The Lady Of The Darkest.

Chapter 1

Her parents didn't seem to care, but Reia always heard whispers in the court about her lack of gifts. That's why she decided to make up for it in other ways-she doubled her study hours, insisted on starting her training earlier than the others, and took singing and dancing lessons whenever she could. She wanted to move with agility and control her tone of voice, adjusting it to each situation just like her mother did. These were the most enjoyable ways she could think of. She felt that by doing this, she could overcome her apparent weakness.

Over time, her curiosity became as relentless as she was. She longed to explore beyond the palace walls, despite the warnings to stay close. Something inside her urged her to venture further, to see what lay beyond.

Following that feeling, she began sneaking out to the surrounding areas. She would trail behind her father's guard, tasked with handling disturbances. She often hid in the shadows, yet she had the distinct feeling that one of the guards also known as her uncle had noticed her a few times-Fenrys, her mother's right hand. She had a slight suspicion that he had even informed her father. Still, no one said anything.

That night, while with her brothers, she felt particularly restless. She needed to get out.
Brannon, a year younger than her with eleven years old, took off running as soon as they stepped into the courtyard. Nehia, a girl with white her and Ashryver eyes, the youngest at only eight years old, ran after him.

"Don't go too far, wait for me!" Reia called, chasing after them until they reached a clearing. None of them were sure where they were. They had strayed far from the palace, yet they didn't seem too far from home. The unusual tranquility of this part of the forest momentarily enveloped them, distracting them with its strange serenity.

The night sky unfolded in a magnificent display, with the spring constellations shining unusually bright. Reia, mesmerized by the beauty of the firmament, failed to notice Brannon's silent approach.

"Tag, you're it!" he exclaimed, tapping Reia gently before dashing away with Nehia.

As Reia turned toward the sound of her brother's voice, a whisper among the trees caught her attention. Before she could react, a figure emerged from the shadow of the forest, darker than the night itself. It was an imposing creature-where its eyes should have been, there were only empty sockets, and its body, covered in black scales like obsidian, reflected the faint rays of the moon.

With agile and silent movements, the creature advanced toward Reia and her brothers.

Reia instantly recognized the danger. Without a second thought for her own safety, she positioned herself between the beast and her brothers, shouting for them to run.

The monster let out a roar that echoed through the clearing and lunged forward, razor-sharp claws extended toward the young girl.

On instinct, Reia tried to dodge, but she wasn't fast enough. The claws caught her, dragging her backward. As she was taken, her mind raced frantically, searching for a way to escape or at least alert the palace guards. Her only hope was that her brothers had managed to flee successfully and would get help.

Reia's screams were swallowed by the echo of the trees. She hit her head against several branches, and the only thing keeping her conscious was the pain from the claws digging into her leg. It was only when they reached what appeared to be a portal that her body could no longer endure the pain, and she collapsed.