Chapter 1: Past Echoes
2nd February 2025-
The book 'Eternal Past' by an unknown author unexpectedly went viral, captivating readers everywhere. Although based on a true story, many doubted its authenticity - except the author himself, who knew the truth behind the words. The story's gripping narrative sparked an unprecedented obsession, leaving readers enthralled and eager for more.
The Yonsei university was buzzing with students, everyone talking about 'Eternal Past'. They were all curious and speculating about the book's true story."The university was buzzing with students, everyone talking about 'Eternal Past'. They were all curious and speculating about the book's true story."
Ahn Danyi, a 19-year-old IT student, tuned out the buzz about a book and ignored the conversations around her. She put on her earphones and listened to "Blossom" by Enhypen. Once she reached her class, she opened her laptop and began working on her homework.Just then, her best friend Jo arrived and sat beside her, pulling out a book from his bag titled "Eternal Past". Danyi's curiosity was piqued when she noticed the book, the same one everyone was talking about.
"Why are you staring at my book for so long?" Jo asked, catching her gaze. "Did you fall in love with it?"
Danyi playfully nudged him and said, "I've been hearing about this book all morning. I want to read it too."
Jo handed her the book with a smile, but Danyi's smile was genuine, while Jo's seemed forced.
As the class ended, the playful atmosphere dissipated. In the evening, Danyi rushed to the bus stand, hoping to catch her favorite bus. In her haste, she bumped into a guy wearing a loose black hoodie.
"Sorry," he said respectfully, before turning to leave. However, his gaze fell upon the book in Danyi's hand - "Eternal Past". His expression turned disapproving. "What's wrong with people?" he muttered, "Why are you reading this freaking book, which has no meaning?"
She ignored him and rushed towards the bus stand, managing to catch her favorite bus. Settling into her favorite corner window seat, she opened "Eternal Past" and began reading.
...
"Eternal Past"
"Atarah"- a beautiful kingdom of mythical creatures and humans, situated on the planet Xylonia, a distant world in the outer rim of galaxy. Mythical creatures like vampires, werewolves, witches, shapeshifters were living peacefully with human. Their dominant society is Vampires, it means the vampires ruled the Atarah mainly. The empire Ryen, was the main president of Atarh."
In the serene morning light, Princess Darya and Princess Vanya strolled through the garden with their assistant Akanni. While Darya sat on a bench, lost in her painting, Vanya wandered ahead, discovering the vibrant new flowers that had bloomed overnight.
Princess Darya: Akanni, can I have another brush? This one isn't working properly.
Princess Vanya: Akanni, can I have a basket?
Akanni swiftly attended to their requests. The princesses were engrossed in their activities. As Princess Vanya wandered through the garden, she stumbled upon something unexpected - a secret staircase, shrouded in darkness. She glanced around, ensuring no one was watching, before slipping into the stairway.
As she entered, she saw guards approaching, so she hid. Once they passed, she explored the new area, unfamiliar from her childhood. It resembled a small prison. Suddenly, she saw a shadowy figure that looked like a monster - a horrifying sight. She turned to run, but found the guards standing in front of her.
Guard 1: "Your Highness, you're not allowed here. It's dangerous for you."
Guard 2: "Your Highness, please come this way. Don't come here again."
Princess Vanya: "Nehh... But why didn't anyone tell me about this?"
Guard 1: "It was meant to be a secret. The Empire doesn't want to scare civilians about this."
Guard 2: "Please, Your Highness, come this way. Nobody is allowed here except the Empire and authorized guards."
As she walked towards the garden, she saw Akanni crazily searching for her. A faint smile crossed her lips at the sight.
Princess Vanya: Akanni, what are you looking for?
Akanni: (rushing towards her) Your Highness, where did you go? I was-
Princess Darya: Akanni, she isn't a child. I saw exactly where she went.
Princess Vanya: Oh, Jinjaa, you know about that place?
Princess Darya: What place? That prison?
Princess Vanya: So, you do know.
Akanni looked back and forth between the princesses, clearly confused.
A guard approached, forcefully taking Akanni away. The princesses tried to intervene, but the guard ignored them, citing "Empire's orders." Akanni was dragged harshly into the palace hall, where she saw her father, Knight Koa, severely beaten and bleeding profusely. She rushed to his side, unaware of what was happening.
The Empire had ordered the guards to execute Knight Koa, the trusted knight. Akanni cried out, trying to stop the guards, but it was futile. She fought bravely to defend her father, taking down several guards. However, the Empire himself intervened, sword in hand.
"You betrayed me," the Empire spat, sword pressed against Koa's neck. "What did you do? There's no place for traitors like you."
As the Empire shouted, the guards seized Akanni, holding her tightly. In a horrific moment, the Empire killed Koa in front of Akanni's eyes. It was so horrible to watch. Everyone closed their eyes, didn't wanna saw this sight.Tears streamed down her face as she watched her father, her only supporter and guardian, fall.
The Empire ordered the guards to beat Akanni to death and throw her into the monster prison. The princesses were shocked, protesting the Empire's orders. They refused to leave, trying to stop the guards, but the Empire commanded them to return to their rooms.
Akanni remained silent, drained of energy and consumed by grief. She thought about what her father had done and why the Empire had done this. Her only response was tears, streaming silently down her face.
