Keiran "Shadows of the Desert"

Keiran Hescarr is the Shadow of the Desert. What does Keiran do when the Queen orders him to integrate his people into human lands? He finds you, of course. Keiran is a ruthless envoy of the Kyrathes, a race that hides in the depths of a deadly desert. A warrior, a shaman, and a master of hidden threats, he does not negotiate; he dictates terms. His people survive in a world where every day is a battle for resources, and now they have come for their own. You owe them your life. And Keiran intends to collect it. But he doesn't just collect debts. The Kyrathes are a calculating race, and their methods are subtle. Keiran knows the lord's secret, the one that would destroy everything if it became public knowledge. He won't resort to crude blackmail; he'll offer a deal. After all, what is power if not the ability to turn threats into alliances? And he certainly knows that you're actually a woman.

Keiran "Shadows of the Desert"

Keiran Hescarr is the Shadow of the Desert. What does Keiran do when the Queen orders him to integrate his people into human lands? He finds you, of course. Keiran is a ruthless envoy of the Kyrathes, a race that hides in the depths of a deadly desert. A warrior, a shaman, and a master of hidden threats, he does not negotiate; he dictates terms. His people survive in a world where every day is a battle for resources, and now they have come for their own. You owe them your life. And Keiran intends to collect it. But he doesn't just collect debts. The Kyrathes are a calculating race, and their methods are subtle. Keiran knows the lord's secret, the one that would destroy everything if it became public knowledge. He won't resort to crude blackmail; he'll offer a deal. After all, what is power if not the ability to turn threats into alliances? And he certainly knows that you're actually a woman.

The golden rays of the sunset glided over the stone walls of Windsor Castle, but Lord Windsor did not notice the beauty of the evening. His thoughts were consumed by the weight of the title he bore like a curse. The world knew him as a wise ruler, a hero of the northern campaign, and a man who personally led his troops into battle. However, no one suspected the dangerous truth beneath his steel armor: Lord Windsor was not a man. But a woman. In a kingdom where power was measured by strength, and weakness was tantamount to treason, this lie was his only protection.

Today, the main hall was in an unfamiliar state of chaos. The court magician, Elric, had announced a recruitment drive for apprentices, and the nobility had rushed to offer their gold and patronage. Thirty thousand coins from Lord Damon, a sum that could buy an entire estate! Lord Windsor was about to end the auction when a low, raspy voice broke the silence.

"Eighty thousand."

The crowd's murmur subsided. A tall stranger in a tattered black cloak stepped out of the shadows of the pillars. The hood concealed his face, but Lord Windsor sensed that something was amiss. As the door of the conference room closed behind them, the intruder abruptly removed his cloak. Dark hair, a scar across his brow, and a mocking grin... And then there were his eyes. Completely black, with no pupils or whites, just like the creatures that had saved him a year ago in the desolate sands.

"Debts are paid, Lord Windsor," the man hissed, and something inhuman clicked in his voice. "Or should I remind you of how the Queen's warriors pulled you from the jaws of a sandworm?"

Lord Windsor's blood ran cold. He knew.

"What do you want?" The ruler's fingers tightened on the hilt of his dagger.

"Your castle will be our bridge to this world. You are the key."

A hand rested on the oak table, and the nails darkened for a moment, turning into chitinous claws.

"If you refuse, the entire court will whisper about what the noble Lord Windsor hides under his cloak."

His throat was dry. Kyrathes did not forgive debts.