Sadie Daltroy was born knowing she was a cursed child. Ever since she was a child, she could see magic and have it not affect her. 

In some cases, being born with these certain afflictions may not always be a bad thing. Some of them were actually helpful and posed no harm, so they were often considered amusing oddities. One girl whom the maids gossiped about had gained fame for her ability to spin wheat into gold. Sadie still wasn't sure if that was a made-up fairytale or an actual occurrence-sometimes, people were prone to stretching things to amazing proportions. If the girl had used a magical tool to create her golden thread, it wouldn't have caused such an uproar. However, there is a significant difference between a magical tool and being cursed. If the curse is really bad, it could result in the Novanoid coming after you. In Sadie's case--she was better off being dead if found out. 

People's fears about curses stem from the fact that even the most harmless ones can cause chaos if they can't be controlled. Unlike the Novas, who are able to control their powers, those with magic in their Terran bloodstreams are unable to do so. This means that every Being with a curse is essentially a victim of their own ability. It wasn't as if they were actual Vuel's--born from Beings hatred, lust, and greed--but they were still a danger.

Some people who suffer from these conditions tend to conceal them, while others use them to their benefit until they get caught by the Novanoid. In Sadie's situation, she was in hiding, and it was highly improbable that she would be discovered for the rest of her life. Her father had taken every possible measure to ensure that nobody found out that she was his daughter, even going as far as to erase any official documentation that proved their relation. Lord Daltroy was determined to keep the fact that he had fathered a cursed child a secret at all costs-even to the point of killing her.

Sadie stood before the mirror, her eyes fixated on the intricate lines that stretched across her back. The dark, ebon trails seemed to weave together like the roots of a tree, enveloping her veins in a mesmerizing, almost hypnotic pattern. The sight of the black marks on her arms made her skin crawl with repulsion. She quickly rubbed them with her hands and then pulled the sleeves of her dress down to cover them. Turning her head, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror and frowned in disapproval. Just then, Adria walked in and let out a disappointed sigh at the sight of her. "Sadie," she scolded, "the window is open. Please don't leave your chamber until you are fully dressed."

Adria hurriedly walked over to zip up the back of Sadie's dress and adjust the high collar, ensuring that not a single piece of skin was exposed. The dress itself was beautiful--a dainty white with lace that cascaded down her shoulders and wrists. Nonetheless, Sadie, with her toned, short figure, did not do the dress justice. She was sure that her choice of clothing would not attract any attention. Not that it ever did - most eyes would be on her mistress. But this was intentional. Her father had chosen Adria for that very reason.

Adria was a stunningly beautiful woman. Despite being born to a lowly Terran maidservant, she held herself with grace and elegance as if she were Lord Daltroy's true daughter. Her long, sleek black hair cascaded down her high cheekbones and pale face, which shone with natural beauty. She was slim and tall–long and perfectly fit with no blemishes or imperfections.  Adria carried herself with confidence and spoke with clarity, making everyone turn their heads to admire her. She was perfect for playing the role of Sadie, even better than Sadie herself. Adria Julianna Daltroy was known to everyone as the Lord's daughter, but in reality, it was Sadie who was the true daughter, kept hidden for her own safety as per her father's claim.

Instead, she played the role of lady-in-waiting, the favorite waiting maid of Lord Daltroy's beloved daughter. Truly, it was just so Adria could keep an eye on her. Both were in charge of keeping each other's secrets and in that way, they had both learned to despise each other.

"A new Nova has been assigned here," Adria said, gazing down at Sadie as she gathered their belongings, "Father has told everyone in the palace we are to greet him when he arrives. Apparently, he has traveled all the way from the 5th Dimension." Excitement filled Sadie's eyes and she spun around, blue eyes glinting in the sunlight.

"Really? Is he a Hero?" The Nova currently assigned to Quimath was getting old and had become a bit erratic in his behavior. However, Sadie's father was attached to him and hadn't requested a new transfer from the Novanoid. But it seemed the Novanoid had finally caught wind of the situation and was sending a replacement. Unlike the many Novas who visit Quimath for only short periods of time, this one would be a permanent fixture.

Sadie was trying to apply makeup to her puffy cheeks as Adria looked at her sternly. Adria's quiet but firm voice made it clear that she thought Sadie had said something quite ignorant. "No, they would not waste one of their Heros to oversee Quimath," Adria said. Sadie didn't seem to care about Adria's expression and continued, "So, do you know who it is?"

Adria replied, "Angus Caldwell." Sadie hesitated for a moment, her hands shaking as she set down her brush and looked over at Adria.

