The Inheritance of the Shadow

The next day dawned with a clear sky, as if fate itself were mocking the tragedy that had unfolded the night before. Despite the recent mourning, the palace was decorated with lavish golden ornaments and tables overflowing with delicacies. Lady Isolde had organized a grand celebration in honor of Tom's fifteenth birthday.

However, upon entering the hall, the young heir frowned at the overwhelming opulence.

—*I don’t think we should celebrate something so extravagant,* —he said quietly, gazing at the crystal chandeliers that reflected the light almost mockingly—. *It’s like saying I’m happy about my father’s death… or that I killed him myself.*

Lady Isolde gave him a warm, reassuring smile, as if speaking to a naïve child.

—*No one would think that, dear Tom,* —she assured him, gently placing a hand on his shoulder—. *Besides, it’s your birthday. His Majesty would have wanted you to enjoy it.*

Tom hesitated but eventually gave in.

By nightfall, the palace was filled with guests from all corners of the empire. Nobles, ministers, and foreign envoys attended not only to pay their respects but also to observe the future emperor closely.

Despite the splendor of the celebration, murmurs spread throughout the hall.

—*How disrespectful… the emperor died just yesterday, and he’s already celebrating…*

—*It’s an insult to his father.*

—*They say his death was very strange…*

Tom heard every comment, like poison seeping into his veins, but he decided to ignore them. He stepped away from the noise and walked into the gardens for fresh air.

—*What’s wrong, Tom?* —Isolde asked when she found him alone.

The young man looked at her coldly.

—*I shouldn’t have believed you. You said no one would think ill of me, but everyone despises me right now.*

The woman feigned surprise.

—*Do you really care what others say? If you let their words affect you, it will be your downfall. This is just a test.*

Tom remained silent. The empress smiled and slowly walked away, whispering to herself with a triumphant expression.

*"They won’t destroy you… I will. Keep listening to their words and hate them. Injustice is the easiest path to despair. Killing you would be simple… but using your power is far more valuable."*

Tom stayed behind, gazing at the starry sky from the balcony. Below, a pair of nobles spoke in hushed voices.

—*It’s strange what happened to the emperor… could his son have had something to do with it?*

—*Many believe so, but let’s not talk here. Someone might hear us.*

Tom felt a knot tighten in his chest.

*"Do they really think I could kill my own father?"*

Just then, a rough voice whispered from the darkness:

—*I can help you change their minds… I can make them shut their mouths forever.*

Tom’s eyes widened.

—*Who’s there?*

From the shadows, a figure emerged like smoke, darkening the night even further. Its presence was suffocating, and its voice was anything but human.

—*I can help you…*

Tom stepped back, a chill running down his spine.

—*Stay away from me…* —he stammered, looking around for the presence speaking to him.

—*I… can help you.*

Tom spun around and ran back to the palace, his heart pounding. The guests saw him pass by and started whispering among themselves, some even laughing.

—*Could it be that the emperor’s ghost came for him?*

—*He looks like he’s seen a spirit.*

—*Don’t be ridiculous.*

Tom ignored their words and slammed the door to his room shut.

—*Do you really think you can get rid of me like this?* —the voice mocked, echoing in every corner of the room—. *How foolish you are… even your name is laughable.*

—*What do you want from me?!* —Tom demanded, his breath uneven.

—*You.* —the shadow whispered—. *I want to make your dreams come true.*

—*Shut up!* —Tom shouted, covering his ears—. *I promised I wouldn’t listen to you!*

—*Promised who?*

A knock at the door made him jump.

—*My son,* —Isolde’s voice sounded falsely sweet—, *may I come in?*

Tom took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. He didn’t want her to see his weakness.

—*Come in.*

The woman entered with a concerned expression.

—*What’s wrong?* —she asked gently.

Tom looked at her warily.

—*Nothing… mother.*

Even calling her that made his stomach turn.

—*Tell me… is it because of Esder?*

Tom’s eyes narrowed.

—*You… know about him?*

Isolde nodded seriously.

—*Your father told me about him.*

Tom frowned.

—*How do I get rid of him?*

The woman hid her satisfaction. *"By making you my pawn,"* she thought before answering sweetly:

—*By doing what I tell you.*

Tom looked at her with distrust.

—*And how do you know what my father said?*

Isolde sighed.

—*He told me what he would say to you about power. I worry about you, my son, and the only way to free yourself from Esder… is to fulfill his mission.*

Tom crossed his arms.

—*Mission?*

—*Years ago, Esder offered power to your ancestor in exchange for destroying the neighboring kingdoms. But he failed… and that is why Esder still haunts his descendants.*

Tom remained silent, processing her words.

—*So if I destroy those kingdoms… Esder will leave me alone.*

Isolde smiled with malice.

—*Exactly.*

Tom lowered his gaze, his expression a mix of doubt and determination.

—*I’ll do it. I’ll destroy everything… as long as this power doesn’t hurt anyone else.*

The empress smirked.

*"How naïve. How can you believe something so ridiculous when you’re already a man?"*

The shadow in the room remained silent, watching.

And so, the inheritance of the shadow began to take shape within the young emperor’s soul.

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