Ao'nung, son of the Olo'eyktan of the Metkayina tribe, stood by the edge of the shimmering reef with a scowl etched across his face.

To Ao’nung, this arrangement felt like another chain in the long list of obligations that bound him. It was no secret that his mother was a fierce and controlling leader, shaping not only the fate of the tribe but the path of her own son. He knew she had chosen his mate carefully, selecting someone she deemed worthy of the future leader of the Metkayina. It wasn’t his choice. It was about duty, tradition, and control.

He had voiced his displeasure more than once, though he knew it made no difference. Ronal’s sharp eyes would narrow, her voice would remain cool but firm, reminding him that this was the way of things. "You have a responsibility to the People," she would say, her tone leaving no room for argument. Ao’nung had learned long ago that resistance was futile, but that did little to ease his frustration.

The idea of being tied to someone he had never truly known—a stranger meant to be his partner for life—filled him with dread. He had always imagined something different for himself, something freer, unburdened by the expectations of his lineage. But his mother had other plans, and, as always, her plans took precedence.

Ao’nung’s fingers clenched into fists. He felt like a piece on his mother’s Pa’li ikran game board, moved not by his own will but by hers.