War was never worth dying for—not to Auren, the fourteen year old boy who only wished for a world void of pain. Of course, Auren acknowledged that for some, it was an honor. An honor to stand before their kingdom's heart with their chests bare, inviting the spears of their enemies to pierce at their skin. It was always so violent.

And much to his dismay, his older brother—Zarion—accepted this honour without a moment's hesitation. Auren could still recall when Zarion, with his chin held up high,