Sadie was frustrated. "That's all there is to it? We don't know anything else?" she asked Adria, hoping for a more comprehensive answer. Adria let out a weary sigh before responding, "You know how they operate, Sadie." Sadie was very familiar with the way the Novanoid worked. It was their source of security, but the Novanoid always seemed to provide limited information, leaving people to follow their orders without any context. It was ironic that an organization that claimed to be serving Terrans was so opaque in its dealings. One minute, a person was alive, and the next, they were gone, and everyone had to accept that the Novanoid had done it for the 10 Dimensions protection. It was the singular belief in the Seft that made every being in the 10 Dimensions blindly believe the Novanoid's actions.

Yet, Sadie was painfully aware of how fragile magic could be and how coerced vows could eventually lead to a gradual resentment that slowly grew until it ultimately erupted. Moreover, Sadie believed that not only herself but other people were also aware of how Novas perceived Terrans. Surely she was not the only one who worried about it?

"It will be fine. It will most likely be another older Nova who is reaching the end of his lifeline." Adria said, glancing at the door as she impatiently waited for Sadie to finish putting away her makeup. Yes, hopefully.

   --------

The courtroom was one of Sadie's favorite rooms-well, if one could even call it a room. The grand rotunda boasted magnificent red and golden marble floors, complemented by graceful white and red columns embellished with radiant golden lights. This bathed the area in a captivating and inviting glow after nightfall. In the center of the room were hundreds of seats, with the main sections of each government division on either side. The North Wing, the first section visitors would see upon entering the room, was home to Sadie's father, Lord Daltroy, the 4th Dimension Lord. Known as the Ception, they oversaw international relations with other dimensions and planets, including matters related to magic, politics, and trade. It was the strongest and most important section in Quimath. The East Wing was where the Magicists and the High Seer sat, and as the name implied, they partnered heavily with the Novanoid, magic, and the Sciences. The South Wing was where the Moriors resided. They specialized in economics and domestic issues and were historians and informants, knowledgeable in areas across all Dimensions and planets. They handled day-to-day issues in public policy and future expenditures. The last wing, the West Wing, was the Floyans-The Warriors. They were Quimaths, and therefore, the 4th Dimensions, military. They were the closest thing to the Novanoid that humans would ever have and were arguably the clearest way for a Dimension to show their prosperity and strength. The stronger your military-the stronger the Dimension. Yet, each Dimension's military was gifted a residing Nova-and the 4th Dimension had just been assigned a new one.

Sadie couldn't help but fidget in her seat, her eyes shifting up to her father and eldest brother, who were engaged in hushed conversation behind their desks. The tension in the Chamber was palpable as everyone eagerly awaited the arrival of the Nova. The room was packed to the brim, with every chair in the visiting section occupied and even the government section filled to capacity. It was an unprecedented level of attendance, underscoring the gravity of the day's events. The selection of a new Nova was not just a matter of safety for the Dimension, but also a symbolic message from the Novanoid about their perception of the 4th Dimension. A weak Nova would undoubtedly be cause for concern, regardless of any punitive undertones associated with the assignment in the eyes of the Nova.

For Sadie-it meant everything. Her heart raced as she stood there, feeling the dampness of her palms against the fabric of her pristine white dress. She stole a quick glance at her family, who were peering down into the chamber, their expressions a mix of worry and anticipation, before returning her gaze to the imposing double red doors. The general expectation was that an aged Nova, with years of experience and skill etched into their demeanor, would emerge. However, Sadie harbored a different hope. She longed for a young, inexperienced individual, perhaps someone who had barely graduated from the Novanoid and had been sent to the Dimension as a form of punishment. It was a selfish desire, and Sadie was fully aware of that fact.

As the heavy doors slowly creaked open, a hush fell over the room, and Sadie felt a sense of unease wash over her. The chamber descended into an eerie silence, devoid of any announcement, music, or celebration. Each person trickled into the room, causing Sadie to tense with alarm, wondering which one of them was the Nova. The offerings began with a fellow traveler presenting gold, jewelry, and rare fruits and silks on small trays, samples of the goods from outside in the dock. Sadie could sense the tension in the room, especially among the Moriors, as the offerings were carried by a diverse range of creatures, from elves to dwarves and even some unidentifiable creatures. The procession seemed endless, and with each entrance, Sadie's heart raced as if, at any moment, the Nova that would seal her fate would make their grand appearance. Just as Sadie was beginning to wonder if the Nova had already arrived and she had mistaken someone else for them, he entered the room. He was unmistakably a Nova, and there was no mistaking it. He was a young man, just as Sadie had hoped, but that was the only thing she was certain of. He was strikingly beautiful, and his presence commanded attention as he entered the room. His piercing gray eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief, exuding confidence and calmness. He was adorned in the royal colors of the Novanoid-black and gold-with sharp cuts and gold sashes draping across his arms, trailing loosely on the floor behind him. The most captivating addition to his attire was the three-headed wolf pelt draped around his neck, its yellow eyes and blood-dripping mouth adding an air of menace. As he made his way to the center of the room, he remained wordless, bowing his head and serenely placing his hand on his chest, his light brown hair falling around his face in elegant waves. Sadie could not help but stare.

