Velma had always been a girl on strings.
Born into the distinguished Elrayne family, Counts of the eastern lands.
Expectations had wrapped around her like chains from the moment she took her first breath.
The child of immense potential.
They called her.
Her talent for magic was evident even as a toddler, her little fingers glowing with a natural affinity for the arcane arts.
But what started as pride in her abilities soon turned into a relentless burden.
Her parents adored her in public.
Showering her with compliments that were laced with veiled demands.
"Velma, you're going to make the family proud."
"Velma, you'll be the brightest star in the east."
"Velma, you'll outshine everyone."
It wasn't just her parents.
The entire eastern region seemed to have their eyes on her, expecting her to soar higher than any other.
Her tutors demanded perfection in her studies.
Her peers, envious of her abilities, expected her to lead.
