The Phoenix Riders

Once, people described Falderauv as ‘The Promised Land’, where it was always peaceful and safe. However, he was soon betrayed by his most trusted advisor and his closest friend, Völund Traux, who had gathered an entire army and rebelled against this king’s rule, arrogantly renamed it “Völundr”, after himself.

Life, as people knew it, started to change, warping into a living nightmare. If they were once living in Eden, this was now Hell. The traitor ruled with an iron fist, and had a select group of trained assassins and spies, all fiercely loyal to him. He scattered them throughout the territories, where they mingled with the locals, listening for any dissent and quelling it before it could gain momentum. They dealt with traitors and rebels, until no one knew who to trust. Not their friends, not their family, not their neighbours. Anyone could be part of the traitor’s group of spies, also known as the ‘Elite’.

He changed the very fabric of their existence. He banned anyone from worshipping the Gods, proclaiming himself their betters. The Phoenix Riders, a small but powerful group, one revered, was now feared. But they did not involve themselves in the world’s affairs. They kept to themselves, helping none. Women, now, were labeled as useless, and most were seen as having no worth. They could be bought or sold as commodity. Women were generally seen to be ‘owned’ by their parents, or if they were married, their husbands. If they were orphaned and single, then they were rightful game for all.

Aria Blythe was an orphan, and worked in the Palace in the Capital city. Growing up as the playmate of the Crown Prince, she is often a target for his ire. All this while, Aria has believed that she was nothing special. Not until a powerful Sun Phoenix bonded with her, and changed her world.

Fearful of more retribution, she runs away, only to find out more about her shadowy past - and her destiny.