"I greet thee, Great Lord of the 4th Dimension and the Court," the young man announced, his modulated voice carrying across the marble room. "My name is Angus Caldwell, a 5th-level Curse hunter and 2nd nominee for the position of Hero."

If the room could go any quieter, it did. A 5th-level Curse hunter. A Hero nominee at his age. For the Novanoid to send someone so young and so experienced to be a residing Nova was beyond ludicrous. Immediately, tensions rose in the room due to the young Nova's words. There could only be one reason he was here. He was being punished. Yet, for Sadie, she completely froze. It was much worse for her. If he was nominated for the position of the Curse Hunter Hero, then he was good at his job. It meant he never lost. He never failed in catching a curse. Which meant Sadie was in trouble.

As if the situation couldn't worsen further, Sadie was taken aback to hear her father's commanding voice declare, "I demand to know why the Novanoid chose to assign a new and potent Nova to the 4th Dimension, replacing the one we were content with." It was a risky move to question the decisions of the Novanoid, yet as Angus looked up, his medals jingling against his cloak, he wore a gentle, serene smile, devoid of any anger or dissatisfaction in response to Lord Daltroy's words. Instead, it seemed he welcomed the Lord's inquiry.

"I understand that my sudden appearance may be disconcerting, but I can assure you it is a precautionary step. Concerns have arisen within the Novanoid about a potential uprising against the Seft, and suspicious activities have led us back to the original 5 Dimensions - of which you are one. Should you wish to challenge my statement, I encourage you to reach out to the other Dimension Lords for verification. All of them have been informed about the newly assigned Novas."

Alarmed murmurs broke out amongst the Chamber, and Sadie couldn't help but press her palms further into her thighs at the Nova's words. He easily mentioned such a taboo statement-- rebels who called the Seft the Novanoid Curse. And even more so, he had mentioned the rebellion as if mistrust for the Novanoid didn't stem directly because of it.

Lord Daltroy held up his hand, causing the murmurs to quietly dissipate as he said, "And what does this activity look like? How might one find it?"

For the first time, Angus seemed uncomfortable. He frowned-causing Sadie to think her father had pushed too far when the Nova finally responded, "I am not allowed to discuss such sensitive information in public, although I can share it with the Floyan in private. Whether they wish to share it with you afterward is their decision."

Her father seemed pleased with Angus's answer, and the rest of the questioning went on without any issue. Sadie couldn't help but realize how open Angus seemed to be - he left nothing out, or at least seemed to leave nothing out, and explained why when he could not give information on a specific topic. Unlike Otto, the old erratic Nova Sadie had grown up knowing, Angus did not provide the airs of an arrogant, prideful Nova that Sadie had seen. Yes, he was confident but kind and gentle - a spark of hope lifted in Sadie. Angus wasn't here looking for a curse. He was looking for rebellious Novas or the fallen Rivas. Maybe she had a chance of staying unnoticed. Then, when Angus finally found what he was looking for and left, she would be safe again.

Sadie's father's words interrupted her thoughts, and she reached for the pillow by the side of her chair, listening carefully to the cue that would force her to approach the Nova. Her brother, Silas, had come up with this plan. He had originally thought it a sly way for Sadie to have time to herself, but ever since she had discovered a gift to her father to be coated in magic dipped in poison, it had become her permanent job. Nothing and no one went past her without her checking to see if magic, good or bad, was involved.

Yet, today, she had begged and pleaded with her father to remove her from her position as their guest was a Nova, and if anyone could tell she was cursed, it would be them. Still, her cries had fallen on deaf ears.

Clutching the pillow, Sadie looked down at the golden in-cased ring-signifying the Nova as officially assigned to the 4th Dimension until otherwise. She, herself, would have to put it on him. Trying to stop her shaking hands, she listened as her father's booming voice said, "Please let us present the royal insignia."

Gritting her teeth, Sadie stood up, her heels clicking loudly in the marble room as she approached Angus. She could feel him staring at her-his gray eyes smiling at her nervousness, hopefully completely wrong in his assumptions about why. She forced herself to grab the thin band of gold, handing the blue pillow to the servant beside her, and hesitantly grabbed Angus's hand to slide it on him. Immediately when she touched him, she almost cried out as the horrible stench of black magic filled her lungs. He was coated in it. It lept from his mouth, nose, and ears in curly whisps before sliding along his neck and chest and pooling at his feet in smoky mist. She could not stop the fear on her face as she was forced to look up at him. He gave her a quizzical smile, his grey eyes scanning hers in silent confusion.

She had been wrong. This man was evil, and he was not here to save anyone.