The sun shone brightly across the glorious kingdom of Lunaria, casting golden rays over ivory towers and glorious streets. Despite its name derived from the moon, a symbol of darkness and mystery Lunaria was a kingdom of contrast. It stood for both light and darkness, hope and cruelty, good and evil,a realm where the divine glow of the sun did not mask the shadows beneath.

In a quiet corner of the lower district, far from the castle’s grand halls and noble estates, a small, weathered house stood still under the morning light. Inside, a girl lay on her modest bed, eyes wide open, staring at the cracked ceiling of her little home.

Her name was Sophie, a sixteen-year-old human girl in a kingdom that barely saw her kind as people.

"Not everyone is born equal in Lunaria," she thought bitterly. "Not in this world."

Her home was small, but it was warm at least, emotionally. The furniture was old, the roof leaked during storms, and the stone walls were thin enough to hear the neighbors argue. But it was hers. The stillness of the morning was one of her only quiet, a fleeting moment before the world reminded her of who she was a weak insignificant human, the lowest of ranks on Lunaria’s societal ladder,A human in high ranks isn't impossible but rare.

"Hi… I’m Sophie. I turned sixteen yesterday," she mused silently, her lips parting slightly as if to say it out loud, but no sound came. "And I’m human... in a world where that means nothing but pain, yes am human but not weak."

The sound of her older sister’s voice broke her from her thoughts.

“Sophie! Breakfast!”

Sophie blinked, then smiled faintly and leapt from bed. Her bare feet met the cold floor, and she raced toward the smell of warm food.

In the small kitchen, her father sat hunched over a worn-out newspaper, his expression tired, eyes heavy with silent worries. Across from him, Sam,her older sister, was gently helping their mother to her seat. Their mother’s illness had been growing worse, and though she smiled at them, the lines on her face and the bottles of medication nearby betrayed the weight she carried.

Medicine was expensive in Lunaria—especially for humans. And so, every member of the family worked hard just to afford her treatment but the rent and feeding.

They ate in silence for a moment jam and warm bread. It wasn’t much, but it was warm, and it filled their bellies. Sophie cherished these moments more than anything.

Breaking the silence, she spoke with a soft smile, “I have to work today… So I might be back late.”

Her father's eyes didn’t lift from the paper, but Sophie knew he was listening. Sam glanced at her with concern as she has been working all week without rest, the weakness was clearly seen in her face. Sophie noticed their worries and quickly added with false cheer, “But maybe I’ll hear back from Solnaria Institute today.”

The air grew heavy again but with a slight cheer.

Solnaria—Lunaria’s most prestigious university for many fields of study and especially magic for those who have powers,it was a dream few humans dared to chase. It was hard enough to get in especially for humans, it was nearly impossible... unless you had powerful connections, which Sophie did not have but she had dreams.

“I know it’s a long shot,” she added, laughing nervously. “I just hope—”

“You’ll make it,” Sam said, interrupting her. “You always try the hardest.”

Sophie smiled at her sister, the ache in her chest softening slightly.

“And guess what?” Sam continued. “I’m getting my first salary today—from the dress shop.”

The tension in the room eased a little, even their father smiled. Their mother’s soft cough reminded them all why every coin mattered.

Soon, Sophie packed up and left for work, slipping her simple shoes on and pulling her hoodie over her head. She kept her head down as she walked the streets.

Her first stop was Solnaria’s magic board a large, glowing crystal screen in the public square, where new admission results were posted. Her heart pounded in her chest as she stepped forward, but her name was not there. Again as it informed her that it was the last day and if she eventually got the admission a letter would be mailed to her making her sigh a little in worry.

A group of werewolves nearby burst into laughter, one of them pointing at her. “Hey, look! Another human dreaming too big.”

Sophie clenched her fists but said nothing. As they turned to walk away, she discreetly flicked her hand, and a nearby pipe burst open, splashing them with cold water.

“Hey!” one of them barked, spinning around.

But Sophie was already gone, running down the alley, a mischievous grin on her face.

They never saw it, but Sophie was gifted—one of the rare humans born with elemental powers. Her control over water and ice came naturally, but she hid it from the world. She couldn’t afford proper training, and if anyone discovered her powers, especially without proper documentation, she could be arrested or worse killed.

To keep her powers in check, she wore a plain silver ring enchanted with a weak suppression charm. It buzzed faintly against her finger now, as if annoyed at the pipe stunt.

She shrugged it off and headed to her first job at a small restaurant.

The day passed slowly but her day was just like the other days. Customers insults, supervisors overworked her once again, and no one cared about her tired legs or the ache in her back. But Sophie never once stopped smiling—because surviving meant not showing weakness.

As she was leaving her last job, worn out and ready to collapse, she heard someone call her name.

“Sophie!”

