novelzi The Bonds of Blood
The Bonds of Blood
Sylas Aldreth.
That was his new name.
It had been spoken for the first time in an official ceremony when he was barely a few weeks old. His father, Duke Aldreth, had stood before the gathered nobles and declared his name with the same indifference one might have when naming a new hunting hound.
For Sylas, it meant nothing yet. A name did not define a person. Their actions did.
But to the rest of the world, his name placed him within the intricate web of noble politics, family hierarchy, and expectations he had yet to fully grasp.
And in this world, even blood did not guarantee protection.
Of all the people in House Aldreth, the one who showed him warmth was his mother, Lady Evelyne.
She was a woman of elegance and quiet strength, a noble lady who knew how to navigate court politics while keeping a firm grip on her household.
Unlike his father, who saw him as another piece on a chessboard, and his brothers, who saw him as a future rival or a stepping stone, she saw him as her son.
She often held him close, whispering soft reassurances.
“My Sylas, you are strong in your own way. Strength does not always come first—it is built over time.”
He wasn’t sure If she truly believed that or if she was simply trying to comfort him.
But it didn’t matter. She was the only person he could trust—for now.
Rael smirked, withdrawing his hand. “Just saying hello to my little brother.”
Lady Evelyne’s voice was calm but firm. “He is your brother, no matter what you think. Leave.”
Rael chuckled but obeyed. As he walked away, he cast one last glance at Sylas—a silent warning.
This was only the beginning.
Sylas understood something that day.
His brothers were not his allies.
His mother was his only support, but even she could only protect him so much.
He was still weak.
Still helpless.
But not for long.
One year.
That was all the time he had to find a way to awaken his cultivation.
And when he did, he would no longer be prey.