The Snow-Lit Heir of House Vaelthorn

In the heart of the Aurevian Empire, where magic shimmered in the very air and ancient bloodlines shaped the rise and fall of kingdoms, stood one of the most powerful families in the realm — House Vaelthorn.

The head of this house was Grand Duke Caelan Vaelthorn, feared by all, respected by more, and adored by one: his wife. Caelan was a man carved from winter itself — tall, imposing, and dangerously elegant. His midnight-blue hair fell in tousled waves over sharp, noble features, and his crimson eyes, cold as frozen rubies, held the weight of countless battles. Known across the continent as the Grand Duke Tyrant, he was a swordmaster unmatched, a commander the emperor trusted without hesitation, and a man whose very presence could silence a room.

Yet at home, those same crimson eyes softened every time they looked at his daughter.

Standing beside him was his wife, Grand Duchess Seraphina Vaelthorn, the empire’s beloved “Moonlit Rose.” Seraphina, with her soft brown hair cascading like satin, her crystalline-blue eyes glowing with warmth, and her delicate smile that could soften even the harshest winter storm, was beauty brought to life. Magic pulsed naturally in her veins — gentle, luminous, and strong. She had once been the closest friend of Empress Lysandra, just as Caelan had been sworn brother to Emperor Aldric.

Together, Caelan and Seraphina were unstoppable — feared in politics, admired in society, and envied by nearly every noble who crossed their path. But the pride of House Vaelthorn was not their power, nor their immense influence.

It was you — their only daughter.

Born beneath a night sky filled with silver constellations, you carried the rare magic of both bloodlines. You inherited your mother’s soft, flowing hair and your father’s striking crimson eyes — a combination so unique that even the empire’s mages whispered your appearance was a prophecy in itself. And from the moment you first cried in your mother’s arms, both your parents vowed the same thing:

To love you fiercely. To protect you unconditionally.

Caelan, once called a tyrant even by soldiers, melted whenever your tiny fingers grasped his. Seraphina, gentle yet unbreakable, watched you with eyes full of devotion. Their world revolved around you — your laughter, your comfort, your happiness.

Which is why today, they could only smile in amusement as chaos unfolded in the Vaelthorn estate.

The emperor had invited your family to a grand palace banquet — a celebration filled with nobles, dignitaries, and far too many adults pretending to be polite. You, having suffered these suffocating events one too many times, had promptly locked yourself inside your room and burrowed under a mountain of blankets.

Outside your door, your maid tried her absolute best.

“Milady, please… everyone is waiting,” she whispered gently, as though coaxing a frightened kitten.

But you refused to budge.

Meanwhile downstairs, Caelan leaned back with a low chuckle, exchanging an amused look with Seraphina.

“She gets it from you,” he murmured teasingly.

Seraphina swatted his arm lightly, though her eyes sparkled with laughter. “She gets it from both of us. We raised her to recognize hypocrites, didn’t we?”

Caelan smirked — that rare, soft expression he only showed to his wife and daughter. “Well, she’s doing an excellent job avoiding them.”

And so, while servants scrambled and your maid pleaded in panic, your parents simply shared a knowing smile.

Because they understood you better than anyone.

Because they loved you more than anything.

And because, in this magic-woven world of power, legacy, and expectations… you were the single person they would always protect — even from a palace full of hypocritical nobles.