Chapter Text
Nothingness.
At the very start of everything, there was always nothing; silence that encased everything, yet nothing at the same time, an endless abyssal void shrouded each crevice of the world. Coinciding with this silence, chaos silently hummed — not in a way that was loud, in a way that it was simply there, existing and waiting.
Barren lands stretched across as far as the eye could see; soils that festered nothing but more but skeletal structures of dead creatures, shredded pieces of flesh scattered across countless battlefields forged through war and conflict, trees that were nothing more than branches of skeletal remains and bodies lying across it, their blood enriching the god-forsaken land. Festering hatred from the endless waning of souls that couldn’t rest once more.
Incessant chest-torn screams of battle-cries reverberated throughout battlefields, swords clanging with one-another as blood covered every realm, an inescapable and inevitable cycle of violence. Bloodshed was never forlorn in any realm, a force driven by every living being — a necessary part of the natural order.
Life couldn’t bloom in many circumstances; souls weeped in every corner of the world, civilisations burnt and forgotten within centuries, the ground yearned for relief from the constant battling it had to endure. The violent struggle for survival meant new kinds of species were born, the races were forced to adapt and keep their standing on the food chain.
Monsters roused from the deep corners of the world, warriors and adventurers scavenged for purchase in the lands. Beasts came and rumbled a new age of death and conquest; foes forced into alliances to conquer and slay the new obstacles the world nurtured, life taking its course down the natural order.
Valiant cries erupted all across from countless centuries; bloodshed, betrayal, brutality. Unfathomable battles fought for marred land, warriors fighting for a war they couldn’t understand, families torn apart by grief — an endless cycle of violence that never stopped. Knights bestowed with meaningless honour, their forgotten senses of justice branded with their bloodstained swords.
Violence didn’t only take one form.
Political warfare happened in secrecy, lies and deception, their main forté. Shadows lurked beneath each crevice of the hierarchy placed upon the races — it took any form. Incongruency were their weapons, the shadows and blinded views being their shields. Kingdoms toppled down from its simplicity; wine laced with ill intent, daggers slit across larynxes, coercion controlling speech.
Such little fanfare, and yet, the effect remained catastrophic.
Fragments of the gods were scattered amongst each race, sacred pieces embedded within each respective nation.
Kingdoms were built within decades, an order placed amongst all the races; rules established across every continent, a hierarchy placed for so-called order, wealth determining whether or not you deserved to live. Mages rose from the ranks and people, each race having their own attributes, some potent in power, whilst some thrived in their intelligence, and others thrived in silence.
Countless species coexisted for their own sakes, deals made for their own gains, treachery amongst comrades and nobles. Unity was a fickle mindset, a different form of cowardice and naivety, it was simply twisted by others to contort the form into what they wished for; power, betrayal, wealth. Each race had one goal and only one — the throne of supremacy and authority.
Humanity began as a quiet whisper amongst the races, a group who were seen as nothing more than fodder for the higher races. Their human fragility was seen as flawed — a weakness. Humanity couldn’t afford the luxury of survival, generations scattered amongst the lands and slowly dwindled with each passing moment; ambition turned into cowardice, pride turned into humility, beauty turned into fragility — their hope for a new beginning scattered and destroyed as bloodshed entered the picture.
And then it happened—
A being descended.
One that had no name, one that nurtured no kindness nor ill intent — it simply came and watched the world unravel itself.
Beneath its feet rose the very fabrics of nature itself, the very labour that beings would die for; ambrosia flowed from its fingertips and washed away the sinful blood, nature’s essence of groves sprouted from beneath the very ground it stood, crystalline lakes formed and washed down in streams and flowed through the world.
An ethereal glow surrounded the place it stood; the miasma of venomous death and poison were replaced with gentle streams of zephyr, its rejuvenating nature acting as a soothing balm for the painful wounds and bloodshed that occurred within its presence. In its wake, a masterpiece bloomed; moonlit dews awakened with blessings from the gods, silken petals danced across the breeze — enchanted songs laid in its wake.
The quiet embrace of the earth unfurled in a single instant. Life rose with a gentle grace as a harmonic convergence rippled through every living being, binding all creation in a single breath; yet beneath its tranquil beauty lingered something untamed, it was as though the world itself had become chaos incarnate, where countless beings, cognitions, and beating hearts collided in a magnificent symphony that only a god could implement.
Even the faintest sparks can create the largest wildfires.
Each race had already received their own powers from different gods and artifacts — their ignorance became their shields. They simply saw the arrival of this ‘being’ as a nuisance, a new disturbance that needed to be surveyed and resolved in the future. It had given them gifts in the form of rejuvenated areas to conquer, newfound powers given to them in unexpected ways.
A silent thrum thread across them however, they simply saw this arrival as an omen, a countdown to what the future will sought from them.
But humanity—
Humanity saw this as a blessing.
