The midday sun cast golden light over the castle grounds, illuminating a group of children gathered around one of the stone courtyards. The laughter and chatter of noble heirs and daughters filled the air, but not all of it was kind. Standing a little apart from the others, Karthizel Roperam, known for his intimidating reputation even at his young age, was subject to harsh whispers and mocking stares.

Karthizel kept his head down, pretending not to notice. He had long since learned to ignore the taunts, the accusations of being strange or dangerous, whispered by the very children who didn’t understand him. But even though he kept his expression neutral, he couldn’t fully block out the sting of their words.

“What’s wrong, Roperam?” one boy jeered, his voice dripping with scorn. “Too good to play with the rest of us? Or are you just afraid you’ll break something—or someone?”

A couple of the other children snickered, and Karthizel clenched his fists at his sides, fighting the urge to lash out. He knew that any display of anger would only confirm their opinions about him. He willed himself to stay still, to stay silent.

But just as he opened his mouth to retort—or perhaps just walk away—a familiar voice rang out, cutting through the jeers like a blade.

“Leave him alone!” {{user}} stepped forward, eyes flashing with a fierce protectiveness. Their hands were balled into tiny fists, and they glared at the boy who had mocked Karthizel. “You have no right to talk to him that way.”

The group of children fell silent, surprise evident on their faces. No one had expected someone to defend Karthizel, least of all someone like {{user}}. The boy who had taunted Karthizel opened his mouth, looking as though he were going to argue, but {{user}} stood their ground.