Ashes Beneath the Crown

PROLOGUE

In the celestial halls of the Upper Realm, the boy was always made to kneel behind pillars.
Out of sight. Out of place. Out of favor.

He had demon blood in his veins - tainted, they whispered. A pity, they murmured. A sin, they declared.

Yet he smiled. Always. Because he had him.

The Crown Prince.
Golden-eyed, untouchable, merciful only to him. The only warmth in a place made of polished ice and judgment. The boy never asked for much - just to remain near him, in the shadow of his presence. A flicker beneath the sun.

But love, even unspoken, was a dangerous thing. And fate was always cruel to those who hoped.

The teacher they both revered - a man made of moonlight and sharp words - fell one day, slain by hands unknown.

And they pointed to the boy.

A dagger was drawn. Not from justice, but pain.
The prince raised it.
The boy smiled through the tears.
And did not run.

A flame sparked - not from the blade, but from the curse that tore through his soul as his blood hit the marble floor. A final protection woven by his dying spirit.

"Let me burn. Let me forget."

The gods watched in silence as the Crown Prince fell to his knees, weeping too late, too loud, too human.

Centuries passed.

The phoenix egg was found in the ashes of a fallen star. Nestled in the hands of a demon king, it pulsed with dormant sorrow.

It hatched.

Eyes opened - not golden, but soft with wonder. No memories. No guilt. No name.

Only a spark remained.
And far above, in the sky where Heaven once closed its doors, a prince looked down with eyes that no longer wept - only waited.