The first rays of sunlight cut across the white walls of Bragan?a like golden blades. The city was still waking, but in the military sector of the imperial capital, the day already began like the end of an era.

  Lukas strapped the shield to his forearm in silence. The armor was firm. Maximus rested on his back, weighing like the last months — like the deaths, the promises, the names.

  The door opened with military precision. Valquíria entered, the black uniform of the Trevos flawless, her cloak flowing like the shadow of a storm.

  — Ready? — she asked.

  — Always have been.

  She raised an eyebrow, assessing her brother.

  — Hmm… finally looking less like a boy. All that’s left is to lose your virginity to complete the uniform.

  — Valquíria, for the love of the Sun… — Lukas rubbed his temples.

  — Relax, she laughed. — Just trying to prepare you. Imagine dying without knowing what it’s like.

  They descended the inner stairs of the tower. The lower courtyard was already filled with imperial troops and mixed groups: healers, scouts, warriors from the Houses, and… them.

  The Trevos — also known as Valquíria’s squad — stood in formation under her personal banner. All clad in black-adapted armor, gray capes, and eyes that forgave nothing.

  When they saw their commander, they raised fists to their chests and shouted:

  — Queen Trevo! Commander Valquíria! For Kyros! For our queen!

  Valquíria returned the salute with firmness, without a smile. She had already buried half the troop and taught the other half how to survive.

  Lukas walked beside her until one of the Trevos stepped out of line. She was blonde, pale-skinned, golden-eyed. She bore the emblem of the Path of Summer on her left shoulder. Beautiful. Deadly.

  She approached with a smile, as if ignoring the danger of flirting with a Fernandes in public.

  — Lukas Fernandes, she said softly. — I heard from your sister that you’re still a virgin…

  Stolen story; please report.

  She leaned closer, her warm breath brushing his ear.

  — …I’m your fan. If you want to fix that before dying in the Tower… I can help.

  Lukas froze completely.

  His face turned crimson down to his neck. He stammered, stepped back — but too late.

  Luiz was already behind them, a piece of bread in hand and murder in his eyes.

  — What did she just say, Lukinhas?

  — It was nothing! — Lukas shouted, shoving Luiz with his elbow. — Mind your own business!

  Valquíria burst into loud laughter.

  — I’m trying to help you, you know? Dying a virgin would be a shame to the Fernandes name. That would offend our father.

  — I… I… Lukas didn’t know if he should defend himself or run.

  — But relax, Valquíria said, pointing to the blonde with her chin. — She’s not just anyone. Second strongest of the Trevos. Only weaker than me, of course.

  Lukas tried to breathe. But his mouth betrayed him before his mind caught up:

  — She’s… beautiful.

  Silence.

  Luiz exploded in laughter.

  — WHAT?! Say that again, Lukinhas!

  — Shut up, damn Copa! — Lukas snapped, almost lunging at his brother.

  The blonde smirked, touched her chest in salute, and returned to formation as if nothing had happened.

  Adriele appeared with a rolled parchment.

  — The official summons has arrived. The gate opens in twenty minutes. Captains are already waiting.

  — About time, Valquíria muttered. — This perfumed city irritates me.

  Lukas inhaled deeply.

  Luiz slung an arm over his shoulders and whispered:

  — I’ll stay alive just to keep mocking you until the end of time. So you better survive.

  — …I’ll shove you into the first hole in the Tower, Lukas replied, managing a faint smile.

  They walked together toward the main gate of the imperial capital.

  There, dozens of soldiers, scholars, and onlookers gathered to watch the procession depart. The banners of the Eighth House — the Copas — and the Seventh — the Trevos — were raised high. Their crests fluttered as if defying death itself.

  The captain of Bragan?a’s guard climbed onto a small platform and proclaimed:

  — To the Fernandes procession. The Tower of the Unfortunate awaits you.

  Adriele adjusted the strap of Lukas’s shield.

  — Don’t forget who you are. Or who stands beside you.

  — I know, he clenched his fists. — And I won’t let the Tower forget either.

  Valquíria looked at her three siblings and raised her chin.

  — For Kyros. For Leli. For the honor that still needs to be rebuilt.

  Luiz stepped forward.

  — And for the humiliation I’ll cause you, Lukinhas, if you die in some pathetic way.

  — Go to hell.

  — Already heading there. The entrance is called “floor one.”

  The trumpets blared. The city gates opened.

  And before the eyes of Bragan?a, the children of Kyros took their first step toward the Tower.

  End of Chapter 4.

  Thank You ?

  ?? The next chapter will be out at 12h — see you then!

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