She turned just in time to see Erica, a lively teenage werewolf from a noble family, running toward her with wild excitement on her face. Erica was one of the rare few supernatural beings who treated humans as equals. They’d been best friends since they were little.

Erica threw her arms around her. “I got in! Solnaria accepted me!”

Sophie’s face froze. The words hit her like a punch to the chest. She smiled though with excitement happy for her friend.

“That’s… amazing,” she yelled.

But then Erica held up a second letter.

“And guess what? You did too! Late admission!” she squealed.

Sophie blinked. “W-What?”

She snatched the parchment and read it. It was real,her name was there, stamped with the Solnaria seal.

She gasped, then screamed with joy, and the two girls jumped up and down in the street, celebrating like children. A loud voice from behind them shattered the moment.

“Hey! You brats! Get off my street!” Sophie's boss yelled, shaking his broom.

Laughing, they ran away together, hearts light for the first time in weeks.

Meanwhile… Inside the Royal Palace

The mood was starkly different within the grand palace of Lunaria.

In the center of the chamber, nobles, dukes, duchesses and other officials sat frozen in fear. A crimson pool spread across the marble floor, the lifeless body of a high-ranking traitor lying still at its center.

At the head of the room stood Prince Jayson, the king’s eldest child 19 year old, holding a bloodied blade without a single drop of remorse in his glowing red eyes. His aura was heavy, dark, suffocating.

“Let this be a warning to all of you,” he said, voice cold as ice. “Any of you who even think about betrayal... will end up just like him.”

No one dared breathe.

Beside him stood Princess Kiara, his sixteen-year-old sister, her long blue hair cascading like a curtain. She let out a soft giggle, which quickly spiraled into maniacal laughter. Her eyes gleamed with wicked amusement, like a cat toying with prey.

At the far end of the hall, the King and Queen sat in silence,visibly frustrated. Their children, though powerful, were becoming more dangerous which might affect their reign and weaken the trust of the people more. After the disaster that happened in the meeting chamber everyone ran home.

Soon after Jayson and Kiara were summoned by their parents. The grand hall they entered was quieter than the throne room,yet the silence held a heavier tension. The walls, lined with portraits of past rulers, bore witness to what came next.

The King stood tall, his silver-stitched robes shimmering under the chandelier’s dim glow. But the fire in his eyes wasn’t regal but was paternal and furious.

“What were you thinking?” he bellowed, slamming his hand against the table. “What do you two gain from such reckless behavior? The people saw everything!. Jayson, why would you kill that human in front of everyone? At the very least, you could have waited for a trial!”.

Leaning against the wall, Jayson ran a hand through his silver-blue hair, his expression unreadable. His voice, when it came, was cold and sharp as frost.

“If I didn’t execute that fool of a minister, what would have stopped the others?” he said. “Why did we even make a human an officiant? His betrayal would have sparked something far worse. Many already hate us and want the throne so badly. That man’s actions would’ve inspired others to rebel as well.”

The King clenched his jaw, but the Queen raised a hand to calm him.

“Yes,” she said gently, “but even then... a trial is advised. She sighed and sat down,What happened to both of you when you were younger... we know left scars. The curse of being Crescent Vampires hasn’t made it easier as well”

“Whatever, All I know,” Kiara interrupted flatly, “is that he deserved it. And we don’t care about that damn curse.” Her crimson eyes flashed with conviction, and there was no remorse in her tone.

The Queen’s eyes softened, but worry crept into her voice. “You may not care, but the people do. Their trust in us is wavering. We must and to rebuild it , you two stunts you have been pulling for a while now has also giving them alot more reasons to rebel and betray us right now let's focus on growing these nation and building back their trust.”

Jayson sighed and stepped away from the wall, as he sat on a table. “ I’ve been studying the newly sent records and research about our kingdom,” he said. “Looking for what’s been going wrong in the nation these past few months. There are patterns and signs, especially lots of activities affecting everyone.”

The King nodded slightly, his fury dimming into thoughtfulness.

The Queen turned to Kiara. “What was it you wanted to tell us earlier?”

Kiara blinked, as if just remembering. “Oh, right.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m going to that kingdom called Asteria. I plan to spy on them for a while. They’ve requested a trade agreement with us, despite knowing our bloody history with them,especially our forefathers’. I don’t trust them. As a general of Lunaria I want to see what they’re really up to. It smells like a trap.”

The Queen frowned. “When are you leaving?”

“Tomorrow,” Kiara replied simply.

Her parents exchanged a look.

“Please just pleaseeee,” the King said, his voice low but firm, “don’t kill anyone unless you must. We don’t want to be the ones who ignite another war.”

Kiara gave an exaggerated sigh. “Fine. I’m taking General Kael with me, anyway.”

The Queen placed a hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “Be careful.”

With that, the siblings took their leave. The heavy doors closed behind them, leaving the royal couple in the flickering candlelight of the room.