They adapted to this newfound power, pushing themselves to countless limits for the sole purpose of survival. Humanity discovered new ways to test themselves, new methods to increase their rates of survival — not power, not strength, survival. Innovations dawned upon them; the idea to extract minerals and ores, to trade with the other races to feed their own dwindling bodies. The races who once shunned them out now saw them as a growing population — yet they couldn’t fathom the threat that was growing alongside them.
Mages across the lands grew within each passing generation, knowledge passed down in secrecy, the legacy for each different human unique to their own. Time stretched far and wide, knowledge learnt and traded across the lands.
Peace became a normality across the land; former foes now shared cities, alliances forged through blood and relationships, love binding those unbeknownst to it. Hushed whispers of new species’ being formed; humans intertwined with other races, dwarves, beasts, and even dragons — if those chosen could bear the legacy.
The unthinkable became an innate feature, children of mixed heritages and races became common, bearing traits and abilities that no lone race possessed before. Harmony bloomed across the world, a new era began unraveling itself for all to witness, the future ever changing.
Competition and survival still continued to gnaw its way through the crevices.
A new hierarchy was placed upon the world, not built on wars, bloodshed, or brutality, but solely on their prowess. Those who were blessed and gifted from their heritage climbed the very top, their bloodlines aiding each predicament they faced with superiority. Those who couldn’t reach the top simply stayed at rock bottom, those who lacked talent simply couldn’t compete. Nobility was formed through wealth and power, names which were unheard of now resonated across the lands. Classes built solely around this new hierarchy of power, ambition and survival interlinked with one another.
Humanity, once long considered the weakest, sat at the epicentre of this new change. They adapted faster and better than most races, relying on the abilities they were bestowed with. They absorbed knowledge like it was the gods ambrosia itself, new magic systems implemented rapidly. A short amount of generations passed and humanity stood amongst the races like equals, proving themselves to be a force that needed to be reckoned with.
Though, this simply introduced a new problem. Every light casts a shadow; every sleep casts its own burden. Every gift had its own toll for a price. To the old kingdoms, mankind’s rise was simply heralded by betrayal of their sacred ancestry, and every union beyond their blood was simply seen as a crack widening in the foundation of the world.
As humanity climbed from the burnt ashes of the old empires, the elders whispered in hushed tones; they did not see hope or opportunities for the future, but instead witnessed a tide of broken oaths. Love simply became a nuisance in their eyes, their legacies tainted with the marks of humanity and the naivety of the youth.
Above all clans, those who were bestowed with power rose to the ranks and held authority to those beneath them. Glory resounded throughout the world, cheers and celebrations of victories, civilizations growing each day, riches of wars held tightly in bloodstained hands. Flaunted power in broad daylight by tyrants alike, the swords of soldiers branded with bloodied justice, wealth ever-growing. Councils grew in secrecy, crowned as guardians of the realms, and had now become gilded nests of vipers; where every whispered decree of law and life weighed in gold and value rather than honor — blinded justice kneeled before the tyrant's gaze.
In silence and secrecy, a clan rested at the peak of all. They did not rule from gilded thrones or proclaim their dominion with banners and flaunted power; unseen sovereigns hidden beneath the shadowed veils, influence woven through whispered oaths, sealed scrolls and silent monarchs that stretched farther than any army could reach. Kings rose and kingdoms fell at the faintest gestures of their hidden hands, yet few could ever speak their names above a hushed whisper. To the world, they were nothing more than a myth—a ghostly lineage cloaked in eternal shadow—but among the scholars and scribes alike, unspoken truth lingered; when silence settled over the realms, it was them who listened in every conversation. Those who knew of their existence feared the power held between their grasps, the truth became their swords and the lies became their truths.
They did not trace their lineage to bigoted kings or arrogant gods, but to the endless silence that existed long before the tyranny that stretched across the horizons. Long before time flowed down the streams of its course, before the stars dared to burn and shine in the night, there was only the endless Void—a primordial force that seemed to have no beginning or end, vast enough to cradle existence and those around it, yet ancient enough to remember what came before it. The first echoes of creation disturbed its eternal stillness, the Void scattered fragments of its boundless essence to the chosen few, marking them as their own. Those touched by the breath of the Void became a new race, a new hybrid, a new species in its entirety.
The shadows did not become their servants or soldiers, but as kin, bending the silent emptiness into blades, veils and disasters that would strike their foes. To them, silence was a sacred language, where people spoke, silence ruled in the depths of the world. The darkness became their sanctuaries, an oblivion seemingly without an end, but the first truth from which all things are born and raised; and to which all things must one day return to the Void.
They did not wage wars with flaunted banners or conquer with grandiose armies—they ruled from the spaces between hushed whispers and secrets. The power they held was silence given form, secrecy molded into deadly weapons, and the darkness woven into unbendable walls. No fortress could pass their knowing gazes, no protected chamber could hold their secrets, and no oath spoken in confidence could escape the Void’s endless presence.
