It was raining heavily—the day Queen Arianna was laid to rest.
Even the heavens seemed to mourn her sudden death, pouring rain relentlessly as if the skies themselves were grieving.
Demetrio and Ezekiel appeared before the tomb where Arianna was buried.
Demetrio's eyes glowed red, his face stoic, betraying no emotion, yet his grief was palpable. His sorrow had enraged the skies, and the rain poured harder. He mourned for his mate, Arianna, who had died during childbirth.
"Are you sure about this, Demetrio?" Ezekiel asked, his voice tinged with concern, but Demetrio didn't reply.
Raising his hands, lightning struck Arianna's tomb, splitting it open.
Demetrio lifted his hands higher, and Arianna's body floated toward him, guided by some unseen force.
He stretched his arms, and the lifeless body landed in them.
Without warning, He vanished into the storm, carrying Arianna with him.
"He didn't even close the tomb," Ezekiel muttered with a sigh, closing it himself before disappearing.
NINE YEARS LATER
A little boy, about eight years old, trudged through the castle corridors, heading toward his chamber.
He was lonely and sad—no one wanted him. Not even his own father. His half-brother and half-sister despised him. Yet, despite the isolation, he carried an otherworldly beauty.
His amber eyes glowed like his mother's, Arianna's, and anyone who saw him whispered among themselves.
" Isn't that Dario… the second prince?"
" Such a lonely loner."
" I heard he killed his mother… yes, she died giving birth to him."
" He's so cute… is he even from this planet? Imagine how girls will fall for him when he grows older."
" An unwanted child… even the king despises him."
Dario could hear every word. His jaw clenched, but he didn't react—he had grown accustomed to the whispers.
"Hey, Nemesis!" a harsh voice called from behind. Dario knew immediately who it was.
It was the first prince—son of the first queen.
"I'm calling you a bastard!" the boy growled as he strode toward Dario, glaring down at him aggressively. He's few years older than him, but that didn't intimidate the younger boy.
"I'm talking to you!" the first prince shoved him. Dario staggered slightly but quickly regained his balance, standing firm.
"Leave me alone, Javier. I don't have the strength for your stupidity right now," Dario muttered, brushing past him and continuing on his way.