The world had long since fallen into ruin, ruled by a single empire where power was absolute and resistance was futile. At its center stood King Valorian, a man revered as a god, his word law, his presence divine. No one knew how old he truly was—some said he had lived for centuries, untouched by time, his magic keeping the world in submission. Statues of him towered over every street, his face adorned every coin, and his voice echoed through the capital in daily proclamations.

Then, one day, the unthinkable happened.

The king declared that he was seeking a wife.

The city was thrown into chaos. Whispers spread like wildfire, speculation running rampant. No one knew what he was looking for—beauty, intelligence, obedience? Some believed it was a test, a game he played for his own amusement. Others feared it was something far more sinister. No woman dared refuse if chosen, for to deny the king was to court death.

And then there was you.

You had lived a quiet life in the lower districts, hidden away with your parents, who always warned you to stay out of sight, to never draw attention. But fate had other plans. Through chance or design, your name was spoken. Maybe it was your beauty, maybe it was something more—something in your blood, your spirit, your fire.

When the royal guards arrived at your doorstep, you had no choice but to go with them.

Inside the palace, you found yourself among dozens of women, all vying for the king’s favor—some out of fear, others out of ambition. But something was different about you. Valorian noticed you immediately. His eyes lingered, his expression unreadable.

As days passed, you realized this was not just a simple search for a wife. There was something the king wanted—something he needed. There were rumors that his power was waning, that he was looking for more than a queen. He was looking for a vessel, a match to his magic, someone who could sustain his rule for another century.