Their arrival did not dawn with footsteps or trumpets, traces left when they departed — leaving only the chilling traces of their presence. Kings and tyrants alike who commanded legions lowered their crowns and kneeled on their branded justice when those who were blessed by the Void were named. For every ruler knows that the kingdoms can survive sieges and famines across the lands, but none could survive becoming the Void’s unseen targets.
Their influence spread like a solar eclipse—slow, inevitable, and absolute—until emperors signed treaties they did not remember they made, generals and commanders abandoned battles before they even began. Across the ages and generations, one truth has endured above all the others: power commanded obedience, but the fear of the Void was woven long before power ruled all.
Only those brave enough dared to speak their name,
Humanity forged their alliances with them as soon as they could,
Races saw their power; fear and respect blended into one,
Their names hindered the mouths to those who spoke of them,
The Voidborne Family.
Beyond the furthest reaches of the known world lay the Void, an endless abyss where even time itself faltered, sounds swallowed, and even light surrendered to the eternal darkness. Silence hung above every corner of the firmament; there was no cycle of night or day, just the cold—yet comforting—-expanse of the realm.
In its heart rested a kingdom; its structure held firmly by the faint traces of ancient magic that resounded throughout the abyss. A seemingly solitary kingdom laid in its wake, the castle grounds crowning it with drifting sigils that held immense power, obsidian towers rising from the abyss like the last remnants of a bygone age, colossal amethyst crystals suspended in the air. Violet mist wafting between said crystals, ancient monoliths etched with forgotten runes stood in the silent vigil around the fortress.
The castle seemed to be on its lonesome —- or so it seems from the gaze of those who dared enter the abyss.
To every outsider, the castle is simply an isolated monument drifting through the spaces of an endless sea of the abyss—a kingdom that only held itself within the scriptures of myths and scrolls.
Yet, this vision is nothing more than an illusion.
Beyond the unseen veil lies the true heart of the Voidborne family. Hidden from every wandering eye lay a kingdom of unmatched beauty, manors of polished blackstoned and obsidian line broad avenues illuminated not by flames, but by the gentle radiance of void crystals and the soft glow of a faint moonlight. Houses of grandiose wealth rose with graceful arches and towering spires, shimmering starlit windows that never escaped the veil of silence. At the epicentre of it all, the wandered myth and legend of an abandoned kingdom laid bare — every myth and scripture couldn’t capture its very essence.
The castle reigned above all beneath it, its solemn majesty at the heart of the endless abyss. Endless spires loomed around its entirety of the moonlit abyss, ancient ecritures of a forgotten language woven across each stage of the castle, protective barriers and seals in its wake. A moonlit radiance—the only light source that entered through the abyssal firmament—draped gently across the land, an ethereal glow illuminated by the moon’s gentle caress. They balanced each other in a way that most could only comprehend on a basic level, the moon’s quiet glow softened the endless abyss without diminishing it, its sole exception, a gentle balance implementing itself within the Void.
The moon itself was permitted to witness the hidden majesty of the Voidborne family, its eternal radiance coinciding with the abyssal darkness.
The kingdoms did not witness anything beyond the veil of the lies, thinking the dynasty itself simply to be a myth and of old legends. Their ignorance turned into bliss, a burden seemingly lifting itself off their shoulders in a faux manner.
The warm glow of the spires did little to hide the tension brewing inside the castle walls; beneath the exteriors and awaiting eyes of the world, there laid the current heads of the Voidborne family, current rulers of the Void. A secret was laid bare in front of the King and Queen of the Voidborne dynasty, the greatest truth of all — yet the greatest lie that will soon to breathe in time.
Behind the silent-forged walls of the castle, a secret harbored:
The King and Queen had a child.
A Voidborne heir whose very existence defied the world’s laws and would disrupt the natural order laid upon by the races.
The Void does not vanish or hide itself away — it lingers, stays dormant and waits.
The Void does not take threats or foes alike in manners that would be considered as a flaunt of power or to prove itself, instead, it simply creeps and waits for the moment to make its presence known— and when it does, it leaves nothing behind.
The palace walls of the Voidborne dynasty could not be easily comprehended by mortal hands. It stood as if the walls themselves were taken from the midnight sky, walls dark like unlit obsidian and blackstone, the faint threads of amethyst woven with deliberate precision. It pulsed like human breath, stillness too deliberate to be considered regular silence. Shadows lingered that listened to every conversation inside the castle, every secret unturned and every truth unfolded in dormant areas.
Tonight, the palace seemed quieter — not the silence that bordered on tranquility, but the silence that knew a secret that should never be made.
The palace hummed in restless fervour, fearing the inevitable outcome.
Deep within the heart of the stronghold lay a chamber that was sealed by layers of magic, talismans, ancient ecricutres and sigils, all hand-crafted for this occasion.
Memoria Solvere: The first sigil, sealing every wandering thought beyond the untouched veil of the void, memories cannot be stolen or reconstructed nor the knowledge of what will soon happen be used against them. Silent chains bind those that enter it, the memories of his birth shall not be taken lightly.
