Long ago, in a quiet European town, the population began to dwindle as witch hunts grew more relentless with each passing day. Witches who had once lived in secret were forced to flee, but their escape brought little relief. Everywhere they turned, the same cruelty awaited them. As the shadows of fear and hopelessness deepened, it became clear they could no longer remain hidden. In response, Agatha, the head of the coven and the most powerful among them, made a bold decision: to seek the Tree of Life, a last hope for salvation. Word of her quest spread quickly, drawing other covens to her side, each desperate for a chance at survival. Even innocent townsfolk, terrified by the unending violence, began to turn to the witches, seeking protection in the very people they once feared.
Agatha prayed beneath the Tree of Life, her voice rising in quiet desperation, day after day. On the thirteenth day, her devotion was finally answered. The guardian spirit of the tree appeared before her, a presence both gentle and ancient. It spoke of hearing her pleas, and the cries of her kin, "The land had been stained by their blood, and their suffering would not go unnoticed. The Keepers of the Old World," it said, "would not be forgotten."
As the spirit's words faded, the roots of the Tree began to stir, weaving and twisting together until they formed the shape of a glowing portal. Without hesitation, the witches and the fearful townsfolk followed Agatha, stepping into the unknown. On the other side, they found a world that mirrored their own, untouched by war, unscarred by persecution. It was a land overflowing with untamed magic, and for the first time, Agatha felt it in its purest form.
In this new world, they began anew. Guided by the wisdom of the witches, the people learned to heal, to nurture the earth, and to wield the power of nature with reverence. What started as a small sanctuary gradually flourished into a thriving community. As the years passed, that community grew, eventually becoming a great kingdom.
But peace is a fragile thing.
Over time, fear began to creep into the heart of the king. He looked upon the witches not as teachers or guardians, but as threats to his rule. Distrust turned to hostility, and in a bitter echo of the past, he ordered the purge of all witches.
One by one, they fell. And as they vanished, so too did the memory of their gifts, their kindness, and their sacrifice.
Thus, the Old World was buried, its wonders lost to time, and its stories left untold.
The New World Year 1800
Yamma, the capital of Vestur Empire
Knock knock.
"Your Imperial Highness, it is time to proceed to the Great Hall."
"And our guest?"
"Her Highness, Princess Elery, has already arrived," the grand chamberlain replied with a respectful bow.
Prince Caleb gave a final glance in the mirror, adjusting his collar before making his way out of the room. As he entered the grand hall, two figures rose from their seats to greet him.
"Greetings to Your Imperial Highness, Crown Prince Caleb," they said in unison.
"Greetings to you as well, Your Highness Princess Elery, and Lord Rue Mallory," Caleb replied warmly. He stepped forward and embraced the young lord, a genuine smile forming on his lips. It had been far too long since he had last seen his half-brother, and the reunion stirred a quiet joy in his chest.
"I'm glad to see you again, brother," Caleb said, his voice warm with affection.
"Likewise, Your Imperial Highness," Rue replied with a respectful nod.
"You're being too formal again," Caleb sighed. "I told you, you should just call me 'brother.'"
Rue offered a faint smile. "I'm afraid I can't do that in front of your guest."
The crown prince let out a soft breath of resignation. His brother's sense of propriety was as unwavering as ever.
Turning to the princess, Caleb offered a courteous smile. "How was your stay, Your Highness?"
"It has been very pleasant," Princess Elery replied with grace. "The grand chamberlain has seen to all my needs quite attentively."
"Announcing the arrival of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Willard, and Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Adina!"
All eyes turned toward the entrance as the emperor and empress stepped into the hall. Though both in their mid-forties, their presence remained commanding, radiating strength, authority, and grace.
As the couple took their seats, the servants began to serve breakfast. The atmosphere, however, subtly shifted when the empress's gaze fell upon one of the guests.
Her brows drew together slightly. "May I ask what brings you here, Lord Marquess?" she said, her tone cool and formal.
"I invited him," the emperor interjected calmly. "After reading his most recent report. Given that his territory borders the Kingdom of Dostani, I believe his findings may be connected to Princess Elery's investigation."
"And what is this report about?" asked Crown Prince Caleb, now fully attentive.
Lord Rue Mallory stood, his expression grave. "Two weeks ago, the daughter of Viscount Kenthel went missing. We conducted an extensive search and eventually found her body near a cave in the Labyrinthine Forest—alongside several others. Some were identified as citizens of the Dostani Kingdom and the Kouzlo Duchy. Their bodies were burned, but not by fire or magic. There were cracks along their skin, as if they had been split open from within. Whatever caused it, it's unlike anything we've ever seen."
The emperor turned to the princess. "Do you believe this could be related to the case you are currently investigating?"
"There is a strong possibility, Your Imperial Majesty," Princess Elery replied, her voice steady. "If my suspicions are correct, then the group we've been tracking may be tied to these deaths. If I could examine the bodies myself, it may provide the answers we need."
