His blood is a curse. His vow is the only salvation. Frederick has always believed his greatest purpose was protecting his found family of orphaned children. But when a brutal dragon attack shatters their home, a devastating secret comes to Frederick is the son of the tyrant king, Lazuris. Now, an ancient and powerful being offers him an impossible choice. Embrace a dark, royal destiny to save his family, or lose everything he has ever loved Joined by a roguish cleric with a wicked wit, he ventures out to gather allies for a dangerous quest, raising his stats and searching for a weapon that can withstand his new patron’s power.. But as a powerful romance blossoms, Frederick's quest becomes a treacherous tightrope. Every step toward his goal risks turning his loved ones into a monster's next target. His destiny demands a king's throne, but can he seize it without destroying the very family he swore to protect?