.
"Don't call me Lucy."
That only made Elara laugh harder.
Lucious tightened both hands around his wooden practice sword and charged.
Their wooden blades cracked together.
Elara redirected his attack with practiced ease, forcing Lucious past her.
He stumbled several steps before managing to regain his balance.
"Almost fell," Elara teased.
"I didn't."
"Almost."
"Didn't."
From beneath the shade of a nearby tree, Lady Eleanor watched the exchange with an amused smile.
Junior sat beside her, clutching a carved wooden lion as he excitedly followed every strike.
"Get her, Lucious!"
Eleanor glanced down at him.
"Junior."
"What?"
"You're supposed to cheer for both of them."
Junior thought about that.
"Get each other!"
Eleanor covered her mouth to hide a laugh.
VOCÊ ESTÁ LENDO
The Dark Shadow
FantasiaFive-year-old Lucious Valcrest has always lived beneath the shadow of his family's legendary name-but to him, today is just another afternoon sparring with his older sister. Until their father begins watching. A playful duel suddenly turns dangerous...
