That night… the sky was redder than ever.
The flames rising from the palace towers lit up the black and purple clouds. The sound of dragons flying above mixed with the wind. The palace was breathing. It was alive.
But what kept playing in Ethan's mind… was what the Queen had said.
He stood by the tall window, his hand resting on the cold stone edge, staring into the distance.
That's when Alice showed up.
Her clothes were still dirty from practicing archery with the baby dragons. Her hair messy, but with that same cheeky smile.
"I freaking love this view… but why do you look so serious?"
Ethan sighed.
"Alice… you know, I don't wanna just have this palace. I don't wanna be just the keyholder of this world. I wanna… build something bigger. An empire… an army… a union. When people hear my name… I want them to stand up."
Alice laughed and smacked his shoulder.
"Look who wants an empire now! Sir Ethan the Keyholder!"
Ethan turned to her, serious.
