Liam had always been special.
He carried the blood of one of the Ancient Families—his father a revered patriarch, his mother also hailed among the strongest warriors of the human continent. His brother, Oliver, the family's firstborn, was a legend in his own right—brilliant, powerful, untouchable.
Liam admired Oliver more than anyone. Respected him. Feared him a little, even. So when Oliver gave him his first real assignment, Liam took it as gospel.
> "Make them understand. Just because they share our father's blood doesn't mean they're our equals."
Liam obeyed. With passion.
Anytime a new child joined the family and showed promise—or worse, defiance—Liam came to visit. He didn't just break them physically. He shattered their pride. Their will. Until they knelt, begged, obeyed.
It started as duty.
But it quickly became obsession.
