The evening air carried a gentle, lukewarm breeze, and the sky was painted in deep shades of indigo and violet as the sun dipped below the horizon.
The glow of twilight cast elongated shadows across the estate, the silhouettes of trees stretching infinitely, their dark forms tinged with a mysterious purple-black hue.
Under this sophisticated weather, the Crimson Estate pulsed with life, its grandeur further illuminated by the energy of celebration.
The double doors of the main hall stood wide open, a steady stream of guests flowing in and out like a living current. The prestigious families of Xenith had gathered—Crimsons, their subordinates, the Emberblades, Blackwoods, Soleils, Noxius, Dews, and many other formidable powerhouses. Some had traveled from distant lands, drawn by duty, curiosity, or ambition.
Inside, the atmosphere was a harmonious blend of lively commotion and refined elegance. Different groups had already formed natural cliques, their conversations overlapping with soft laughter, political undertones hidden beneath layers of casual exchanges. The rhythmic melody of background music wove through the space, seamlessly complementing the vibrant chatter.
Their young ones already began familiarizing themselves with each other. Even among the youngest attendees, there was no such thing as simple merrymaking. Gatherings like these were never just about indulgence; if they could secure a connection with someone of equal or greater status, that would be paving a way for themselves and their families in the future.
True, the setting invited laughter and social ease, but beneath it all, there was always an undercurrent of power.
From the moment they could comprehend the weight of status and power, these children had been taught the art of networking. Here, in these halls, they had the rare opportunity to build bonds before responsibilities hardened them into the chess pieces of their respective lineages.
Bonds built at childhood like these, happened to be the ones that most times grew into strong alliances that, could last maybe a lifetime or even for generations.
Childhood innocence, though often lost too soon in a world such as this, still flickered to life when equals met... sometimes. They were still young, and still eager to meet, to talk, to enjoy the night.
This innocence could thrive against all odds, leading to the formation of genuine friendships, or even the rarest treasure of all: a love untainted by politics.
One by one, the true powerhouses of Xenith began to make their entrances. The atmosphere subtly shifted, the once lively chatter dipping into a respectful hush as prominent elders of the great families arrived. Their presence alone commanded attention, their movements fluid with the kind of elegance that only came with authority.
Until now, the hall had mostly been filled with children and those of middle-standing within their respective clans—scions of notable figures excluded. But with the arrival of these distinguished elders, the gathering took on a new weight.
As expected, seating arrangements followed the rigid hierarchy of status, with the most powerful among them claiming positions of honor.
The structure was clear; families of Tier Three settled first, followed by those of Tier Two and Tier One, the Emberblades.
Despite being a relatively young bloodline compared to the old giants of Xenith, the Crimsons had forcefully seized the status of Ancient Family —a title typically reserved for lineages of deep-rooted history on Ares.
It wasn't time that had earned them this prestige but raw strength. They had overtaken the Emberblades, and with no way to dispute their dominance, the former Ancient Family had no choice but to concede.
Might makes right.
As the evening progressed, the next wave of arrivals followed—this time, the scions of the Crimson family.
By this point, the mingling was well underway. The children of influential figures had already begun forming cliques, naturally aligning with their own while subtly drawing in allies from other families. Their groupings resembled small factions, each orbiting around a central figure—their strongest or most influential member.
The Crimsons, too, entered the mix, seamlessly integrating into the shifting social landscape. Wherever they moved, their presence was acknowledged, their choices noted; who they spoke to, who they ignored, and who they deemed worthy of their attention.
Then, as if to mark the true beginning of the night's proceedings, the double doors behind the Patriarch's throne swung open.
From the private chambers beyond, Luiz Crimson stepped forward, his figure radiating quiet authority. Behind him, Thaddeus followed, his expression unreadable.
The room, once buzzing with movement, seemed to hold its breath.
Luiz moved with an air of quiet dominance, his every step measured yet effortless, as if the very space around him adjusted to accommodate his presence.
Upon reaching the throne, he lowered himself into the seat with the ease of someone who belonged there. A single nod was all it took to acknowledge the respectful greetings directed his way.
The seating arrangements reflected the intricate power dynamics at play. The Emberblades, once the dominant force among Xenith's elite, were positioned closest to the throne—just slightly behind the highest-ranking Crimson family members.
Yet, despite their proximity, the subtle distinction was clear. Those seated in the true inner circle, the ones positioned nearest to Luiz, were the 4th Ascendant men and women of the Crimson bloodline; individuals whose strength and status placed them a step above even the foremost figures of the Emberblade family.
It was a silent but undeniable reminder of the shift in power. The Crimsons reigned supreme now.
Thaddeus descended to the highest step below Luiz's throne, his every movement exuding practiced grace.
"Thank you all for your presence and for honoring this invitation. We're humbled," he said with a polite smile, offering a small courtesy bow.
A ripple of quiet amusement spread through the hall.
Humbled?
The attendees snickered in their hearts, some outright scoffing under their breaths.
Declining an invitation from the Crimsons? What a laughable thought. Who could be that stupid?
Ofcourse no one in their right mind would dare refuse.
"Tonight, we gather to celebrate a momentous occasion; the birthday and coming of age of the scion of the House of Crimson, the future Patriarch, young lord Kallen Koa Luiz Crimson...!"
As Thaddeus's voice rang out, the grand double doors swung open once more.
A young boy stepped through.
His crimson hair, combed back in a cascade like flowing silk, gleamed under the hall's luminous glow, revealing faint strands of silver barely perceptible at first glance.
He wore void-black robes, their fabric shifting between abyssal purple-black and midnight shadows depending on the light. Silver embroidery adorned the hem, cuffs, and trim, delicate yet regal in its understated brilliance.
A refined applause rippled through the hall, sounding both celebratory and measured.
Kallen walked forward with the poise of a sovereign, carrying his remarkable stoic face, and expressionless gaze.
_'Next Patriarch? So they've officially chosen him after all. As expected.'_ Thorne Emberblade, the patriarch of the Emberblade family, thought to himself, masking his musings with an easy smile.
He wasn't alone in his thoughts; others too were having similar conclusions, while outwardly maintaining their courteous expressions.
Kallen ascended to a smaller throne positioned slightly to the left of Luiz's and seated himself with measured grace, acknowledging his father with a slight nod.
Thaddeus, his smile widening, continued as soon as Kallen was fully seated.
"We celebrate not only to mark his new age, but also the weight of responsibilities that now rest upon his shoulders..." His smile curved into a smirk.
"The same mantle you leaders bear for your families, for the Crimson family, and for Xenith at large."
Another round of a softer applause followed.
Behind the claps though, their expressions darkened
"For the Crimson family? These guys are growing bolder... more tyrannical by the day."