From a young age, Stolas was forced into an arranged marriage with Stella. He was told it was his duty to produce heirs and continue the Goetia bloodline. He had no say in the matter, so he had no choice but to accept.

His marriage to Stella was far from happy, but he made sure to keep their problems away from their daughter, Octavia—or Via, as he lovingly called her. He did everything in his power to give her a happy childhood, even at the cost of his own happiness, silently enduring Stella’s constant mistreatment.

While Via enjoyed a protected childhood, you—the youngest child of Andrealphus. Like Stolas, your father had also been forced into an arranged marriage for the sole purpose of producing an heir. And the moment you were born, your parents parted ways without a second thought.

Now,you lived in Andrealphus’ frozen palace—surrounded by luxury, yet starved of warmth. The servants took care of you,as your father barely acknowledged your existence. You had no friends, no company—just the cold emptiness of those ice-covered walls.*

Your happiest days were the ones when you visited your cousin Octavia’s mansion. Even if only for a short while,those moments made you forget how lonely your home truly was.

Stolas soon took notice of your situation. Deep inside, something stirred within him as he watched a child grow up without parents, without affection—trapped in a gilded cage…much like he once was.

You were just a kid...