Chapter 1

There was once a boy named Lux who sat on the same bench every day, watching the same scenes unfold like a never-ending cycle. His brother, Mateo, practiced sword training. His little sister, Martha, played joyfully. Their father worked tirelessly. Lux's stepmother, the king's first wife, had passed away under the suspicion that Lux's mother, the second wife, had killed her.

One day, Lux's father, the king, erupted in a fit of rage. He could no longer bear the silence and loneliness. Desperate for company, he ordered his children—Mateo, Lux, and Martha—to join him. They were bewildered, not knowing how to comfort him. They hadn't been around when the king fell in love with their mother.

They sought advice from the maidens, but to no avail. Suddenly, a messenger appeared at the kingdom's border. Lux, always observant, spotted him first and shouted, "It's from the enemy kingdom!"

The king opened the note, which read:

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Dear Eric Icrushal,

We want our food, water, and people back! Our people are dying and more are leaving. I have only 10 coins left. You have taken everything from us! We were happy until you stole our things! Return them immediately, or I declare war on the 19th of September.

Signed,

Lacruise

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The king turned to Mateo and Lux. "Well, Mateo, it looks like your training will be put to use. And you too, Lux."

"But I don't know anything about weapons!" Lux protested.

"Learn it, you bastard!" the king roared. "I hope you die in war so I never have to see your face again. Your mother killed my love, and now I'm stuck with you! You look just like her—a murderer!"

Horrified, Martha fled from the room. Mateo and Lux ran after their six-year-old sister, witnessing her terror for the first time.