Wandering Hearts

The island of Aurelia-Vale rises from the sea like a living spell, veiled in mist and quiet magic. By night, rivers glow, trees whisper forgotten tongues, and the air hums with unseen power.

It is into that night that Azalea runs.

Barefoot and breathless, she flees the woods with only a small bag and a body weakened by years of loss. Behind her lies the Lumiran estate-beautiful, refined, and merciless. For nineteen years, her family drained the golden blood in her veins, a rare magic hoarded until it nearly broke her. Tonight, she escapes.

The Verdant Woods close around her. Wild magic stirs, drawn to the glow beneath her skin. Every step burns, yet she keeps moving-because stopping means capture.

Halfway through the forest, fate intervenes.

Kael, a rogue mage traveling the island's hidden paths, senses the surge of magic before he sees her. When Azalea stumbles into his path, shaking and desperate, the forest seems to hold its breath. Golden blood is legend-and it gleams faintly at her scarred wrists.

He chooses to help.

Together, they vanish deeper into Aurelia-Vale, where whispers follow, hunters gather, and power stirs. At the island's edge, an enchanted boat waits.

As the shore fades into mist, Azalea does not look back.

For the first time, her story is her own.