[Alaric stands in his chamber, removing his armor piece by piece. Torchlight flickers. The crowd’s distant cheers ("Alaric! Alaric! Alaric! Alaric!" fade into silence.] [Verse 1] They say I’m made of shining steel, A heart too firm to break or feel. They crown me bright, their flawless sun— But gods, I wish they saw someone. [Verse 2] Each story told, they lift me higher, As if I’m forged of pure desire. But heroes burn, and I’m aflame— I wonder… who remembers my name? [A pause. He sits.] [Pre-Chorus] They see the blade, the light I throw, Not the weight I never show. [Chorus] I am the chosen, the golden child, The smile that tames the battle wild. But every echo rings alone— Is this my path, or just a throne? The stars align and scripts obey… But I was never asked to stay. They gave me fate, a crown, a claim… But never asked my real name. [He stands, pacing. Emotions rise.] [Verse 3] I laugh and lead and never fall, But some nights I feel nothing at all. The shadows stretch behind the stage— Will I still shine when I age? [Bridge] Would they still cheer if I turned wrong? Would they still sing my name in song? Or am I just their golden lie— Too perfect, too proud to cry? [His voice breaks slightly — then hardens.] [Final Chorus] Yes, I am chosen — that’s what they need. A flawless flame, a flawless deed. But when the cheers are gone and done, I wonder if I’m still someone. The crown fits tight, the armor stays, But I can’t dream of other ways. I’ll play the part, I’ll bear the flame… But I still miss my name. [A silence. He closes his eyes. One last soft line.] Just once… I want to be seen.