Corpus Apereire: The second sigil, the flesh that fortifies the mortal body shall not lay a single scratch on those beyond this veil, every wound, curse and corruption falter before its presence alone. The sacred rite of this passage shan’t be unraveled or taken lightly, its purpose too damning to speak of.
Anima Revelare: The third sigil, spirits lay themselves beyond the eternal sanctuary of life and death, the borders intertwining. It cannot be reached by mere possession, judgement or dominion. Nothing yields to the sacred invocation.
Tempus Rescindere: The fourth sigil, grasps of decay, prophecy and manipulation cannot be reached within an easy standing, the only place where the past, present or future cannot determine its course of action, solely by the mortal thoughts of those inside.
Fatum Dissolvere: The fifth sigil, as every thread woven by destiny and fate’s hands shall not reach these sacred grounds, the blind prophecy and unseen future powerless before the caster. This sacred decree will not bend to measly whims of cowardice, only through acceptance shall it listen.
Essentia Manifere: And finally, the last sigil, The Void’s very being will not be interrupted or seen, all perceptions, names and essence shall dissolve into the perfect obscurity of the void itself. Only if the final veil is lifted, will the secrets of this ordeal be shed into the light.
Woven through the very fabrics of reality and the chamber itself, the sigils halted, suspended in air with a faint ethereal glow that resonated and connected each one into place.
Inside the ancient chamber contained only three people — the only three that shall know of the secret, the lie they will carve with their very hands.
The silence that carried throughout the heart of the stronghold carried a heavy burden, the lie that shall soon breathe and live a life for his own. In its wake left a presence of a chilling breeze, still darkness and an immovable moonlit glow that coincided with the abyss.
There before the altar stood The King of The Void, the patriarch of the Voidborne family; He stood where lesser beings would falter and crumble in its wake, the only man that shall ever stand before this lie he will aid. His presence demanded silence without a single command, the air around him stilled in respect — fear seemed too common, even for him. Draped in layers of crimson and accents of purple, the clothing was adorned with intricate designs of gold-laced sequins, a silk rope criss-crossing in itself hung over his broad shoulders. An elegant cape hung behind his battle-worn physique, layers of muscle built over years of experience and bloodshed.
Amongst the three people, a being who looked as if they descended from the heavens stood among them. The Queen of The Void, the matriarch of the Voidborne family and mother to the new Voidborne child. His hair flowed like crystalline waters; an ethereal glow surrounded his entire being, silken white robes flowed beneath him like still water beneath moonlight. Long white hair cascaded gently down his shoulders, a messy canvas of an ethereal beauty. Around him, the abyss bowed down in respect, a tranquil wonder surrounded him as silence bloomed beneath him — not in fear or judgement, but of a calm wave gently draping on shore.
The last figure stood with no intentions of ill or profanity, but instead, they stood with the order of keeping this ordeal between themselves. Draped in an endless darkness, the robes surrounding their figure stood perfectly motionless—almost inhumane—a serene tranquility shrouded not only the robes, but the space around them. In their right hand held a grimoire; old, ragged, yet powerful. The figure’s face could not be seen from the hooded darkness, and yet, a stray strand of purple hair was left in view. They did not stir any harm or peaceful intentions, only neutrality could be felt around them.
“My queen.. shall we proceed with the spell?” A soft, rumbled tone left the mage.
The Queen could only frown in worry and reluctance, “Must.. must we do it so soon..?” He gently rocked his baby in his arms, “He hasn’t even taken his first words yet..” a soft exhale left his lips. “My beautiful baby.. my precious twilight.”
The King could only solemnly watch the scene, a heavy ache pulled at his heart seeing the love of his life be saddened, his gaze drifting to his beautiful child. “Let us have a few words for him.. We are still his parents.” He said with affirmation for his wife, and a silent, yet soft order to the mage. He walked closer to his wife, gently draping an arm around his lover's shoulder.
“It’s alright.. This won’t harm our baby, I promise you..”
“I know that.. I simply wished we could live a normal life with him.. We’ve wanted this for so long..” The Queen wept softly, burying his face into his husband’s chest, his gaze not once leaving their child.
“My beautiful, beautiful prince..” He started slowly, “Some day, you’ll understand the reason why we did this, why we have to keep your true self hidden..” a choked sob left his lips. “I promise you, my baby, you’ll grow up to be a strong person, someone who will have people he can rely on..”
A soft giggle gently resonated throughout the altar, the room's atmosphere suddenly shifting. The child gently raised his arms up, a gentle action that left his parents breathless.
The white-haired man gently hooked a single finger to his child, tears gently forming between his eyes. A soft, gentle smile formed across his lips, “Oh my.. You truly do have a deeper connection to me, don’t you, my beautiful child?” a sneaky grin quickly formed.
A deep chuckle left The King, “Now now.. Don’t try forcing him to play favourites..” his arm gently caged the three of them together — Mother, Father, and their child. “He hasn’t even said his first words yet” he gently squeezed his wife’s hips, pulling them closer.
