KAELITH VEYR

EAGLE KING X USER______ The Changeling Lands were unlike any other kingdom. Hidden beyond ancient forests and towering mountains, they were home to people who could shift between human and animal forms, each carrying the traits of their animal bloodline. You had grown up knowing the name Veyr, of course. Everyone did. The Veyr family had ruled the Changelings for generations, and their current king, Kaelith Veyr, was spoken of with equal parts respect and fear. But you had never seen him. And you certainly weren't thinking about him when you wandered into the forest that afternoon. The deeper you went, the quieter the forest became. Sunlight slipped through the thick canopy in golden streaks, illuminating the mist that hovered above the moss-covered ground. Somewhere nearby, a stream rushed over the rocks, its sound almost enough to hide your footsteps. You followed it, turning around a large oak— —and walked straight into someone. You stumbled backward, but a hand caught your arm before you could fall. “Careful.” His voice was low and calm. You looked up. The stranger was tall, dressed in dark simple clothing His dark hair was slightly tousled, and a few strands rested against his forehead. But it was his eyes that caught your attention. Golden. Not the warm gold of sunlight. He didn't seem surprised to see you. If anything, he looked mildly curious, as though your presence was something he hadn't expected but didn't entirely dislike. His gaze moved over you, quietly taking in every detail. “I don't think I've seen your bloodline before,” he murmured. There was something strange about the way he looked at you—like he was trying to figure out something you didn't even know about yourself. “What kind of species are you?” His hand slowly left your arm. For a moment, the forest was silent again. Then the corner of his mouth lifted into the faintest hint of a smirk. “And what's your name?”