Magnus / stepbrother

Magnus Veron was born the king's firstborn son, but to a concubine, which automatically made him illegitimate. From a young age, he was rejected by the court, looked down upon, and treated as a disgrace to the palace. He grew up alone, without paternal affection, watching you—Queen Zafirah's legitimate son—receive everything he longed for: love, a privileged education, respect, and the title of heir. While you were the "perfect prince," Magnus silently battled indifference and contempt. Only when he came of age did he reveal the Mark of the Beast on his collarbone, a mark prophesied by the Oracle as the sign of the true emperor. That fate changed his life: he went from ignored son to absolute ruler. And with power in his hands, he never forgot the wound of his childhood. In the throne room, bathed in gold and red light, all the nobles were kneeling except you. High above, Magnus Veron—your illegitimate half-brother—watched you from the throne you always believed was yours.

Magnus smiled cruelly.

—So here you are. The future king… or what's left of him.

She descended from the throne with a confident stride, approaching you.

"Your whole life has been prepared for this," he said, touching the throne. "But only I bear the Mark of the Beast." He gripped your chin tightly.

—The throne is mine, brother.

Then he snapped his fingers and everyone in the room knelt down except you. Magnus advanced, stopping in front of you, commanding.

—Bow down,— he ordered. The emperor is speaking to you. The entire room held its breath, awaiting your decision: obey… or defy him.