*Siblings Unite
The grand ceremony hall buzzed with excitement, the voices of nobles, dignitaries, and guests mingling in a lively hum. They had come from every corner of Celestoria, drawn together by one momentous occasion: Prince Ivan’s coronation. For months, the kingdom had waited for this day, the halls of the palace alive with celebration. Yet amid the laughter and joy, Ivan felt a quiet tension pressing down on him.
By the window of his chamber, Ivan stood still, his gaze fixed on the vast landscape beyond. The forests of Celestoria stretched endlessly, the kingdom vibrant and alive, yet carrying an invisible weight. Ivan’s chest rose and fell in steady breaths as he searched the horizon, as though it might hold the answer to the doubts clouding his mind. The crown was more than a symbol—it was a promise, a burden, and a future he wasn’t sure he was ready to face.
“Pepper,” Ivan called softly, turning toward his advisor, who entered the room with measured steps. “Is everything ready?”
Pepper inclined his head, the silver strands in his hair catching the sunlight streaming in from the window. His calm demeanor was steadying, though his perceptive eyes hinted at quiet concern. “All is prepared, Your Highness. The kingdom awaits you. But remember—" his tone softened—“the crown is not merely an ornament. It is a weight, one only the truly worthy can carry.”
Ivan’s lips pressed into a thin line, his jaw tightening. The reminder felt heavier than the crown itself. “I’m ready,” he said after a pause, though his voice carried a thread of uncertainty. “I have to be.”
Pepper gave him a small, knowing smile, his tone warm. “You are more ready than you think, Ivan. Have faith in yourself.”
Meanwhile, outside the palace, the crowd was alive with anticipation. Laughter and cheers rang out as the people gathered, their excitement growing with every passing moment. The sound reached a crescendo when a familiar figure stepped into view.
Prince Ember strode through the courtyard, his auburn hair catching the sunlight in fiery streaks. His confident stride turned heads, and whispers rippled through the crowd.
“There he is! Prince Ember!” a young woman exclaimed, her hands clasped together. “They say he’s even more handsome in person.”
“Look at him,” another murmured, eyes wide with admiration. “I swear, he has to notice me this time!”
Ember caught their reactions and smirked, clearly enjoying the attention. With a dramatic flourish, he stopped and addressed them. “Ladies,” he said, his orange eyes sparkling mischievously, “while your beauty shines, I must admit my heart seeks danger today—perhaps I’ll find it here.”
Laughter rippled through the crowd, the playful tease only adding to his charm. Ember waved them off with a wink and strode toward the palace doors, the picture of easy confidence. Inside, he was met by his youngest brother, Caden, practically bouncing on his heels with excitement.
“Brother!” Caden’s voice rang out, bright with enthusiasm. His youthful energy was infectious as he rushed over. “When’s it happening? When will Ivan wear the crown? I’ve been waiting forever!”
Ember laughed, ruffling Caden’s hair affectionately. “Patience, little one. You’ll see soon enough. But first, let’s get through the coronation. We’ve got a big day ahead.”
Caden grinned, practically skipping away to find his place among the guests, already imagining the grand moment.
Inside the hall, the chatter of nobles filled the air, though it quieted as the royal family entered. The room was a vision of splendor, with banners and tapestries telling the story of Celestoria’s past, but all eyes were on Ivan. His siblings flanked him, Ember’s fiery confidence and Caden’s unbridled joy drawing attention of their own. Ivan walked with a measured pace, every step deliberate, as though rehearsing for the role of king in real-time.
“Big brother!” Caden’s voice rang out, cutting through the solemn silence of the hall. “Hurry up and put on the crown! Then we can go on that trip you promised!”
Laughter rippled softly through the room at Caden’s innocence. Ivan turned toward him, his expression softening. “Soon, Caden,” he said, his voice warm. “First, let’s focus on today.”
As the crowd cheered, Ivan approached the altar where the crown awaited him. Its golden surface glinted in the light, a symbol of both the kingdom’s legacy and the heavy responsibility that came with it. His hand hovered over it, a flicker of doubt flashing in his eyes.
But just as his fingers brushed the crown, a loud crash echoed through the hall. The doors flew open with a force that sent a ripple of shock through the gathered crowd. Gasps and murmurs spread like wildfire, and every head turned toward the doorway.
From the shadows emerged a figure cloaked in darkness. Its form shifted unnaturally, tendrils of shadow curling and twisting around it. The very air seemed to grow colder as it stepped into the light, its gaze sweeping across the hall with an unsettling intensity.
“Behold, Celestorians,” the figure spoke, its voice low and dripping with menace. “You have earned my attention.”
The silence that followed was deafening. The crowd shrank back, fear rippling through the room. Guards rushed forward, weapons drawn, but their hands trembled, the oppressive presence of the figure shaking their resolve.
Before anyone could act, shadowy tendrils lashed out with unnatural speed, striking toward Caden. In an instant, they wrapped around him, pulling him away with suffocating force.
“Caden!” Ember’s voice rang out, raw and panicked, as he lunged for his brother.
The room descended into chaos. Ivan froze, the weight of the moment crashing down on him. The crown, the kingdom—it all seemed distant now as his brother’s life hung in the balance.
End of Part 2.
AUTHOR'S NOTE
In this part I tried to make simple outline art, if anyone have suggestion please tell me, :)
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