“Hah- the first word is obviously gonna be my name.” The long-haired man craned his head up to meet his husband’s gaze, “He just has my charm and beauty afterall” a triumphant grin quickly formed against his lips. The moles underneath his eyes shifted in response to his facial expression, crinkling ever so slightly.
The dark-haired man chuckled in response, a playful disbelief covering his face. “Oh please- he obviously has my handsomeness and aura, just look at him.” A cheshire-like grin spread across his lips, the darkness beneath him retreating in response.
The white-haired rolled his eyes affectionately, a tired smirk on his face. “Sure, sure.. keep telling yourself that.” He looked down to his child once more, his expression changing to a more saddened one. “But.. please..” He softly pressed his baby closer, softly planting a kiss on his cheek, “I love you.. my beautiful, beautiful baby. When you grow up, you’ll be an excellent princess, and a brilliant person.”
The other leaned down gently, wanting to say his own words of affection. “My little twilight, when you grow up, you will face challenges and obstacles unlike you’ve seen..” A firm hand slowly uncurled itself, “But when you do, you will overcome them, you’ll grow strong and have moments and weakness, and that’s fine.”
“Acknowledging your weakness is better than ignoring them.” The King rarely smiled, and yet, for his child, he smiled. “I love you more than anything else, my starlight.” He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to plump cheeks, his finger softly intertwining with the white-haired man’s.
“I love you, my gorgeous moonlight..” The Queen softly cooed, pressing a gentle kiss to his child’s forehead. He followed the same action, intertwining his finger with his husband’s.
They quietly watched their child in silence, watching him reach his hands out and feeling the pads of their fingers. The soft feeling of baby-smooth skin meeting theirs — it left them in awe. They made this happen, they created a new life in this world.
And they’ll do anything to protect him. Foe or friend, it did not matter to them, one wrong step near their child—- only time will tell the outcome.
The King spoke in a deep, rumbled voice.
The queen spoke in a gentle, serene tone.
Their voices overlapped into one, their shared intimacy and affection stronger than ever.
“I love you, Wemmbu.”
The mage walked ever so slightly, shifting their weight unconsciously. “My King.. My Queen.. the elixir has now been completed. We should proceed to the spell now, it is best we make haste.”
The King firmly gripped his hand around his wife, drifting his gaze to the other’s face and pressing a soft, longing kiss to the other’s lips. “Come now.. we should quickly do this, the quicker we do this, the quicker we can spend more time with our baby, love” He gently guided their figures towards the mage, his cape shifting with the air.
“Alright, we can continue the process..” The white-haired man tightened his hold on his child’s form, not once letting go of him. “Just- please.. make sure he gets no harm with this.”
He looked up at his husband, “If any harm comes to his way..” the ground beneath them slightly shook in response, “I will kill you.” His head turned towards the mage, eyes glowing with a dangerous glint, an ethereal glow surrounding his eyes.
The mage shivered in fear, “Yes, of course your majesty. I swear the spell and elixir will cause no harm to the child, the only side effect that this will cause is an ever slight discomfort.” They stood with certainty, shifting beneath the gaze of both The King and Queen of The Void. “He won’t experience any pain, I’ve made sure of that — courtesy of your husband and my own concerns.”
The atmosphere slightly shifted back to a tranquil silence, the shadows resting back to a state of calmness.
Suddenly—
An ethereal—yet ephemeral—glow encased the room in a slow motion, the tension in the room slowly lifting up — yet it seemed to have only grown. The Moonlight only heightened the growing worry that filled the figures.
The Queen could only gasp in awe, his eyes widening in surprise.
“The Moonlight.. It's.. here?”
The King could only try and make sense of the event, confusion blurring into awe.
“How is that possible? I’ve casted sigils and spells to make sure no light or any unwanted presence can enter.”
“Could it be.. the goddess herself?” The white-haired man could only ask in shock, his figure basking in the glow of both darkness and light. He drifted his gaze down to his baby, “It seems you attract such unwanted attention my princess, how cute..” a soft smile forming against his lips.
The baby giggled in happiness, the silken cloth around his figure draping downwards, his hands reached up to try and grab the faint specks of moonlight — his innocence and purity sharing the moonlight's glow. The moonlit essence lightly dusted the baby’s face, a halo of purity and light adorning his head.
“Ah- the baby seems to be blessed not only by The Void, but it seems that The Moon also wants to bless him.. How interesting.” The mage spoke with surprise, their figure shifting slightly. A smile slowly formed in their face, “It seems even the child has taken a liking to the moonlight.” They pondered in silence, the darkness beneath their feet shifting in response to the infant’s behaviour.
“Or.. perhaps it is The Moonlight which has taken a liking to the soon to be princess, Wemmbu.”
The shadows responded in tandem with the child’s laughter, slithers of lined shadows closing in on the figures. The altar shook in slight distress, and yet, The Moonlight’s glow never seemed to dim or brighten — it stood still, not in order, but as if it only wanted to observe the ordeal.
