The echoes of Lord Varyn's exile had not yet faded, yet the nobles had already begun rewriting history.
They whispered his name as if he had never ruled at all.
The world did not mourn the fall of men.
It simply moved forward.
---
### The Gathering of New Loyalties
House Varyn's corridors, once lined with quiet conspiracies, now thrived with new voices. The power structure had shifted—and Lucien stood at its center.
Lady Elise met him near the grand hall.
"So," she mused, her gaze sharp. "What now?"
Lucien didn't hesitate.
"Now, we shape the world in my image."
Elise smirked. "Ambitious. Reckless."
"Necessary."
She didn't argue. Because she knew he was right.
---
### Selene's Warning
The night before the council's official decree, Selene found him alone in the east wing.
"You think the world will settle now?" she murmured, arms crossed.
Lucien glanced at her, amusement flickering behind his eyes.
"No," he admitted. "But it will pause long enough for me to rebuild."
She exhaled, watching him carefully. "Power ages men, Lucien."
He chuckled, brushing past her.
"Then let's see what time makes of me."
---
### The Dawn of a New Age
As the sun rose over House Varyn, the final decree was announced.
Lord Varyn was no more.
Lucien had taken the seat of control.
And with his reign beginning, the noble court would never be the same again.
---