The Sorcerer's Legacy : Shadows of Etheria

Chapter 1: From Darkness to Destiny

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If i told you about
the darkness
inside of me
would you still
look at me
like I'm the sun.
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Lilith, a nineteen-year-old orphan, had endured a life filled with hardship and solitude. Fleeing from an abusive orphanage, she found herself alone, struggling to survive in a world that seemed determined to crush her spirit. On a typical night, as she roamed the streets in search of a job, a sense of hopelessness lingered in her thoughts. She questioned her purpose and wondered if destiny had forsaken her."I think I don't have a destiny," she wondered aloud, her voice carrying the weight of her despair. "What is it that I gotta do to survive?"

Walking through a dimly lit alley,
suddenly, a force pushed her against the alley wall, causing her heart to race with fear. A man, his face contorted with malice, towered over her. "Well, well, baby, are you alone? Do you want me to give you some company?" he jeered, his laughter echoing through the desolate space.

Anger surged within Lilith, fueling her instincts for self-preservation. "This asshole, he's laughing at this. I can't let him get away with it," she seethed silently. But as she focused her rage, something strange happened. In the blink of an eye, the man vanished into thin air. Confusion gripped her as she felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. Unable to withstand the overwhelming pressure building inside her, she sank to the cold ground, succumbing to unconsciousness.

When Lilith regained consciousness, her eyes fluttered open to the gentle touch of sunlight filtering through the white curtains. Bewilderment and panic swept over her as she struggled to comprehend her new surroundings. "Where the hell am I?" she exclaimed, her voice trembling.

A deep voice resonated from outside the room, soothing her frazzled nerves. "Easy there",the voice reassured. "I am Theo, and this is my house. How did you sleep?"

Lilith's confusion and apprehension grew. "How do i know you're not dangerous, and where is that man. What happened to him?" she demanded, her voice tinged with anxiety.

Theo sighed softly. "I assure you, you're safe here. I escorted you to this place, and that man who accosted you has been taken care of."

The barrage of questions flooded Lilith's mind. "Why did you save me?" she inquired, her voice tinged with suspicion.

Theo's tone grew gentle as he explained, "If something were to happen to you, my master would have punished me severely. You may not understand now, but soon, you'll meet him. He has been expecting your arrival."

Lilith's mind raced with a mixture of fear and curiosity. "What's going on, Theo? I don't know what you're talking about. I don't know anybody in this world. Have you kidnapped me or something? Let me go right now!" she demanded, her voice shaking.

Theo attempted to calm her, but to no use, so he decided to just show her instead. With a flick of his fingers, the room dissolved around them, and they found themselves in a grand castle. Lilith's eyes widened in awe, struggling to comprehend the reality of the situation. "How did you do that?" she stammered, her voice filled with disbelief.

Theo smiled knowingly. "This is my master's castle. He instructed me to bring you here."

As the massive gates of the castle opened, revealing a dark-haired man of imposing stature, Lilith's heart skipped a beat. His presence commanded attention, his eyes piercing yet gentle. "Master," Theo announced, "I brought her."

Arthur, the master of the castle, looked at Lilith intently. "Good," he replied, his voice deep and resonant. "Please come with me."

Lilith stood in the grand castle, her mind reeling from the revelations unfolding before her. She stared at Arthur, her eyes filled with a mix of astonishment and disbelief. "A dragon? You're saying you're a mythical creature, and I... I tamed you?" Her voice quivered with a mixture of confusion and awe.

Arthur nodded, his gaze steady and unwavering. "Yes, my lady. You possess an extraordinary power, the ability to command dark magic. It is a rare gift, one that intensifies as you approach your twentieth birthday."

Lilith's mind raced, trying to piece together the fragments of her past. Memories flickered, hazy and distant, as if trapped behind a veil. "A war between the Raven cult and the king of Etheria? My parents... they were part of it?" she whispered, her voice laced with sorrow.

Arthur's eyes softened with empathy. "Yes, my lady. When the Raven cult discovered your incredible potential at the tender age of four, they sought to capture and control you. In their pursuit, a fierce battle ensued, resulting in the loss of many lives, including your parents."

Tears welled up in Lilith's eyes as the weight of her past settled upon her shoulders. "Why was I sent to Earth? Why was I reincarnated?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Arthur's voice grew solemn. "To protect you, to give you a chance at a normal life away from the chaos and danger that surrounded you. It was a desperate measure taken by your father, the king of Etheria. You were meant to live unaware of your true identity until the time was right."

Lilith's heart pounded in her chest as the significance of her impending twentieth birthday sank in. "The Raven cult... they will come for me again, won't they?" she whispered, her voice tinged with fear.

Arthur nodded, his expression grave. "Yes, my lady. As the next ruler of Etheria, your power is a threat to their control. They will stop at nothing to capture and bend you to their will. But the people of Etheria, they need you. They need their rightful ruler to bring balance and protect them from the darkness that looms."

Lilith's mind swirled with conflicting emotions. She was just an orphaned girl, forced to fight for survival every day, and now she was thrust into a world of ancient prophecies and immense responsibility. "What am I supposed to do? How can I possibly be the ruler they need?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Arthur approached her, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. "My lady, the answers lie within you. Your true power, your memories, they are waiting to be awakened. Embrace your legacy, and together, we shall navigate the challenges that lie ahead. Remember who you are, for the fate of Etheria rests upon your shoulders."

Lilith gazed into Arthur's eyes, seeing the unwavering determination and loyalty within them. Despite the overwhelming weight of her destiny, a spark of determination ignited within her. "Before this i had no one to care for me, but now that i know that i have people of my own I will find the strength within me," she declared, her voice filled with newfound resolve. "I will reclaim my heritage and protect the people of Etheria. Together, we will face whatever challenges come our way."

Arthur's lips curved into a proud smile. "Thank you for trusting me, my lady. With your conviction and our unwavering support, we shall overcome all obstacles. The journey ahead will not be easy, but know that you are not alone. The fate of Etheria is in your hands, and I, as your loyal escort, will stand by your side every step. Hearing this Lilith finally felt belonged, as if she would do anything for the one's who cared for her.