“We should proceed now, Your Majesties. The Moonlight may be watching this ordeal, but The Void and The Moon have always coincided in tandem with each other.” The mage spoke in slight reluctance, yet interest could still be hinted throughout. “It is best to try and proceed with caution still, who knows why The Moon decided to observe this.. Ordeal.”
The Queen could only tighten his hold on his child, a firm yet loving grip nonetheless. “Alright, let us continue..” Long strands of white hair draped gently around both mother and child, leaning down and pressing a gentle kiss to the other.
“Let us begin the spell now.”
The mage hummed in agreement, and so did The King.
Let the silence be your sword, your lies thy shield, and let the silence be your weapons.
This ordeal is sealed by the gates of The Void, the veil of silence enshrouds us all and those present here.
The King shall not speak of this, his lips shall be sealed and ordained by his own oath.
The Queen shall not speak of this, his lips shall be sealed by the veils of his own love.
The Mage shall not speak of this, their lips shall be sealed by The Void, The King’s command, and The Queen’s force.
Life begets death, and from the abyssal darkness, you shall grow anew.
The chamber lit with a dim glow of purple and white, a kaleidoscope of the colours of darkness and moonlight surrounded the figures.
Nobody moved.
Not even the darkness.
The Void could only watch in tandem with the Moonlight. A kind of silence that seemed unnatural enshrouded the room, even the baby only stirred ever so slightly.
The King spoke first, “The spell is completed it seems..” he moved closer to his family, wrapping an arm around his wife’s figure. The white-haired man only leaned closer to his husband, clutching his child closer to his chest. “Yes.. it seems that it is done my love.”
“Don’t worry my love, our beautiful child will be perfectly fine. He- no.. She will be our beautiful princess." The dark-haired man affirmed his wife, gently leaning down and pressing his head closer to the other’s crown. “Our beautiful princess, Wemmbu.”
Robes scattered along the ground in tandem with one another, figures of unknown origins gathered amongst the veiled chamber. The halls were structured in obsidian and blackstones, ores of amethysts peaking at the corners of the structures, pillars of dark-rich endstones ridged at every specified location.
The balcony did not tend for a grandeur purpose, it was not a place to parade wealth or their power. It existed and elevated itself carved at the palace’s front, spires of stones forged from the deepest corners of the abyss. The Veilborne dynasty did not allow betrayal or ill intended secrecy within its grounds, this sacred sanctum only held the most loyal of the kingdom. They were bound through generations of loyalty and an oath of protection and secrecy, only they, those who swore themselves to The Void, could stand within this protected sanctum.
Beyond the endless horizon stretched the nation of The Void, territory hidden from the outside world hidden with the strongest enchantments of sigils and spells — and protected by the strongest force, The Void. The outside world could only live in bliss and ignorance, they only knew of this dynasty through hushed whispers and myths of olden tales. They did not know the heir that was birthed, no rumor could past The Void veiled by its own strength, and people.
They could not fear something they did not know existed.
The King stepped out first, his cape draping behind him. His presence already commanded order and silence, his presence casting a thick form of silence and respect with just a few steps. His dark hair framed his sharp features, a streak of purple fitting perfectly between his features. His crown held only a symbol — the real power held inside his very being.
Nobles cloaked in darkness, knights who bowed with their respect branding their swords, scholars who experienced catastrophes unlike before, advisors and councils forming a circle of gathering. Masks hid their faces, identities sealed shut between spells — a tradition which only further strengthened and symbolised their devotion above their own individuality.
The Queen followed, steady and serene, a complete contradiction to his husband — and yet they matched each other like nothing else could. His long-white hair cascaded in gentle waves behind him, his waist held tightly by his husband’s firm grip. In his arms carried the bundle that filled him with absolute joy and awe, his gaze not once leaving his child’s face, a finger softly playing and cooing with the child.
Wemmbu giggled in joy and curiosity, the shadows all around them pulsed in response to the baby’s innocence. The shadows trembled in slight confusion, retreating back to the expanse of The Void.
“My people, those who swore themselves to the oaths of secrecy and silence,” The King spoke with measured volume, like a quiet thunder. “My wife, someone who I will burn down kingdoms for, bring justice to unworthy gods, has blessed my life.” His gaze drifted down to his family, the scene before him leaving him speechless for a moment.
“We have endured years of torment and forced silence, and now, our love has bloomed even further. Your Queen, has welcomed a star to our veiled night.” The soft sounds of a baby giggling resounded through the sacred courtyard, innocence laced through her bliss.
The Queen stepped ever so slightly forward, her gaze only drifting and acknowledging their councils, knights and members. His hand reached closer to the silken cloth, only the faint outline of Wemmbu’s innocent features was granted for them to witness. Only the sounds of soft giggling from Wemmbu could be heard throughout the area, his tiny hands reaching up to try and grab at his mother’s fingers.
“I have birthed a daughter, an embodiment of me and my lover’s love,” he announced with a serene and gentle force, “A child of the Voided bloodline, however..” he started slowly with hesitation.
