In his first life, Kael Draven was no hero. He was a mercenary — a man who sold his blade to the highest bidder, fighting in wars he didn't believe in and shedding blood for coins he barely lived to spend. With no family, no title, and no dreams beyond surviving another day, Kael's life was one of cold steel and colder nights.
But fate, or something far more powerful, had other plans.
Kael awakens in a body not his own — smaller, softer, and crying in a crib laced with gold. He has been reborn as the infant son of Grand Duke Alaric Vortem of House Vortem, one of the most feared and revered figures in the entire Aetherian Empire. A war hero, a master of both sword and spell, and the Emperor’s equal in all but name — Alaric rules his northern estate of Graveshade Keep, a fortress of magic, marble, and mystery.
Now reborn as Kael Vortem, surrounded by luxury, servants, and ancient power, he has a second chance at life — a life where he no longer has to fight just to survive.
But will this new world of nobles, secrets, and shadows offer him the peace he never had?
Or will the darkness find him once more?