The emperor leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled as he fell into thought. "Hmm…"
"Then we shall proceed with a joint investigation," the emperor declared.
"Given that there were victims from the Kouzlo Duchy, it would be wise to involve them as well."
The empress's expression remained composed, but behind her calm gaze, she quickly discerned the emperor's underlying intent.
This mission would not only serve the Empire's interests but also provide the young Marquess with valuable diplomatic ties to two neighboring nations, something she was not eager to encourage.
"Perhaps it would be better to entrust the matter to the crown prince, as part of his training," she suggested smoothly.
"The crown prince still has responsibilities to fulfill," the emperor replied without missing a beat. "He has yet to complete his current assignments."
"But-"
"Father is right, Mother," Caleb interjected gently but firmly. "I took a leave from the academy to assist with imperial duties, and my schedule is already full. Besides," he added with a faint smile toward Rue, "I have full confidence that Lord Mallory is more than capable of leading this investigation."
"If it is His Imperial Majesty's will," Rue said with a solemn nod, "then I shall devote myself fully to this task."
"Very well," the emperor concluded. "I will have a letter sent to Duke Velemont to inform him of our arrival. And before your departure, Lord Mallory, I would like to speak with you privately."
"Of course, Your Imperial Majesty," the marquess replied with a respectful bow.
At that moment, the grand chamberlain entered the hall. He offered a deep bow to the imperial family before stepping close to the emperor, leaning in to whisper something in his ear. The chamberlain's face was taut with concern.
The emperor's expression darkened at the words. Without hesitation, he stood. "I'm afraid I must excuse myself, something urgent requires my immediate attention," he announced, his tone grave.
As the emperor departed, a brief silence settled over the hall. The empress's gaze shifted toward the marquess, her voice cutting through the air with veiled contempt.
"There is only one person who could cause such a reaction from His Imperial Majesty... It must be that insufferable charlatan," she said, her words laced with bitterness and scorn.
"Mother, please," the crown prince interjected gently, placing a hand over hers to stop her from saying more.
The empress exhaled sharply. "I've lost my appetite. I shall take my meal in my quarters." With a cold glance, she stood and exited the hall, her ladies-in-waiting gliding behind her.
"I must apologize," the prince said after a pause, turning to Princess Elery and Lord Mallory. "The empress isn't usually like this. Her duties have been... overwhelming lately."
"Please think nothing of it, Your Imperial Highness," the princess replied with a gracious smile. "It's entirely understandable."
"Thank you," Caleb said with a slight bow. "I should go and check on her. Please forgive me for leaving early."
"Of course, my lord prince," said the marquess, nodding. "I shall keep the princess company in the meantime."
Caleb offered a grateful smile. "Thank you." With that, he turned and left the hall to follow the empress.
Once the prince had gone, Princess Elery turned to the marquess. "If I may ask, my lord, when would it be possible to examine the bodies? I would like to move swiftly, so as not to cause further worry for my mother."
"It will take about a week to reach the march," Rue replied. "We can depart tomorrow morning, if that suits you. I imagine you'll need time to prepare."
"That would be perfect," the princess said with a nod, her expression resolute.
In the empress's private quarters, soft light filtered through the ornate curtains as the prince sat beside his mother, gently holding her hand in a quiet attempt to soothe her.
"You must be careful of that bastard," the empress said bitterly, her voice tight with emotion. "The emperor is using this investigation to rally support around him. Mark my words, he intends to take your place, with that charlatan of a mother beside him."
"Mother," Caleb said patiently, "you shouldn't speak that way about Rue and Lady Rose. Rue isn't like that. He's never once shown ambition for power. He's kind. Honest."
The empress let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh. "Ha!"
"He may smile at you now, appearing meek and harmless," she said, her tone low and steely. "But that's only because he has no fangs yet. Once he does… you won't see the bite coming until it's too late."
She turned to the window, her gaze distant as memory swept over her.
"Do you know how your father claimed the throne, even though he was the second son?" she asked, her voice quieter now, laced with something far more fragile than anger. "I was betrothed to the crown prince, his elder brother. But your father… he seduced me. I thought it was love. I believed in him. And I helped him rise to the throne."
She paused, a bitter smile playing on her lips.
"But what he truly wanted was my family's influence. My name. My power. And once he had it… I was cast aside."
Her voice trembled slightly, though she quickly composed herself.
"That same blood runs through that bastard's veins. You must never let your guard down."
The prince sat in silence, watching his mother, no longer the Empress of the Empire, but simply a woman betrayed and wounded by love. He knew there was nothing he could say to change how she saw Rue. Her pain was too deep, her heart too guarded.
And yet, he understood. She had loved the emperor once deeply. But he had never returned that love. Instead, he had chosen another. A mistress. A second family.
And now, the past had returned to cast its shadow on the present.