Chapter 1: The Orphan of the Forest
The rain outside lashed against the castle windows like an army of tiny assassins. Inside Gaius's chambers, the fireplace cast a warm, flickering glow, filling the room with the sweet scent of pine and medicinal herbs.
Ten-year-old Mya huddled inside Balthazar's wet travel cloak. Her small body trembled violently-not just from the biting cold, but from the terrifying fear of the unknown. Her mother was gone. Her old world had burned to ash.
King Avner is completely broken by grief,"" Gaius, the wise court physician, whispered urgently under the candlelight. "He has banned every trace of magic from the kingdom. If he ever finds out who she is... what hides in her blood..."
Mya didn't understand the words, but she understood the tone. Danger. She buried her face deeper into the damp cloak, trying to suffocate the tears streaming down her cheeks.
Suddenly, the heavy wooden door creaked open with a sharp groan. Mya flinched back, her eyes widening in sheer terror.
A young woman stood in the doorway, clad in light leather armor. Her hand rested naturally on the hilt of a gleaming silver sword. She looked as harsh and unyielding as the stones in the deepest forest.
Mya took a step back, but her small legs betrayed her. She tripped, falling backward,completely helpless.