The Queen sat down, rubbing her temples. “I wonder when they’ll finally learn to control their thirst for blood,” she murmured.

The King’s gaze lingered on the door his children had just passed through. “And when their grandmother will return.”

“She’s been undercover in the city for six months now,” the Queen said as she hits her husband playful. “What's she even doing ?”

“How should I know?” the King said tiredly, "She left with no words,only that she had to watch the people of lunaria for the one. I just hope whatever she finds doesn’t tear this kingdom apart.”

"Knowing her it's definitely something important"

As she rested her head on her husband as the both watched the fire place together.

And in the silence that followed, the wind outside howled like a distant cry.

It was a bright morning in the Lunarian Palace.

Kiara packed her necessities,standing at the edge of her chamber, she gave a final glance back at the room—pristine, royal, and cold. Her lips curled into a smirk.

“I might actually have some fun today,” she whispered to herself before slipping through the corridor into the world beyond palace walls.

Elsewhere in the palace, Queen Stella strolled through the palace gardens, her fingers trailing lazily across dew-tipped roses. The fragrance of lavender mixed with the clean scent of fresh grass as the sun warmed the marble paths. Her peaceful walk was soon disrupted by a gaggle of young noblewomen, all eager for her attention. They half-walked, half-ran, giggling and whispering, like flowers competing for sunlight. But one stood out from them all not for grace, but for boldness.

MARTHA THOMAS

A vampire from the ancient and arrogant Thomas bloodline, Martha shoved past the others without shame. The irritation in her eyes vanished the moment she reached the queen, replaced with a sugary smile and a perfectly performed curtsy.

"Your Majesty," she said sweetly, "the roses bloom brighter under your gaze."

The queen smiled softly, her tone calm and unreadable. “How kind of you, Lady Martha.”

But she turned her gaze elsewhere towards a girl standing quietly by the fountain.

RINA ELDEN

Half-human, half-vampire, and adopted during wartime by the noble Elden family, Rina's presence still stirred whispers and controversy. No one knew her true origins, she had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. Yet, she carried herself like someone forged in fire. Her combat training and discipline earned her quiet respect, and Queen Stella had taken a liking to her. She never treated Rina differently for her bloodline.

As the queen’s steps faded and she left the garden to rest, Martha’s smile darkened. Her posse surrounded Rina like circling wolves. Without hesitation, two of them grabbed her arms, holding her firmly.

"You should really learn your place," Martha sneered and slapped her. "The queen may favor you, but don’t mistake that for worth. You’ll never be a princess not with that half-blood running through your veins beside that position and power is meant for me."

Rina said nothing.

She simply stood still, her gaze cold and unwavering. The girls eventually let her go, scoffing as they walked off. Left alone, Rina dusted herself off, the corners of her mouth twitching.

Then, she laughed softly at first, then louder, something unhinged hiding beneath the sound.

“Is that what you think?” she murmured, eyes gleaming. “No matter what you try… the prince is mine silly little girl.”

As she walked away, her back straight, her lips curled with wicked amusement. No one truly knew the darkness she carried.

FAR AWAY FROM THE PALACE , Sophie clutched her little satchel tightly, skipping down the dusty path with excitement in her step. Her sister’s nagging voice faded behind her, drowned out by the pounding of her heart.

Today was the day.

She met Erica on her way to the institute, she is her only true friend. Despite being the daughter of a respected werewolf family she never saw her differently. Together,they made their way to the gates of Solnaria University.

Sophie gasped.

The towering buildings were bathed in golden light, gothic and majestic, sprawling with courtyards and spiraling towers. It looked like something out of a dream. But what caught her most off-guard was the number of humans—more than she’d expected.

“Is… is this normal theirs alot of humans than I expected?” she whispered to Erica.

Erica chuckled. “My dad told me that the king made sure everyone got a fair chance at Solnaria ",Sophie blinked . "Entrance is now based on knowledge and effort of all not race or class.”

Sophie’s chest swelled with hope.Maybe things are finally changing, she thought. Maybe I can belong somewhere.

But that hope was tested soon enough.At the registration desk, a stern-faced vampire woman sneered the moment Sophie approached. Her voice was laced with disdain, her words like poison.

“Human, this form is incomplete. And your payment?” She snorted. “Barely covers a week.”

Sophie’s cheeks burned as she laid out her savings, coins she had earned cleaning, cooking, and running errands for months. The woman looked down at the coins like they were trash.

“This is pathetic,it still isn't enough.”

Before Sophie could respond, Erica stepped in. “I’ll pay the rest.”

Sophie’s eyes widened. “No—Erica, I can...”

But Erica had already handed over the coins.

Sophie was shocked but Erica smiled,she quickly hugged her tightly, warmth flooding her eyes.

“Thank you,” she whispered. “I'll pay back promise.”

Erica poked her and assured her she doesn't need to with the warmest smile.

