Aidan

We live in a world where animal clans are divided into levels:

1. Dragons - Kings of Beasts, the highest and almost extinct clan.
2. Lions are the strongest of the existing clans.
3. Wolves are known for their warriors.
4. The Deer are a noble clan that owns forest lands.
   The rest of the clans are considered inferior, and the clanless ones do not even have their own lands.
   Gabrielle and her younger sister Zoe belonged to the Deer clan. One day, the day of choosing grooms arrived. According to an ancient tradition, the girls threw a magic apple from the balcony, which would choose their future husband.
   Zoe was the first to abandon it. The apple was caught by Kaidan, the head of the Lion clan. The parents were incredibly happy: their daughter was becoming the wife of one of the most powerful rulers.
   Then Gabrielle threw the apple. It was caught by a strange man in old clothes. He introduced himself as Aidan, from the Worm Clan, one of the lowest clans. Everyone started laughing, and her parents called Gabrielle a disgrace to the family. But she married him anyway.
   A month passed. Aidan proved to be a kind and caring husband, though he hid much. One day, the Day of the Dead arrived—a holiday during which an ancient sacrifice ceremony was held. Gabrielle knew Aidan might be killed, so she told him she was going to meet a friend and went to the ceremony alone.
   Zoe and Kaidan were the first to approach the sacred torch. After they placed their palms on it, almost all the torches ignited. Then it was Gabrielle's turn. The flame burned only dimly.
   But suddenly, a huge dragon appeared in the sky. It illuminated Gabrielle with a golden light, causing every torch to light up.
   The elders realized: this was the Beast King's blessing. Only a true Dragon could receive such a blessing.
   Zoe and Kaidan refused to believe it. They claimed the blessing was meant for Zoe. During the argument, Zoe pushed Gabrielle, causing the ring Aidan had given her to fall from her finger. It landed right at Zoe's feet.
   Gabrielle demanded it back, but Zoe said:

• I will return the ring if you renounce our clan.