“She is a special case.. she was blessed by the shadows and the primordial force that surrounds us, The Void. They have recognised her and, even the ancient veil of our land faltered in her wake.” The man took a deep breath, the hold on his baby tightening by a fraction.
“She has not only been blessed and recognised by The Void.. but she has also been recognised by the force that resides in The Void. She has been blessed by The Moonlight itself.”
Gasps of awe and hushed whispers quickly spread amongst the people, the cloaked figures shifting their weight to only acknowledge each other, and focusing their attention on the news that was bestowed upon them.
“She shall be known to the world,” The white-haired man continued his speech, “as Princess Wemmbu, The Heiress to the Voidborne Dynasty. She shall rule with her silence, and judge with her truth.”
A lie. The very first one, only known to the councils.
Nobody outside these sacred grounds would know of her existence, only those bound by blood and vowed with oaths of silence shall see her. Spies shall be beheaded, enemies will be turned into fodder for the creatures, other races shall be met with war should they ever try to harm the princess.
“With her birth, with my wife’s love, the dynasty will endure once more. Our silence will be unbroken forevermore, the power we hold shall be hidden in plain sight and strengthened once more.” The King spoke with a path set in his mind, an arm wrapped protectively around his family.
“The Veil will shield the princess,
The Void shall be her guide.
The shadows shall be her companion.
The silence shall be her truth, and the truth will be her silence.
The Moon shall light her way.
The Moonlight shall be her sword and veil.
The Void and The Moon shall coincide within her, and guide the heir of the Voidborne dynasty, Princess Wemmbu.”
The figures spoke in unison, their devotion forged through blood and secrecy. Their voices rose like whispered darkness and echoed through the sanctuary of the courtyard, respect and vows laced in their voices.
The King watched as the figures shifted, still perfectly still, waiting for his command. “Alright, that will be all. Return to your duties, and do not forget this event.” The figures nodded in response, some stood up and walked to their stations, and some only murmured an incantation — and vanished.
The hallways echoed with soft steps, two lovers walked down side by side one another; The King, and The Queen. The white-haired man softly cradled his bundle of joy, the baby making soft giggling sounds once more, “Awh.. she really does resemble the both of us, doesn’t she, love?” his gaze never leaving his child, a gentle smile formed across his lips.
His husband replied with a soft chuckle, “Obviously, he has my handsomeness, does he not?” his gaze planted itself towards their child, a beautiful resemblance of their own features on her. “She has your beauty.. and my handsomeness” A sneaky smug look left his face, planting a kiss on the other’s crown.
“If you keep repeating it, you’ll jinx it y’know..” The Queen responded, clutching his baby closer to his face, “You’ll have your momma’s traits won’t you now, my sweet little Wemmbu?” He gently moved their faces together, cheeks rubbing against one another in a loving notion. “You won’t have any of your dad’s nasty features, will you my moonlight?” He sneakily added, ignoring the gasp right beside him.
“How dare you, my own wife wishing such a horrible fate upon his own husband.. I might have to snatch our baby away so she’ll adapt to my traits more,” A chuckle left his mouth as he moved closer to his family, wrapping both his arms around the other’s waist — the two arms fitting perfectly against the other’s waist, fitting like a jigsaw puzzle.
“Hah! As if I’d ever let that happen, our moonlight here clearly favours me more,” A small pout formed in retaliation, his head slightly meeting with the other man’s broader pecs. “She would cry about how you’re being so cruel to her, not letting her spend time with mommy..” he giggled softly, the teasing remark hitting smoothly to the other.
The couple bickered playfully, light jabs and innocent insults played to each other.
“Well, at least she’ll definitely grow up to be more like me, calmer and more elegant!” The longer-haired of the two spoke with confidence, confidence that almost seemed as if it was innocent ignorance. His face contorted into a smug smile, his eyes glinting with a prideful spark.
His husband feigned shock, a small, faux gasp leaving his lips. “Oh please– my love, we both know, if she were to grow up like you, she would throw more temper tantrums that even The Void would cower in fear.”
“How dare you, I’ll have you know I was a great child back then–” He tried to finish his own retaliation, only to get cut off with quick succession.
“My star. Please. Do not flatter yourself, we both know that out of us both, you’re the crazier one.” The King deadpanned at his wife, a tired yet loving sigh leaving his lips.
As the playful bickering between the lovers continued, their baby could watch in slight confusion. Then, before they could continue their response to one another, a playful giggle left the little princess.
A bright, bubbly giggle left the baby, an uncontrollable harmony of laughter and innocence. Her tiny shoulders bounced in tandem with every breathless laughter, her chubby hands flailing around and trying to reach towards his mother. Each playful insult and teasing remark seemed as if it was the funniest show their child had ever seen, cheeks flushed with a rosy tint of pink, his smile stretched across his face — an almost contagious feeling.