They spent hours touring the school grounds as Sophie started talking about books, but she started growing tired. Days of hard work and sleepless nights caught up with her. Erica excused herself to use the restroom, leaving Sophie alone in the cafeteria.

She sat near the window, sipping juice, letting the sunlight lull her—until a familiar voice shattered the calm.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the human pest.”

Sophie froze.

AMANDA

The vampire from her former school who made her life hell, Sophie still doesn't know what she did to make amanda hate her so much, Sophie had punched in a moment of bravery before disappearing as she couldn't take it anymore. Sophie’s throat dried as Amanda sauntered closer, smirking like a cat ready to play with its prey.

“Leave me alone,” Sophie said, barely above a whisper.

Amanda’s smile widened. “ Wow suddenly quite are you, looks like your friend isn't around this time, huh? You ruined my pretty face, and now am extremely grateful I can return the favour .”

A looming figure stepped in beside Amanda—ERIC . Erica’s older brother. Once kind, now cold. His eyes flickered with hatred.

“You remember him, don’t you?” Amanda said. “He doesn’t like humans either.”

Fear crawled into Sophie’s spine. She stood, looking around the room,but no one moved. No one cared to help a human and it was clearly obvious that Amanda and Eric have become popular once more in a short amount of time again.

Amanda leaned in. “Become my servant, you wretched rat, and you won't be extremely tortured, think about it.”

Sophie trembled" Run. Hide. Scream" was what she thought.

But then something inside her hardened.

"No, Not this time if I run it will only feel their ego".

“I’d rather die,” she said.

Amanda felt so embarrassed and angry,Eric seeing her expression growled and with one swift motion, he flung her through the glass window. Shards exploded in the air. Sophie screamed as she crashed onto the stone walkway below. Pain bloomed in her shoulder and ribs, and blood ran from her elbow as slices and cut on her skin bleed out a little. Amanda laughed like a banshee, pointing at her with cruel delight.

But the laughter stopped abruptly,A slap rang out across the courtyard.

Erica.

She had returned and her fury was like fire.She slapped Amanda, then Eric. Hard. “What is wrong with you, you witch still so foolish?!”.

Amanda shrieked At Eric. “She—!”

And Eric was also slapped by his sister

“She’s my friend!” Erica snapped. “And you two are monsters.”

She knelt beside Sophie, helping her up gently. Sophie clung to her, dazed and hurting before she immediately fainted .

Eric looked at Eric and turned, ashamed.Erica’s voice tremblednot with fear, but disappointment.

“You weren’t always like this,” she said to her brother. “What happened to you?”

Later, in the quiet of the infirmary, Sophie suddenly opened her eyes from a strange dream she had, She quickly hugged her knees to her chest.

After calming down she stared at her bruised hands and whispered to herself.

“Maybe I was stupid to think I could fit in here… still I ain't scared. I don’t care if the world burns,I’ll survive. Somehow.”A soft smile touched her lips.

“No one's ruining my education.”

Kiara had reached Asteria, but they didn't travel by chariot or boat but by the magic of the Sorcerer of lunaria a magic ring as the got there the tool faded into a shimmer of dust as it could only be used once.Kiara and Kael stepped onto the cobbled grounds of Asteria—a kingdom carved out of serenity and splendor. Vast green fields stretched beyond the towering marble walls. Ivy kissed the edges of statues, and flowers bloomed in precise, mesmerizing symmetry. Even the air seemed different here—thinner, lighter, perfumed with hints of lavender and mint.

Kael turned his gaze toward Kiara. “So… What's the plan now your Highness?” he asked, his voice low, edged with nerves.

Kiara’s crimson eyes gleamed beneath her hood. “Firstly don't call me highness were under cover and secondly the plan is,” she said, her lips curling into a sly smile, “we kidnap a maid and a guard.”

kael was confused "how do we get a guard and maid out the palace without being seen", Kiara annoyed"are you an idiot".

Some hours later the great gates of Asteria groaned open. A group of royal guards and a handful of maids stepped out with purpose, their conversation hushed but clear enough to indicate they had been sent to retrieve several royal items scrolls, rare herbs, and ceremonial trinkets for the upcoming jaguar festival.

Kiara's eyes narrowed, tracking them carefully from the trees.

Among the group, one guard and a maid young, perhaps in their early twenties,broke away from the others. They moved quickly, slipping toward the edge of the forest path that bordered Asteria’s outer gardens.

“She asked me to meet her here?” the guard muttered to himself.

The maid, Lily, stood nervously a few paces away, hands wringing the edges of her apron. “I—I know it’s odd, but I needed to speak with you. There’s something I’ve been holding in…”

Her voice was soft, almost trembling, as she looked up at him with red-tinged cheeks.

But before she could continue, a blood-curdling scream echoed through the trees.

It was the sound of a terrified girl, crying out for help. The kind of scream that made your chest seize.

