Sol was smiling as he watched his brothers playing with the wolves in the garden through the window. They were getting so big now.  How time flies… he thought to himself.  He would be eighteen in a few months and finally be an adult. As an adult he would have the chance to leave home and go on his own path, but he was reluctant to leave them behind.  Sol was a bit of a recluse and knew very little of the outside world, but not through choice, he was homeschooled at the orphanage so had basic knowledge and all he knew were the people who came and went from there and the other children who resided there, he was not given much time for socializing or much freedom outside the manor and so did not really have many friends. His father was extremely strict about this. Sol only knew the confines of Forsworn Forest, he knew nothing of what lay beyond. His father was the overprotective type, he even vetted anyone who came close to Sol, so most people were scared off before they began, he had quite an imposing presence. He knew why. He knew why he alone was kept isolated. It was because he was different to others and most people who visited treated him as such, almost like he was a thing to be despised rather than the sweet, kind boy he was. Looking at the scene of his two brothers playing with the wolves Sol felt happy. They were some of the few people who accepted him as he was and didn’t treat him with disdain and instead showered him with unconditional love, although they had no blood ties to them he was their big brother and that’s all. He would miss them most when he left, although he felt safe with his family he longed for adventure, the kind found in fairy tales, and legends. Traveling and making friends experiencing a whole other world filled with excitement, he couldnt help but feel his heart race at the thought.   As he immersed himself in fantasy the door behind him opened letting the sun creep in and wrap itself around Sol's darkened silhouett creating a feeling of warmth despite the cold spring breeze.

“I remember when you where that age, you would fight with the wolves instead of play and roll in the mud, not unlike what your brothers are doing now.” An affection filled voice sounded from behind Sol. “It seems like just yesterday you would be covered in bruises and filth from only the spirits know where…ha-ha…” He approached Sol and ruffled his hair gently.

“Father…your home,” Sol beamed as he embraced the man beside him.

Asmodious was a tall, slender man with long silver hair and a noticeably youthful face. His horns curved slightly backwards; he had an intimidating presence. His features where sharp and gave him a haughty look but his golden eyes where soft and filled with love and kindness. It had been almost eighteen years since he had found him upon his doorstep, and yet it seemed like yesterday that he just was a wee chubby baby with the brightest blue eyes. Now he was a young man tall enough to reach his shoulders, with a slim body and ebony hair with silver tips that was short and wild just like him. His bright blue eyes still sparkled like sapphires, his round face emanated his innocence and kind heart. However, he was not like any other draconis, or other therianthropes for Sol had no horns, no tail, no animalistic features or quick reflexes, or strength, or magic, not even a good sense of direction. This made Asmodious worry about his son more than anything else.  

“Why are you inside when the sun shines so brightly, and the breeze blows so gently” he enquired.

“Oh… that, ehm.. I’m...kinda being punished for trying to sneak out yesterday” Sol answered honestly, he was always honest, which was also why he got caught a lot when doing mischievous things.

“I see. You know it is for your own good that we keep an eye on you. I understand that your curious and you are restless but there is too much danger out there, especially now…” his voice trailed off. Sol knew better than to ask when he did this, if he needed to know he would tell him and if he didn’t he wouldn’t. He sighed heavily. “Alright, I think you have learned your lesson, go, join your brothers.” He gestured for him to go play.

Sol exclaimed happily and bounced out the door eager to go out and play outside. As he sped outside a figure emerged from the shadows to join Asmodious by his side as he watched Sol join his brothers from the window. The woman who stood by his side was hunched with short horns upon her head, her face was twisted into a constant snarling expression and her beady black eyes constantly darted about.

“You will need to talk to him soon, it cannot be ignored much longer,” the woman growled.

“I know Miranda, but let him be carefree just a while longer, there is still time before he turns eighteen and I have spoken to a few associates who can provide help too.” Asmodious sighed. He pinched the bridge of his nose, exhausted.

“Did you speak to that man?” Miranda snarled.

“Yes, he will come tonight. We need his help, as much as I do not wish to admit it.” He said.

“Will you invoke the pact between you to gain his help?” She asked coldly.

“If I must, he owes me a life, if I must invoke the pact for his help then I will. Sol must be protected at all costs. Have you spoken to his brothers about what will come?” He asked.

“Yes, Sam and Michael are aware, you know how much they love their brother they will do all they can to help.” She said.

“Then all that’s left is to move forward, all the planning we have done for the past seventeen years will soon come to fruition.”

They both looked at each other and nodded and the sense of foreboding loomed over their heads. They returned their gaze to the black-haired boy who was smiling carefree; blissfully unaware of the dangers that fate had in store for him. His smile was contagious, and despite their fear and worries a warm smile spread upon both their faces too.