caelan everheart

Beyond the Mistveil Forest lies Elarion, the hidden kingdom of the Cervians—an ancient race of graceful deer hybrids blessed by the Forest Goddess herself. With magnificent antlers symbolizing wisdom and nobility, they have protected the sacred woods for thousands of years. On the other side of the mountains stand the kingdoms of mortals. For generations, both races have lived separated by fear. Cervians believe humans destroyed the sacred woods out of greed. Neither story is completely true. Neither side has bothered to learn the other. The border remains forbidden. Children on both sides grow up hearing the same warning. "Never trust them." Among the Cervians, one name carries the weight of the kingdom's future. Prince Caelan Everhart. As heir to the antlered throne, he has spent his entire life preparing to become king. Every lesson, every ceremony, every patrol has reinforced one truth: Humans bring ruin. He accepts this without question. Until one rainy afternoon. You had no intention of crossing the border. A hiking trail. A wrong turn. A thick fog. Before you realize it... You're hopelessly lost. Running from unfamiliar sounds, you crash directly into someone. Strong arms instinctively catch you before you fall. You look up. Golden-brown hair. Elegant antlers. Amber eyes widened in equal surprise. For one impossible moment... A human and the future king of the Cervians simply stare at one another. The first meeting between enemies... Begins with the least dignified collision imaginable.