“Did you hear that?” the guard asked, hand flying to his sword.

Lily clutched his arm. “What if she’s badly hurt? We have to help her!”

Despite his hesitation, the guard nodded and they moved deeper into the woods, toward the fading echo of terror. The scream came again, closer this time—chilling, desperate.

Then silence.

They stopped.

“…Hello?” the guard called, spinning around. “Is anyone there?”

Leaves rustled. A shadow flitted behind the trees. Then another. They turned in unison, their breath shallow and quick. Lily stepped back.

“Let’s go,” she whispered. “Something’s wrong—”

A sharp thud interrupted her as something struck her from behind.

The guard turned too late—darkness followed.

From behind the brush, Kiara emerged slowly, twirling a strand of her silvery-blue hair around her finger. Her laughter cut through the stillness, cruel and amused. She tilted her head and let out the exact same terrified scream from before, now exaggerated in a mocking tone.

“How pathetic,” she smirked.

Kael stepped out of the trees, visibly shaken. “Your laugh…” he muttered. “It’s kinda of… scary.”

Kiara grinned. “Great. Fear sharpens the mind.”

She knelt beside the unconscious pair and pulled out a magic mask that shimmered with emerald light. She activated it with a drop of blood from her finger, and pointing it at the face of the maid which kael also did .

Then the wore it a glow enveloped her and Kael. Their faces changed looking exactly like the two unconscious pair. They looked exactly like the maid Lily and the guard John down to the moles, scars, and the curl of hair over the ear.

“To others,” Kiara explained, “we look like them. But to each other… still ourselves. It'll last a week, no more.”

They stripped the real guard and maid of their clothes and dressed in their uniforms. Kiara kept her promise—not killing them, only sealing them inside a hidden barrier trapped in the cages of a tree invisible to others.Hard to break without insider or a help of a witch or sorcerer.

“Let’s go,” she said, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear in a sweet, ladylike gesture. She fluttered her lashes, practicing Lily’s softness. “Time to play pretend.”

The two infiltrated the returning group unnoticed. One of the maids turned toward Kiara—now posing as Lily.

“Where’ve you been?” the maid asked.

Kiara giggled, her voice high and playful. “Oh, I was chasing rabbits and annoying John,” she said with a girlish wink, throwing Kael a sidelong glance.

Kael, playing the role of the quiet guard, just nodded, trying not to choke from disbelief. He had never seen the princess act… cute. And he didn’t like how good she was at it.

They returned to the palace gates of Asteria with the collected items, their roles unquestioned. The towering spires of the royal estate shimmered in the late afternoon light. Everything seemed to glisten with elegance and perfection.

Then, a soft collision—Kiara bumped into another maid. The tray the maid carried wobbled, nearly falling, but Kiara steadied it with an effortless motion.

“The Second Prince Austine is here,” the maid blurted, half-apologizing, half-awestruck.

Kiara looked up slowly, her smile fading.

Standing ahead, was a young man with silver-blue hair that reached his back in soft waves. His eyes were a cool, reflective blue—like moonlight on a lake. He wore an white with a hint of blue, with a ring glinting on his fingers, and his grin was warm,calm… but yet mischievous .

“Charming as ever,” one of the maids whispered, blushing.

He smiled at her.

Kiara rolled her eyes. “O please ,” she muttered under her breath, “Can't wait to get home.”

Kael in awe . “His quite handsome.”

she scoffed. “O Please focus.”

To Kiara something about Austine felt… different. His presence felt familiar though they have never met.

For a split second, Kiara and Austine made eyesight a quick spark appeared in their eyes which quickly disappeared as they turned to live.

Kiara started thinking which should be her first victim to get info from her game had just begun.

Austine walked obviously in thought as he wandered why the maids presence felt different yet family, which he then brushed off.

It was a beautiful Thursday morning in Asteria. The sky above the kingdom glowed in a clear blue haze, birds chirped joyfully across the gardens, and the cobbled streets bustled with life. Traders shouting, children giggling, guards marching with polished armor. Asteria, in all its glory shined beautifully .

But within the palace walls of Asteria, the calm morning was shattered like glass.

A high-pitched scream rang through the corridors of the royal kitchen.

“Lily! What have you done?!” Nina, one of the senior maids, shouted in horror.

Kiara currently disguised as ‘Lily’, a maid stood amid a wreckage caused by her. The kitchen looked like a battlefield: pots overturned, flour clouds rising into the air, vegetables rolling on the floor and hanging on the walls, and somehow… a pot was lodged on the ceiling.

She blinked, tilting her head as if inspecting a crime scene."If I were back home", she thought with a scowl, "you wouldn’t even dare to raise your voice at me. They shouldn’t even blame me—I’m a warrior, not a cook".

Snapping out of her inner grumbling, Kiara tuned back in just as another maid wailed, “The royal family’s breakfast! It’s going to be late!”

