The people of Anthropos warmly welcomed Lady Kaya as she strolled through the bustling market, her presence drawing the attention of many. Her striking beauty caught the eye of passersby, who eagerly greeted her with smiles and kind words. Lady Kaya graciously reciprocated, engaging in friendly conversations with some locals as she made her way through the vibrant marketplace.

Kaya was a sight to behold. Her snow-white, wavy tresses glistened brightly against the sun's rays, drawing attention to her striking appearance. Her eyes were equally captivating, a light shade of gray that seemed to change hues depending on how the light hit them. Her dark, thick, long lashes were a stark contrast, making her gaze even more intense. The tiny mole beneath her right eye was almost a distraction to her flawlessly beautiful appearance. However, it blended so perfectly with her features that it seemed essential to her unique beauty.

Some said her eyes could turn icy blue or greenish in certain situations and surroundings. Her skin was so pale; one could almost see her blue veins if close enough. The sun had become a rare occurrence in their world since the great war against the creatures. The war had taken everything from the humans: their loved ones, their land, and their freedom.

A guard of her castle approached Kaya and respectfully addressed her, "Your Highness has requested your presence, Lady Kaya."

With an air of quiet determination, she followed closely behind him as they made their way through the bustling marketplace, weaving their way through the maze of vendors and their wares. The stands stretched out in every direction, offering up an array of fruits, legumes, and materials to the crowds of shoppers. However, with each passing moment, she couldn't shake the growing melancholy that settled over her. It was impossible not to notice the diminishing diversity among the goods being sold, a stark reminder of the impact the other worlds had on humans.

In the days before the devastating war, the land was abundant with a diverse array of legumes, fruits, and other valuable materials. The natural world flourished with a rich variety of fauna and flora. However, after the war, the creatures in charge banned the sun and covered the sky with thick, grayish clouds. As a result, all life withered away, leaving the land barren and desolate. It became impossible to grow anything, and the once-vibrant ecosystem was left in ruins.

Anthropos, once a prosperous and wealthy kingdom, was a significant piece of land that held great importance. Within its borders stood a grand, magnificent temple made of gold that shone bright and was once the most remarkable symbol of the human world.

Legends have it that numerous kinds of creatures coexisted in peace with humans, and the golden temple was their cherished gift. It served as a sign of high regard and offered protection to all. However, it was the first thing the mighty creatures destroyed, marking the beginning of a catastrophic war that would change everything.

As Kaya ascended the winding and rocky path towards her home, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and belonging. The silver-white castle, which towered above her, was a testament to her family's wealth and status. Its grandeur and beauty were unparalleled, and it was a sight that took her breath away every time she saw it.

Today, the castle seemed to glow with an otherworldly light like a beacon of hope during darkness. The sunlight, which filtered through the clouds, highlighted the castle's intricate details, from the ornate spires to the myriad of windows that dotted its walls.

And oh, the windows! The mosaic-colored glass was a work of art, creating a symphony of colors that seemed to dance in the sunlight. Each piece of glass was carefully crafted and placed by skilled artisans, resulting in a stunning display of beauty and craftsmanship. Kaya could spend hours gazing at the windows, marveling at how they transformed the castle's interior into a magical wonderland.

As she reached the castle's gates, Kaya couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. The palace was a living testament to her family's legacy and history, a reminder of the sacrifices and hard work that had gone into building it.

Kaya was on the verge of entering the grand steel entrance, which led to her family's estate, but her attention was promptly diverted when she caught a glimpse of the imposing figure of a general. It was Liam, the man she had harbored a secret crush on for as long as she could remember. Her pulse quickened as their eyes met, and she felt a jolt of electricity course through her veins. Liam was the epitome of rugged masculinity, with his chiseled jawline and piercing brown eyes that could make any woman weak in the knees. His golden pale skin was glowing under the sunlight.

As Kaya approached him, she felt a flutter in her stomach, and her heart raced faster. She had always been drawn to Liam's confidence and commanding presence, and his position as her personal guard only added to his allure. They had known each other for years, but it wasn't until he was appointed as her personal guard that they began to grow closer. They would steal moments of intimacy whenever they could, sneaking away to secluded corners of the estate to share stolen kisses and whispered words of love.

