Elli was just another face in the vast city of Dema, where each day bled into the next with precision. The cold, rigid walls of the city trapped not only its people but also their hopes. For Elli, life was an endless cycle-wake up, follow the rules, and fade into the background. Nothing ever changed, and the people had stopped expecting it to. But something about Elli drew the attention of the Bishops, the city's mysterious rulers. They watched her closely, marking her as their future.
The Bishops had sinister plans for Elli. To them, she wasn't just another girl; she was their chosen successor, meant to lead Dema with the same iron grip. It was a fate she never wanted or expected. Upon discovering their plans, something within Elli snapped. She refused to be a pawn in their game. Defiance sparked, and she knew she had to take control of her own future.
Leaving Dema was unthinkable-no one had ever done it. But a group of rebels, outsiders who had infiltrated the city's heavily guarded walls, offered her a chance. These rebels had seen the world beyond Dema, a world Elli had only imagined. With their help, she escaped, slipping past the Bishops' watchful eyes into the unknown.
Yet, Elli's journey was just beginning. Outside the walls, she discovered a world far bigger and more dangerous than she had ever envisioned. This is Elli's story-a tale of rebellion, self-discovery, and the quest for freedom. She must decide who she truly is and whether she can escape not only the Bishops but the destiny they've forced upon her. Will she find freedom, or is her fate inescapable after all?
"When I grow up I want to be a knight just like you, Daddy!"
"And you will, Kayley, don't you worry."
~
Patton traced the name carved into his father's headstone, smiling sadly to himself. "Happy birthday, Dad. I know I'm wasn't the perfect daughter, and never will be... but I hope I'm the son you would have wanted."
He heard his mother calling, something about his chores. The chickens needed feeding, the barn needed cleaning.
"Hurry up, Kayley, so we can start your dress later!"
Patton grimaced and looked up at the red streamer hanging from the barn roof. If he squinted he could see the neighboring farm, flying the same streamer.
Camelot was finally finished. The soaring castle walls in place, stained glass casting bright colors across the floors. The large, circular table was in place. Everything was ready.
Patton was going to be at that table if it killed him... and with his biological predicament, it just might.
Taking a small stick, he went around his father's gravestone and began to write in the dirt behind it.
'Kayley Albrecht'
"Kayley!"
He winced and dropped the stick, scrambling to his feet and brushing off his tunic. "Coming, Mother!"
~
Characters belong to Thomas Sanders
THIS BOOK CONTAINS CLOSETED TRANS PATTON. THERE WILL BE SERIOUS AMOUNTS OF UNINTENTIONAL MISGENDERING. I AM WARNING YOU IN ADVANCE.