THE PRIESTESS | 18+

Chapter 2

The people of Anthropos warmly welcomed Lady Kaya as she strolled through the bustling market, her presence drawing the attention of many. Her striking beauty caught the eye of passersby, who eagerly greeted her with smiles and kind words. Lady Kaya graciously reciprocated, engaging in friendly conversations with some locals as she made her way through the vibrant marketplace.

Kaya was a sight to behold. Her snow-white, wavy tresses glistened brightly against the sun's rays, drawing attention to her striking appearance. Her eyes were equally captivating, a light shade of gray that seemed to change hues depending on how the light hit them. Her dark, thick, long lashes were a stark contrast, making her gaze even more intense. The tiny mole beneath her right eye was almost a distraction to her flawlessly beautiful appearance. However, it blended so perfectly with her features that it seemed essential to her unique beauty.

Some said her eyes could turn icy blue or greenish in certain situations and surroundings. Her skin was so pale; one could almost see her blue veins if close enough. The sun had become a rare occurrence in their world since the great war against the creatures. The war had taken everything from the humans: their loved ones, their land, and their freedom.

A guard of her castle approached Kaya and respectfully addressed her, "Your Highness has requested your presence, Lady Kaya."

With an air of quiet determination, she followed closely behind him as they made their way through the bustling marketplace, weaving their way through the maze of vendors and their wares. The stands stretched out in every direction, offering up an array of fruits, legumes, and materials to the crowds of shoppers. However, with each passing moment, she couldn't shake the growing melancholy that settled over her. It was impossible not to notice the diminishing diversity among the goods being sold, a stark reminder of the impact the other worlds had on humans.

In the days before the devastating war, the land was abundant with a diverse array of legumes, fruits, and other valuable materials. The natural world flourished with a rich variety of fauna and flora. However, after the war, the creatures in charge banned the sun and covered the sky with thick, grayish clouds. As a result, all life withered away, leaving the land barren and desolate. It became impossible to grow anything, and the once-vibrant ecosystem was left in ruins.

Anthropos, once a prosperous and wealthy kingdom, was a significant piece of land that held great importance. Within its borders stood a grand, magnificent temple made of gold that shone bright and was once the most remarkable symbol of the human world.

Legends have it that numerous kinds of creatures coexisted in peace with humans, and the golden temple was their cherished gift. It served as a sign of high regard and offered protection to all. However, it was the first thing the mighty creatures destroyed, marking the beginning of a catastrophic war that would change everything.

As Kaya ascended the winding and rocky path towards her home, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and belonging. The silver-white castle, which towered above her, was a testament to her family's wealth and status. Its grandeur and beauty were unparalleled, and it was a sight that took her breath away every time she saw it.

Today, the castle seemed to glow with an otherworldly light like a beacon of hope during darkness. The sunlight, which filtered through the clouds, highlighted the castle's intricate details, from the ornate spires to the myriad of windows that dotted its walls.

And oh, the windows! The mosaic-colored glass was a work of art, creating a symphony of colors that seemed to dance in the sunlight. Each piece of glass was carefully crafted and placed by skilled artisans, resulting in a stunning display of beauty and craftsmanship. Kaya could spend hours gazing at the windows, marveling at how they transformed the castle's interior into a magical wonderland.