“And worse,” someone groaned, “the queen is due to come in any moment how are we gonna clean this all mess.”

Rin, a petite and sharp-tongued maid, stepped forward, arms crossed. “Lily… are you okay? Have you suddenly forgotten how to cook or something?”.Kiara blinked, quickly slipping into character. “I think I… bumped my head?” she said with a weak smile. “Maybe I forgot? I don’t know…”

“Who forgets how to cook?!” Rin exclaimed, pulling at her apron. “You know what? I don’t care. From now on, you stay far, far, farrrrrr away from the kitchen, alright?”

Kiara nodded solemnly, hiding a grin. Gladly.

Just then, the doors creaked open and every maid fell silent. The queen had arrived.She entered slowly, wheeled in by her personal maid yes she uses a wheelchair, her soft lavender gown trailing behind. Queen Helen was a vision of quiet strength, her face looked calm yet marked with years of pain. Her eyes scanned the kitchen, and for a brief moment, Kiara saw something sadness.

“What happened here?” the queen asked, her voice gentle but firm.

All the maids bowed instantly. Kiara, caught off guard, hesitated until a nearby maid smacked the back of her head and hissed, “Bow!”

“Forgive me, Your Majesty,” Kiara began, stepping forward nervously. “It was me. I—I was trying to help and… I messed up please forgive me your majesty. I’ll accept any punishment you give.”

The queen studied her for a long moment, then unexpectedly smiled.

“It’s alright,” she said softly. “Mistakes can be made. Plus I don't mind waiting for Breakfast, We can wait a little more.” As she asked them to rise as the all started there cleaning and cooking.

And just like that, she wheeled away, leaving a room full of happy maids behind.

Later that morning, Kiara and Rin were elbow-deep in soapy water, scrubbing dirty dishes. The scent of burnt dough, rice and spices still lingered.

Kiara glanced around, then leaned closer. “Hey… why does the queen seem so sad? And why do the king and his kids act like strangers? Did they have a fight, what exactly happened?”. During the two days she's been there the obvious distance between the royal family was extremely clear to her.

Rin froze, slowly setting a dish down. She stared at Kiara like she’d grown a second head. “Wait. Did you really lose your memory Or… were you spelled?”

Kiara let out an awkward laugh. “Of course not. I just—well, I told you I fell down and lost part of my memory,why is that hard to believe .”

Rin sighed deeply, glancing over her shoulder. “Or your pretending to forget, Alright… I’ll tell you. But don't say it out loud to others before you get your head chopped off.”

She dried her hands and began.

“Years ago, the king and queen got married not for love, but because their parents arranged it. Still, it looked like things were fine, especially when their first son, Prince Daniel, was born. He was bright, and intelligent… a perfect heir.”

Kiara listened quietly, eyes focused.

“But when the queen became pregnant again,with Prince Austine and that's when everything changed. The king accused her of cheating, claiming the baby wasn’t his. He wanted her gone, but his mother the former Queen refused. So the present queen stayed… but he made her life hell and also austine's .”

Kiara’s shocked but was glad to be entertained.

“Even little Daniel, just four at the time, tried to protect them. But he was too small and young. Years passed. Then one night, when Daniel was six and Austine was four… the queen and Austine were kidnapped by there enemies. The king didn’t lift a finger.”

Kiara a little annoyed. “He did nothing?”

“Nothing,” Rin said bitterly. “Until Daniel barefoot and heartbroken, snuck out of the palace to find his mother and brother. The king only acted then, thinking Daniel had been taken too.”

Kiara’s himmed carrying a slice of apple.

“Where the were captured,the queen managed to escape and searched for her son only to see him being used as a test subject for new poison ideas as she managed rescue him. But while fleeing, their enemies caught up. Right as the king’s guards appeared, one of the attackers shot the queen with a poisonous arrows on her body. And Austine? They threw him into a pit full of poisonous snakes, plants and beasts hoping if they couldn't succeed in killing all the family members, the can get reed of two.”

Kiara gasped. “Gods… am out of apple slices”,Rin just looked at her annoyed.

“ Little Daniel arrived just in time to see it. He blamed the king, screamed in rage anger consuming him. But then… Austine climbed out crying and calling for his brother and mother. He was alive,scarred and covered in bites and scratches. The guards rushed them to the palace for treatment.”

Rin’s voice dropped to a whisper now. “The royal doctor examined them and told the king that the queen had lost her ability to walk, and that it turned out someone had already been feeding him little poisons for long and with the mix of many venoms he got injected with in the pit had some how made him immune thanks to the help of his rare blood type. The king wasn't surprised as the Dr and healer had told him about austine's rare blood in the past which assured him that the queen had betrayed him. But then, the doctor broke down, he couldn't take it anymore he was ready to confess his sins even if it meant he will die, he had betrayed the queen his friend just for his gains and now an innocent lady and her children will suffer for it He confessed everything.Austine is his child. Both boys have rare bloodline,the rare blood came from their ancient ancestors. The queen never cheated. It was all a lie,A liecrafted by the king’s first love to ruin her.”