Both the men stopped in their sentences. The hallway echoed with their child’s endless laughter, his bubbly giggles making the shadows erupt in innocent chaos.
“Well- it seems our little princess seems to have found our bickering amusing..” The King wore a fond smile, his eyes softening as he could see what true happiness really felt like.
The pale-skinned man breathed out a small gasp, “It seems so.. She really is like a bundle of joy, isn’t she, my love ?” he playfully wiggled a finger to his little princess’s own chubby hands, pale skin meeting another set of pale-coloured skin.
The tan-skinned man could only watch in awe, the scene before him leaving him breathless. His eyes widened in admiration, the love only growing deeper for not only his wife, but also to his beautiful baby, his princess. Tears pricked at the sides of his eyes, chest huffed up, his heart bursting with joy. He moved even closer to his family, slinging an arm around his wife, caging all three of them in their own world.
“Well my little moonlight, it seems your emotionally constipated father has finally decided to show his feelings..” The other playfully said, “I’m only joking my love,” he leaned up and used his free hand to cradle the other side of his husband’s chin, planting multiple kisses on his cheek. “I love you.. I truly love you.”
“I know.. I know.. I’m just grateful that you gave me this, a family.. You truly are my beautiful wife, I love you and our little Wemmbu.” He said with absolute admiration and love, shifting his weight and moving behind the pale skinned man.
“Hold tight to our baby my love,” Without any hesitation or another warning—
Tanned skin hands effortlessly slipped an arm beneath his wife’s knees, another firm grip placed around his back. A surprised laugh escaped the other’s lips, a gasp of disbelief mixed in. White hair flowed all around the family, the hold on his baby tightening even more instinctively.
“You- you idiot ! What was that for, you dumb moron..” He replied with a tone of disbelief, “Be careful, our little baby is still in my hands y’know.” though he could not deny the joyous smile leaving his lips.
“You know me well my love, I already promised that with me around, no harm shall ever come to your or our child,” He nuzzled his cheek closer to the other’s own, his own tanned skin meeting with the other’s pale-coloured ones, a perfect and beautiful contrast between them. “You two are the only things in this world that are worth protecting in my biased eyes, I love you two more than anything..”
“Now, let us continue our family-bonding in our bed chambers, I want to spend the rest of this entire day, week, month and the future years to come with you two.” He spoke with absolute certainty, not a single hint of hesitation in his voice.
The Queen could only sigh in accepted defeat, the hold on his child only increasing. “There really is no winning with you right now.. But, I won’t deny, the prospect of spending the upcoming years with only my moonlight and my prince does sound breathtaking.” A relieved smile left his lips, pressing a kiss to the other’s cheek, and one to his baby’s plump cheeks.
“Alright then, lead the way my prince, off to the bed chambers we go.” He breathed out a sigh of contempt, slouching to his husband’s firm, muscular arms whilst making sure his baby was safe.
The other only let out a deep groan, chest rumbling in tandem, “My love, it’s been decades since those years of my life.. Are you really still calling me that stupid title? Am I still really your little prince?” he pouted with feigned sadness, rubbing his cheeks and pressing a kiss to the side of the other’s lips.
“I thought you would stop calling me that nickname after I became King.. seriously, what do I have to do for you to stop?” he whined in faux annoyance, still wanting to continue this little act. “Hmm, please my love?” He leaned down and pressed more kisses to the other’s cheek, one to his forehead and one of his lips.
A giggle left the shorter’s lips, the cute puppy boy act his husband was doing had him laughing of joy. “Oh please, you always try to act so sappy after I call you that.. It’s just so cute..” He could only stay and take the onslaught of kisses by the other, his body slightly bouncing with each step his husband took. The playful laughter made the moles beneath his eyes move in response, his pale skin peppered beautifully with the twin moles.
“It seems the toughest battle I will ever fight in my life is my own wife’s insistence and spoiled behaviour..” A playful grin left his lips, hurrying his steps and trying to reach their shared bed chambers. “Alright, time to just laze around and forget the world, I have my entire world in my arms at this moment, do I not?” He breathed out and groaned, hugging his world closer to him.
They quickly reached their designated point; The bedchamber towered over most, immense double doors rising several levels beneath sweeping arches carved from crystalline marble and enchanted obsidian. Veins of liquid gold traced the networks of the intricately carved walls, shimmering beneath The Void’s endless darkness.
“Alright, alright, now that we’re here could you maybe let me down now?” He asked, the smile on his face still never leaving. “Our little Wemmbu here does want to see the chambers for herself, remember ? I also want to stretch my legs out a bit.. It has been a tiring day my prince” The nickname still hit smoothly with both love and an endless history of laughter, rivalry, love, and untold stories.
Endless laughter and giggling fell behind the chambers, chatter about non-stop affirmations of love, a future held with uncertainty and a blossoming new beginning. The family did not bother to think about anything else beyond the obsidian walls and intricate patterns — only they mattered, only their love mattered, only Fluixon, Saparata, and their child Wemmbu mattered in this space of time.