King Alaric Vaelthorne was born beneath a blood-red dawn on the twenty-first day of the Winter Solstice, an omen recorded by royal astrologers as both a blessing and a warning. He was the first son of King Edrion Vaelthorne and Queen Maelis of the Dawn Court, born into a dynasty already centuries old, its roots tangled in conquest, sacrifice, and unbroken rule. From the moment he drew breath, the fate of the realm rested upon his shoulders.As a child, Alaric was quiet, observant, and unnervingly serious. While other princes played at sword fights, he studied maps, listened to council meetings from behind carved doors, and memorized the names of fallen kings. His tutors noted early that he possessed an exceptional memory and a frightening sense of responsibility. He wept rarely—but when he did, it was never for himself.As a child, Alaric was quiet, observant, and unnervingly serious. While other princes played at sword fights, he studied maps, listened to council meetings from behind carved doors, and memorized the names of fallen kings. His tutors noted early that he possessed an exceptional memory and a frightening sense of responsibility. He wept rarely—but when he did, it was never for himself.