mariia_bychyk
The thunder of footsteps echoed through the cobblestone streets, drowning out even the screams. The air was thick with smoke, and flames were already rising over the rooftops. The war that had been whispered about for months was no longer a distant nightmare-it had arrived at their doorstep.
Lyria's trembling hands clung to her parents' fingers. They held her close, shielding her until the very last moment.
- Lyria, listen to me, - her father's voice was hoarse but firm. - Run.
- But... - She knew what he was going to say, but her heart refused to accept it.
- To the tunnel, - her mother whispered, pressing a pendant with their family crest into her palm. - A ship is waiting for you at the port. Celestia... Emilia and Roland will help you.
A crash. The scrape of metal. They were here.
- We love you, - her father touched her face one last time.
And then, her world shattered into pieces.
----
She didn't remember how she escaped. Only the darkness of the tunnel, the pounding of her heart, and the blood drying on her hands. By the time Lyria reached the port, they were already waiting for her. Roland's warm embrace, Emilia's tears-it all felt distant, as if it was happening to someone else.
The waves rocked the ship, carrying her away from the ruins of her home and toward a new world, a new life-one that promised secrets, knowledge... and a meeting that would change her forever.