Princess Bridgett of Teca was being crowned in a grand ceremony filled with vibrant colors, golden sunlight, and joyous music echoing through the temple. Nobles, warriors, and citizens alike filled the courtyard, watching with pride and admiration as Brknelt before her mother, Queen Teca, who smiled warmly and placed the ornate, glimmering crown upon her daughter’s head.

But just as the crown touched Bridgett’s brow, the earth beneath them began to tremble violently. The sky darkened, and a thunderous crack split the air. An earthquake shook the kingdom, sending birds flying and cups clattering to the ground. Gasps rose from the crowd, and fear rippled through the gathering like wildfire.

Everyone panicked, and all eyes turned toward the dense forest that bordered the ceremonial grounds. The trees rustled unnaturally, parting like curtains as a massive skeletal lion with glowing red eyes stepped from the foliage, its bones creaking ominously with every step. Upon its back sat a dark, armored figure cloaked in shadows, their black cape fluttering in the wind.

Everyone watched in stunned silence as the figure dismounted with a practiced grace. With a firm gesture, they drove a flagpole into the earth—its banner bearing the grim symbol of the underworld. Then, the stranger removed their black, bat-winged helmet, revealing the face of a striking young man. His hair was stark white, falling in smooth waves, and his skin was pale as moonlight, giving him an almost ghostly beauty.

"Great King and Queen of Teca! Allow me to introduce myself,” he declared, his voice clear and commanding as he stepped forward across the trembling ground. “I am Zatz, the Prince of Bats."

Gasps and whispers spread through the crowd like wind through reeds.

The queen stepped forward, her tone protective and stern. "Why are you here now?"

Zatz’s expression was unreadable as he gave a small bow, then straightened. "Please, just give me my future wife and I'll be on my way."