The sky above the Kingdom of Duskfire burned with the fading light of the setting sun, but below, darkness reigned. Blackened ruins stretched as far as the eye could see, smoldering like the dying embers of a once-proud fire. The great citadel that had been the heart of Duskfire lay shattered, its towering spires broken and crumbled, swallowed by creeping shadows.
Erza Black stood at the edge of the ruined throne room, his eyes fixed on the horizon where the last rays of the sun bled into the gathering night. His dark skin shimmered faintly in the dying light, and violet eyes — sharp and burning with fierce determination — reflected the embers of the world he had lost.
His regal robe, tattered but still bearing the sigil of the lion, fluttered softly in the chill wind. Erza's hands clenched into fists as a low growl rumbled in his chest — a primal roar echoing from somewhere deep inside him, a call from the constellation that gave his family its strength.
"The Shadow Consortium thinks this kingdom is finished," he whispered, voice cold but steady. "They have taken everything from us. But I am still here. And so is the light of Leo."
Behind him, the heavy footsteps of King Veylor Black broke the silence. The once-mighty king, scarred and worn, approached with measured steps, his face etched with grief and rage. His eyes, like dark stars, bore into Erza's with a fierce intensity.
"You must learn control, Erza," the king said, voice rough as gravel. "Anger without mastery will consume you. The Consortium's darkness will prey on weakness."
Erza turned to face his father, jaw clenched. "Control? How can I control the fire when it burns inside me so fiercely? When our people lie dead, our home crushed? I will tear down those shadows with everything I have."
King Veylor's gaze softened briefly, shadowed by the weight of years and sorrow. "I too want revenge. But we must be cunning. We are hunted. The Consortium's agents are everywhere. You are their greatest threat — not just because of your blood, but because of your power."
Erza lowered his gaze. The power within him stirred — the Solar Dominion, the gift of the Leo constellation burning beneath his skin. He could feel it, raw and untamed, like a star ready to explode.
"Then I will not run," Erza said. "I will reclaim what is ours. I will rise from these ashes and burn their darkness away."
A sudden crackle shattered the quiet. The air grew thick as the faint glow of golden flames flickered to life around Erza's hands. The solar fire was warm and fierce, casting dancing shadows on the ruined walls. It pulsed with the heartbeat of the constellation itself.
"You are the last light of Duskfire," King Veylor said, placing a heavy hand on Erza's shoulder. "And the lion's roar will shake the stars."
From beyond the shattered palace gates, distant howls echoed — the heralds of the astral beasts the Consortium had unleashed. Corrupted creatures born of shadow and malice, they prowled the wastelands, hunting any spark of resistance.
Erza's violet eyes blazed. With a sharp inhale, he unleashed a powerful roar that rippled through the air like a shockwave, sending the distant beasts into retreat.
But the battle was far from over.
King Veylor's voice dropped to a whisper, "We must find our allies. The Broken Pride awaits. Only together can we stand a chance."
Erza nodded, determination hardening his features. The path ahead was perilous — shadow and flame intertwined in a deadly dance across the astral realms. Yet, within him burned a promise — to restore his kingdom, to avenge his family, and to awaken the solar fury of the Leo constellation that would blaze a path through the darkness.
As the last light of day faded into night, Erza lifted his gaze skyward. The stars shimmered, and among them, the majestic shape of Leo — the celestial lion — shone bright, a beacon of hope in the void.
The lion's roar was coming.