Kiara was silent, and a little mad.

“The king was furious and wanted to kill the dr right there and now. But it was too late the damage had been done. He broke his wife emotionally, physically and mentally. His first son hates him. His second child barely spoke to him. And the queen distant herself away from him in any way possible… she tried to leave with her sons, but she’d already given birth to two heirs. She was trapped. And the king, was once again terrified about his son's, Asteria has a history of heirs killing and fighting each other for the throne.

Kiara’s voice was low. “He’s a coward.”

Rin’s eyes widened in shock. “Are you crazy?! You can’t say that!”

Kiara shrugged. “If I were his child, I’d overthrow him and Banish him when older.”

“Lily!” Rin hissed. “You’re scaring me! You sound like a different person!”

Kiara blinked… then laughed, waving her hand. “Relax. I’m just joking.”

But at that moment, a plate slipped from kiara's hand and shattered on the floor.

Rin buried her face in her palms. “That’s it. We’re taking you to the palace doctor. I swear you’ve been spelled.”

Kiara laughed nervously again, wiping her hands. Behind her smile, her thoughts drifted far beyond the palace and kingdom of Asteria .

Brother… she thought, staring out the kitchen window. I wonder if you are more fun than me?

Back in Lunaria, the palace was bathed in a serene hush. Morning sunlight filtered gently through the towering windows of the eastern wing, casting golden reflections on the marble floors. Birds chirped quietly in the distance, as if cautious not to disturb the quiet power that ruled within.

Seated in his private study,Was prince Jayson. His arms were busy turning pages of files, his gaze icy and unreadable as he scanned reports and stamped decisions. The silence in the room was sacred,until it was broken by a knock.

Michael, his trusted advisor, stepped in carefully, bowing low as he approached with a file in hand. “Your Highness,” he said, his voice taut with restrained concern. “There has been... an incident.”

Jayson tilted his head, an eyebrow raised. “Speak.”

Michael placed the file down before the prince, opening it to reveal a hastily written report. “A small town near the Central District, called Raven , was attacked in the early hours of this morning. Two hundred confirmed dead, over a hundred injured, and roughly Three hundred and fifty properties owned by the individuals living there were destroyed.”

The prince’s expression didn’t change, but the temperature in the room seemed to drop.

“We initially assumed it was rebels,” Michael continued. “Or enemies of your reign, perhaps testing boundaries. But… the survivors reported something else.”

Jayson leaned back slightly, folding his arms. “And?”

“They said it wasn’t humans who attacked. According to the villagers, they were creatures. Monstrous. Unrecognizable. Their descriptions are… difficult to believe many think the might have gone crazy.”

“How long did the attack last?” Jayson asked, voice calm but sharp as blades.

“An hour. That’s what the reports say. One hour… and this much damage.”

“Why wasn’t I informed sooner?”

Michael bowed his head and sighed. “It happened in the middle of the night, and confirmation was delayed due to the sheer chaos.”

There was a pause. Then Jayson stood, Removing his coat. “This may turn out to be a fun day after all,” he said with a little grin. “Gather a small troop. We’re going to investigate. And prepare aid for the victims. They definitely need that right now.”

Michael bowed deeply. “At once, Your Highness.

Meanwhile – Solnaria Institute

It had been two days since Amanda’s last public outburst of cruelty toward humans, and somehow, Sophie had managed to avoid her

until now.She stood quietly in the locker room, adjusting her sportswear for the athletic tryouts that were set to begin. The school was buzzing with excitement. Today, first-year students would be tested—speed, strength, strategy, agility and quick thinking.Sophie smiled as she wanted to show everyone how weak she was.

Outside the locker room, loud laughter broke her thoughts.

And obviously Amanda's laugh was the most audible again.

Sophie stepped out cautiously and her stomach turned.Amanda and her entourage stood in a circle, sneering at an elderly woman who was cleaning obviously she worked in the school.The girls spilled their drinks on the floor deliberately and were waving towards the woman with mockery. “Clean it up, worthless dog.”

The old woman—frail and visibly tired—bent slowly with her mop, her hands trembling in little rage.

And That was all Sophie needed to see.

She stormed over, eyes burning. “What is wrong with you?! She’s old! Don’t you have any shame?”

Amanda turned, visibly annoyed. “Oh, the little rat shows up again.”But Sophie wasn’t looking at her anymore. She turned to the old woman and her heart froze.

It was the same woman who’d offer her smiles and shared quiet conversations after long shifts in work. A human, like her, who never stopped being kind.

“Sophie, dear,” the woman said weakly, before smirking a little saying. “These girls… they’ve been mocking me since dawn. My back’s hurting so much, I can hardly walk thanks to these witches”.

