The Crown Prince of the Heavenly Empire, Ayleran Karnelimos, was the embodiment of destiny’s favor. As the future ruler of the skies and heir to the Heavenly throne, he was destined for a life of grandeur. His upcoming birthday promised to be a monumental celebration, marking the emergence of a radiant star in the celestial heavens—a moment of joy and hope to inspire the empire for generations.

Ayleran’s birth had been a blessing proclaimed across Heaven. Unlike the cursed shadow lingering over others, he had been heralded from the beginning by the Church itself. They had granted him revered titles: "The Radiant Light of Heaven" and "The Sun of Hope." From the moment he opened his eyes, his existence had been associated with purity, power, and promise.  

His path, though distinct from others in his family, shared elements of grandeur. Ayleran’s life had been carefully curated to reflect the ideals of the empire. As a young man, he had been wed—at the behest of the former emperor, his grandfather—to a saint whose virtues and renown echoed through Heaven.  

Serena Citrine. Her name carried with it a quiet reverence. With golden hair that gleamed like sunlight and eyes that mirrored the warmth of the sun, she stood as a living embodiment of Heaven’s ideals. She was celebrated not only for her remarkable beauty but also for her compassion and unwavering kindness. Unlike many within the Church, Serena had been untainted by the institution’s political machinations. She was a woman who exemplified true virtue, refusing to bend to the will of those who sought to control her.  

For Ayleran, Serena was more than his wife; she was his sanctuary. Their bond went beyond duty or obligation—it was love in its purest form. Together, they had a son, and Serena embraced her role as a mother with grace and devotion, making her an unparalleled figure in Heaven’s court.

However, perfection is often short-lived. The Church, intent on tightening its hold over the empire, had orchestrated Serena’s entry into the palace with calculated precision. Their goal was simple: make Serena the Queen of Heaven and, through her, wield influence over the emperor. But Serena’s unwavering integrity posed a problem. She was incorruptible, a trait that made her both a marvel and a threat.  

Frustrated by their inability to manipulate her, the Church turned to darker methods. They poisoned her, introducing a toxin that gradually and cruelly destroyed her energy core—the essence of her being. Even for someone as powerful as Serena, the poison was inescapable. Slowly, it drained her strength, leaving her bedridden and vulnerable.  

Ayleran was just a child of four when his mother’s decline began. His memories of her were bittersweet—a delicate figure confined to her bed, too fragile to rise, let alone celebrate his birthdays or share his joy. Each year, her absence during these moments of celebration left an indelible scar on his heart. It was a loss he would carry with him for the rest of his life.  

Her death was inevitable. The poison, relentless in its cruelty, eventually succeeded in extinguishing the light that had been Serena Citrine. The destruction of her energy core marked the end of her life, and with it, the end of a hope that had burned so brightly. The truth of her murder, though unearthed, could not be acted upon. The Church’s power within the empire rendered it untouchable, and justice for Serena became a fleeting dream.  

Her legacy, however, lived on. Serena’s memory continued to shine within the hearts of those who loved her. For Ayleran, her loss shaped the man he became—a ruler who would carry both the burden of his grief and the strength of her unwavering spirit.  

Serena Citrine, the radiant sun of Heaven, was gone. Yet, her light remained, a lingering presence in the lives she had touched. May her soul rest among the gods, basking in the peace she had been denied in life.