A GOD'S WAY OF JUDGEMENT

21-His beginning

Ronan lay on his bed, the weight of recent events pressing heavily on his mind. As the room's dim light flickered across the walls, he closed his eyes, trying to push the thoughts away. How did I become this cold? The question echoed within him, gnawing at the corners of his conscience. His heart—artificial, yet burdened—throbbed dully beneath the sheets. Memories stirred beneath the surface of his mind, pulling him deeper into sleep... and into the past.

He opened his eyes.

A soft, warm light surrounded him, and he found himself nestled in a pair of familiar arms. His infant mind could not comprehend the sight before him, but the warmth and scent felt right. It was his mother, Elara. She gazed down at him with a serene smile, her golden hair cascading like sunlight, her celestial blue eyes brimming with maternal affection.

"Ronan woke up," Elara whispered softly, cradling him with care.

From across the room, his father, Cyrus Arcanveil, approached with a smile, holding a baby girl—Liviya, Ronan's twin sister—in his arms. Cyrus's presence was commanding yet tender, his silver hair catching the light like threads of moonlight. He leaned closer, inspecting the baby boy with pride.

"He looks like he woke up just in time... to the cheers of the people," Cyrus said warmly. His voice carried a hint of humor, but pride swelled beneath it.

Elara chuckled, brushing a soft finger against Ronan's tiny cheek. "Well, it makes sense, doesn't it? Today belongs to Ronan and Liviya. They are the stars of the day."

Cyrus nodded, looking toward the ornate double doors beyond them. His expression was calm yet authoritative. "Alright, then. Let them know we are ready."

A courtier bowed from the doorway and quickly disappeared to carry out the order. Moments later, a triumphant sound filled the air—trumpets blaring in celebration, the deep hum of ceremonial drums resonating throughout the grand halls.

The atmosphere was electric. The roar of thousands of voices filtered in from beyond the chamber walls—citizens gathered outside the palace, eager and joyful, awaiting the appearance of their emperor and empress.

A voice, rich and ceremonial, rang out across the crowd:

"Presenting, His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Cyrus Arcanveil, and Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Elara Arcanveil! And with them today... the twin heirs, Ronan and Liviya!"

The great doors swung open, revealing the imperial family to the world. Sunlight poured over them as they stood on a grand marble balcony overlooking the gathered people below. At once, the roar of celebration turned to an expectant silence. Every eye was fixed on the celestial family, waiting for them to speak.

Cyrus and Elara stood tall, their expressions dignified, with Ronan and Liviya in their arms—their very presence a symbol of hope, unity, and divine power.

The people stood in awed silence, waiting for their sovereigns to speak the words that would cement this day as one of joy and prophecy fulfilled.

The imperial family stood tall upon the grand marble balcony, bathed in golden sunlight. Below, an endless sea of people gazed up at them with awe and anticipation. The air was thick with reverence, as though the very heavens were watching.

With Ronan and Liviya cradled in his and Elara's arms, Cyrus Arcanveil raised a hand, and the restless murmur of the crowd fell into utter silence. His voice, deep and commanding, resonated throughout the palace square.

"Today," Cyrus began, "marks a moment of history for the Celestial Realm. The twins have been born!"

A wave of cheers surged briefly through the crowd, but Cyrus's raised hand brought them back to silence. His piercing silver eyes scanned the audience, his tone becoming more solemn, filled with both authority and pride.