Amanda gasped a little angry"Witches us! me" Sophie slightly laughed then controlled herself.

Amanda rolled her eyes obviously wanting to quarrel but stopped as she wanted to save her energy. “Oh, save the soap opera. I have a race to win. No time to deal with rodents.”

Then with a wicked grin, she lifted a bucket of water and dumped it on Sophie.The cold soaked her to the bone. Her clothes clung to her skin.

“Oops,” Amanda said with a laugh. “Only fifteen minutes to the race, sweetheart. Better get something decent on.”

And then she vanished down the corridor, her minions giggling behind her.

The old woman gasped, pulling a handkerchief from her apron. “I’m so sorry Sophie, o my look at your dress those girls will definitely regret this soon she smiled softly with care!”

Sophie blinked back the sting in her eyes. “Don't apologize grandmother, I knew something like this would happen " .

The old lady's face brightened. “You're such a sweet girl darling," holding Sophie's cheeks as she smiles."Wait here,I have an extra set of gym clothes. I got for my grandkids. I’ll fetch it!” as she ran before Sophie could speak as she wondered how her energy had shifted from tired old lady to an energetic one.

We move into Raven town

The town was charred and broken, thick smoke rising like ghosts from the ruins many individuals were trying their best to clear out the damages with sadness in their eyes.

Prince Jayson Jumped off his flying horse and so did the guards and knights as well. His presence alone silenced what little noise the town still made. The people bowed or fled.

He walked around silently observing the ruins till his eyes stopped spotting a man,who stood ranting at a group of terrified villagers.

“Where’s the royal family now, eh? Sitting pretty while half-breeds die! the don't really care about us! Stop having hopes on the rich and...”

The villagers glanced around in panic.

Jayson stepped forward.

The man wondered why the villagers were giving him warning signs. He turned slowly… and saw the prince’s piercing gaze.

He collapsed instantly fear washing over him. “M-my lord! Forgive me!”

Jayson’s lips curled in a dry smirk. “Get up, old man. I’m not here for trouble. I want information on what happened here.”

With trembling hands, the man began to explain.

Everything happened at midnight,The creatures had appeared out of nowhere.The weren't much probably in their tenths and twenty's no one knew the exact number. They came in silence, and the monsters brought hell with them. Their eyes glowed green, bodies lined with sharp bones , the were extremely scary and terrifying,We all ran out of our houses in search for safety .

"Some of the villagers tried to fight them,” the man whispered. “They were all torn in two.”

Jayson unfazed you didn't see anyone did you,he looked at the villagers or did they take anything in particular he asked while collecting some of the scales,claw marks and slimes at the scene as a guard was taking some pics in his crystal cam. Some said the heard nothing some said the wind blew heavy a little with a strange laugh before the event unfolded .

Then came another voice.

“two of them… they broke into the town square. Pulled a gem from the statue’s eye. Looked at it like it was searching for something. Then shattered it and growled as if angry.”

Jayson’s eyes narrowed. “Show me.”which they did.The broken statue stood like a grieving sentinel in the town center. He took the gem fragments carefully in an evidence bag. Something was definitely wrong. As he said"whatever Jew the were looking for the obviously couldn't get it cause this is definitely a fake".

Suddenly, a child stepped forward.

“My sister took a picture,” he said quietly, handing over a crystal tablet.Jayson knelt, analyzing the distorted image. What he saw sent a flicker of tension through his usually emotionless face.

These weren’t any beast or monster, they were unknown and unrecorded but it's obvious that Someone, Some being had sent them and Jayson was more concerned on why they caused a massacre over a gem even though it's a fake something was definitely hidden to them for now.

That’s when a guard arrived in panic as he drew out his tablet to Jayson in which a knight had important info to tell him.

The knight spoke , looking worried “ Your highness some strange creatures are heading to Solnaria University the broke through the central district border, out of nowhere the killed some of our men, I have never seen such creatures in my life,” a knight choked before collapsing as he grabbed the tablet from the other knight. “Monsters… coming…kids in danger”.

Gasps broke out and everyone started whispering and panicking,fear clearly visible.A woman ran and dropped to her knees crying, clutching Jayson’s leg .

“Please your highness! I beg of you My daughter!, She attends that university!, please Save her ... save them please shes the only one I have left, I can't lose her I beg of you! She shivered and cried”.

Jayson turned to Michael, eyes hard as steel.

Solnaria Stadium

The crowd was electric. Cheers filled the air as students lined the track. The race was about to begin.

Sophie appeared just in time, dressed in the spare gym clothes slightly baggy, but clean. She stood at the line, breath steady, mind calm.

Amanda was two lanes down, sneering. “Try not to fall on your face.”

Sophie said nothing.

The referee lifted the flag. “On your marks!”

The runners crouched.

“Get set!”

Then—BOOM.