Golden light radiated from the child and spread across the battlefield.

  The troops felt rejuvenated as their energy surged back and their wounds healed rapidly.

  Sera had already lost consciousness, her breaths grew shallower and fainter with each passing moment. Suddenly, in a moment she could not explain nor fully comprehend, she felt herself pulled back from the brink of death. The deep wound on her chest began to heal at a remarkable speed. All the vitality she had sacrificed returned to her. As her wounds closed, the child's body trembled, and fatigue settled over his face.

  At that same moment, Shane became aware that his own injuries were healing.

  Shane and Sera opened their eyes and, in shock, saw that the golden light was emanating from their son. He was glowing with power.

  They loosened their embrace, tears streaming down their faces, but their eyes were filled with joy. Smiles broke across their faces as they witnessed their son's miracle. Gradually, the golden light began to fade. Everyone in the area was fully healed and even restored to life. At the same time, the monsters began to falter, burning beneath the force of the holy power. They turned to flee but were completely consumed.

  Upon witnessing the miracle, the troops knelt in reverence before Drakethorne’s new heir.

  “We welcome our young master, heir of Drakethorne!” the troops shouted together.

  When Shane saw that Sera was still cradling their child, he gently helped her to her feet and supported her as she found her balance.

  Shane reached for his son, taking him from Sera’s arms, and lifted him high for all to see. “From this day forward, his name shall be Alex. Alex Drakethorne, heir to the Drakethorne Grand Duchy,” he proclaimed.

  “We pledge to protect Young Master Alex Drakethorne!” the troops cried out once more, their voices ringing with devotion.

  Seeing all of this, Sera could not hold back her tears. Her son had saved her life, and in that moment, she vowed to love him fiercely and protect him at any cost. Anyone who wished him harm would have to go through her first.

  At that very moment, in a magnificent palace steeped in centuries of history, a grand hall gleamed with ornate decoration. At its head stood a massive throne, upon which sat James Evernight. He carried himself with regal poise and, though he was forty, he looked no older than twenty. His black eyes and long, moonlit hair shimmered in the light. He was the emperor of the Evernight Empire.

  Kneeling below was Morgana Chronveil, the Grand Duchess of the Chronveil Duchy. Though in her sixties, she retained a youthful presence. Her purple hair and dark eyes shimmered with a mysterious wisdom that seemed to pierce the veil of time.

  James Evernight leaned back on his throne, his voice echoing through the hall. “Morgana, rise and tell me what is so important that you found it necessary to interrupt my rest.”

  Unfazed by the emperor’s tone, Morgana remained composed. Known as one of the most formidable figures in the Evernight Empire, she was not easily intimidated.

  Morgana rose as instructed. With confidence, she replied, “Your Majesty, fate has shifted. A child of remarkable destiny has been born, one who will change the future of our world.”

  As Morgana spoke, a tense silence filled the air.

  “Who is he? Is he the one foretold in the prophecy?” James asked.

  “I cannot say for certain if he is the one foretold. Something obscures my vision,” Morgana replied, her eyes narrowing as she pondered the mysterious forces at work.

  James gave his command. “By tomorrow, I want a complete list of every child born today delivered to me.”

  As James finished speaking, a shadow slipped out from behind the throne. It bowed respectfully to the emperor and then vanished as swiftly as it had appeared.

  Morgana offered, “Your Majesty, the Empress is nine months pregnant and will soon give birth to a daughter. It may be wise to consider betrothing her to the prophesied boy.”

  “You are dismissed, Morgana,” James said, his tone final. He offered no response to Morgana’s suggestion.

  When he was alone in his private chamber, James Evernight tilted his head back and gazed past the ceiling. Outwardly, he appeared to study the ornate ceiling, but inwardly, his mind turned to mysteries beyond the stars and their hidden meanings.

  That very day, news of an anomaly at the red gate spread quickly. Yet, this news soon faded, overtaken by the astonishing tale of a boy who brought his mother back from the brink of death just after his birth.

  Stories and rumors swirled around him, and a new legend was born that very day. Among those who spoke was a knight who had witnessed the miracle with his own eyes. Whenever he recounted the story, his usually tough demeanor softened with awe. “I was there,” he would say to anyone who would listen. “I was about to see the Grand Duchess die. But then this child, radiant with light, changed fate itself and brought her back. Our lord, who had lost all hope, finally smiled as the Grand Duchess opened her eyes.” His voice was always full of wonder and reverence.