Rin stood near the hearth of the private chamber, arms folded behind his back. The fire crackled softly, casting golden shadows across the stone walls. When Orien and Aiven stepped inside, he gave a small nod of greeting.
"I'm glad you came," he said. "Both of you impressed me today,not just with skill, but with something rarer. Character."
The two brothers exchanged a glance, unsure how to respond.
"You didn't fawn. You didn't fake anything. You were real. Orien, I watched how you carried your people. Quiet, steady, never needing to raise your voice. That kind of presence can't be taught." He turned his gaze to Aiven. "And you… I saw the fire in your fight. You weren't playing. You fought like someone who's tasted fear and refuses to taste it again."
Aiven lowered his eyes, embarrassed. Orien remained still, listening closely.
"I've met nobles with perfect sword forms who crumble under pressure. You two,despite your flaws,have something better. You understand what it means to protect others. To fight when it's ugly. That's what I value."
He gestured for them to sit.
"I need people I can trust," Rin continued. "The nobles around me are snakes,smiling one day, plotting the next. I've been searching for loyal, talented young men. You two caught my eye."
Aiven blinked. "Us? But… there are stronger, more qualified people out there."
Rin gave a faint smile. "Don't underestimate yourselves. I've searched far and wide, and I heard about your bond,how your group would die for each other. That stuck with me. I came here to test it… and after today, I know I've found the right ones."
He was searching for the right people for a month.
Aiven's eyes widened with awe. "Am I really talented, Your Highness?"
Rin chuckled. "Yes. I saw your fight. You didn't hold back. That kind of drive is rare,even among noble sons. That's why I'm offering you both a place by my side,as my Wings."
The room went still.
Orien looked down, expression unreadable. Aiven, on the other hand, was nearly trembling.
"Thank you," Aiven breathed. "Truly,this means everything to me."
Orien finally spoke, quiet and cautious. "Please… give us a moment to consider this."
Rin nodded. "Of course. Take your time. This isn't a decision to make lightly."
They stepped into the adjoining room. As soon as the door shut, Orien's voice dropped to a low whisper.
"We should refuse."
"What? Why?" Aiven looked shaken.
"He's a royal of the Solas line. He just shows up, calls us loyal, and suddenly wants us as his closest men? This is going too fast. Too convenient."
"But did you hear him?" Aiven argued. "He said he can't trust the nobles, and he saw us today. We're known in this region for sticking together. He came for a reason."
"I get that," Orien said. "But it could still be dangerous. Getting close to power means becoming a target. If we walk away now, maybe we live quiet, safe lives."
Aiven clenched his fists. "I don't want quiet. I've lived weak and afraid long enough. This could be the only chance I ever get. If being his Dragon Wing gives me strength,I'll risk it."
Orien went silent. Then, after a long breath, he nodded.
"…Then I'll go with you. We live and die together."
They returned to Rin. Aiven stepped forward, shoulders squared, eyes bright.
"I accept, Your Highness."
Orien added, steady and firm, "I accept as well."
Rin smiled, genuinely pleased. "Good. You won't regret this. One day, you'll look back on this moment as the best decision you ever made."
He retrieved two small vials from his coat,slender crystal tubes each holding a single crimson drop.
"Drink. This is my bloodline. Infused and tempered. It won't make you monsters,it'll make you grow."
They drank. A wave of heat rippled through their bodies. Crimson veins flickered across their skin for a heartbeat, then vanished. The change was subtle, but Rin could already feel the difference,their presence beginning to shift, their energy stirring like embers catching flame.
"Rest tonight," Rin said. "Tomorrow, come to my estate. Your growth begins."
As they bowed and left, Rin turned toward the window. The stars outside were cold and sharp.
His preparations were almost complete.
With loyal agents now rooted in the region and the arena nearing readiness, the empire had no idea what was coming.