Prince Zavrius has spent his life in the shadow of his family’s power, fifth in line to a throne he will never claim. While his eldest brother Theo schemes and the court buzzes with whispers of war, Zavrius is tasked with proving his worth by demonstrating swordsmanship at a royal ceremony—a skill he sorely lacks. Enter Balen, a rising star in the Paladin Order, who stumbles upon Zavrius’ struggles and offers to train him. Balen is everything Zavrius isn’t: disciplined, unflinching, and steadfastly loyal to his duty. But as the two spend stolen hours together, a bond begins to form—one that defies their stations and the chaos brewing around them. Meanwhile, Zavrius’ mother, Queen Arasne, hides a deadly illness, determined to maintain the fragile peace she’s built. With nobles pushing for war and Theo’s simmering hatred threatening to ignite, Zavrius finds himself drawn into the court’s dangerous undercurrents. And through it all, his feelings for Balen deepen, even as he knows their love is doomed. Set five years before the events of Reforged, Crucible is a sweeping tale of passion and heartbreak, tracing the forbidden love that would one day shape the fate of a kingdom.