Thas Nightshare was a natural leader. He was charming, politically astute, and well-connected, a true diplomat who could navigate the complexities of court life with ease. Where Heiko inspired fear, Thas inspired loyalty and admiration.
Though Heiko never voiced his feelings, he sometimes felt a pang of envy when he watched Thas. He imagined what it might be like to live without the shadow of a curse, to walk into a room without sensing the tension, to be greeted with smiles instead of wary glances.
But these were fantasies, and Heiko had long since learned to bury them. His place was not on the throne but on the battlefield, as a shield for his kingdom.
In the years that followed, Heiko devoted himself to his role as Commander. He trained tirelessly, led his troops with unwavering dete
