Lysandra gave birth to Lucian Maelstrom's daughter, whom she named Alessandra Maelstrom. Following the tradition of his predecessors, Lucian married a second wife for the purpose of securing an heir.
He chose Lydia Dreadclaw, who, like the early Maelstroms, harbored a sinister scheme to acquire power and ultimately dethrone the Maelstroms. However, Lydia did not bear children because she drank Moonseed, a herb known for its potent contraceptive properties.
One night, Ryland Dreadclaw, Lydia's twin, secretly entered Alessandra Maelstrom's bedchamber. Over many secret nights together, Alessandra fell in love with Ryland Dreadclaw.
Without a Maelstrom heir, Lucian reluctantly agreed to Lydia's offer that her House Dreadclaw would be a formidable ally, hoping to secure the future of his lineage. Lydia proposed a marriage between Ryland Dreadclaw and Alessandra Maelstrom, assuring Lucian that the Dreadclaws would have no interest in controlling the dragons. However, Lydia's intentions were deceitful.
After the marriage, Ryland captivated Alessandra's heart and mind, slowly leading her away from her family's legacy. This emotional manipulation led to the eventual downfall of the Maelstroms, as Alessandra unwittingly aided Ryland's schemes. When she discovered the truth—that their relationship had been part of a calculated plan to destroy her family—Alessandra was devastated, her heart shattered by the betrayal.
Ryland Dreadclaw took a second wife, Lady Cassandra Shore, with the explicit goal of securing an heir. Lady Cassandra successfully bore him two sons, River Dreadclaw and Royce Dreadclaw, who were born just a year apart. A year after Royce's birth, Alessandra conceived and gave birth eventually to Lyssara Dreadclaw.
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Cursed Tides
FantasyPART ONE The power of the Dragon's Eye allows its wielder to summon and gain control of dragons, coveted by the noble houses of Holdenkeep to assert dominance and maintain their hierarchy atop the kingdom.