Kaya had longed to reveal their relationship to the world; it didn't matter to her what he possessed or not, as long as they could be together, but Liam hesitated. He was an ordinary man without any title or property and feared the consequences of publicizing their love. Despite this, their secret meetings continued for two years. Kaya had treasured each stolen moment with Liam, and she had dreamed of a future where they would be together openly, without any fear or shame.

Liam, her first in everything. First crush. First kiss. First boyfriend. First time. Her first love.

Sadly, their romantic union came to an abrupt end around a month ago. Liam decided to end their relationship when he discovered Kaya's extraordinary power as a healer. This gift automatically classified her as a priestess and a potential bride for one of the mystical creatures.

Liam was filled with dread at the prospect of Kaya's new role. He knew of the immense sacrifice she would have to make if she went down that path. The thought of Kaya being taken away from him by one of the otherworldly beings was too much for him to bear. The fear of the unknown and the potential loss of his beloved was too significant of a burden for Liam to carry. Thus, he made the difficult decision to end their romance, hoping to spare himself the heartache of watching Kaya become something he could no longer understand or relate to.

The armed general, dressed in black leather armor, lowered his gaze when Kaya, the daughter of this castle and once his lover, walked past him. He caught a glimpse of her striking beauty, which stopped his heart from beating momentarily. He quickly regained his composure, knowing that any sign of weakness could harm his reputation.

As he followed her steps into the castle halls, he couldn't help but notice the grandeur of his familiar surroundings. The walls and ceilings were adorned with intricate designs and carvings depicting scenes of battle and glory. The general marveled at the attention to detail and craftsmanship that went into creating such magnificent works of art.

Despite the distraction, he remained focused on his duty. He kept a safe distance from Kaya, not wanting to draw unwanted attention to himself or her. The general knew that any misstep could have dire consequences, and he was determined to carry out his duty with the utmost professionalism.

"Kaya, my angel, " the young woman lifted her head as she heard her mother's voice calling for her presence. She quickly went over to where her mother stood, looking elegant as always in her emerald velvety gown decorated with golden adornment. The High Lady’s black hair was up to a braided knot, underlining her youthful beauty despite her age.

Locking her gray eyes with her mother's warm hazel brown ones, she respectfully addressed her. "You called for my presence, Mother," she said calmly. After her mother acknowledged her with a smile, she turned to the man sitting beside her mother. After months apart, she finally caught a glimpse of her father. He had been on a mission to find a powerful solution to safeguard Anthropos, their beloved homeland, and the entire human world. With a smile on her face, she greeted him. "Father," she said, happy to see him again.

"My Kaya, " Attila, the High Lord, said. His voice was gentle and soothing, filled with pride and love as he looked at his youngest daughter. His ice-blue eyes shone with a warm glow, reflecting the immense affection he held for her. The high lord’s hair was starting to turn grayish. The High Lady was holding a white envelope with a black seal, the seriousness of the situation palpable.

Kaya felt a sense of unease as she noticed her mother's grip tighten on the envelope. The air in the room was thick with anticipation as both parents looked at their daughter with reverence and admiration. It was clear that this was no ordinary meeting and that the envelope's contents held great significance.

Kaya's heart raced as the High Lady stepped forward, her smile forced and failing to reach her eyes. The atmosphere in the brightly lit room was serene, with the air seemingly motionless. Liam, the general, felt his muscles tense as he waited for the announcement. The High Lady held an envelope close to her chest as if protecting it from prying eyes. Suddenly, a choke made her stop for a second before she looked at Kaya with a gaze that was difficult to decipher.

"This is a proposal Prince Kazimir sent," she finally said, barely above a whisper. "He's asking for you to become his bride." The words hung in the air, heavy with expectation and uncertainty. Kaya's father, the High Lord Attila, averted his gaze and looked down at the marble floor, perhaps feeling ashamed of what he had asked his daughter to do. Esira, Kaya's mother and the High Lady, fixed her eyes on her daughter as she stood tall with a straight back.

The proposal's importance could not be ignored. And she knew that her response would significantly affect their future. Liam watched as Kaya took a deep breath, her eyes flickering in confidence. He knew that she was not one to back down from what she believed in, and he silently vowed to support her no matter what decision she made. A gentle smile graced the young Lady's lips before she lowered her head.

"To be chosen by the Prince is a great honor that I never thought I would receive. His proposal humbles me, and I will embrace my destiny with open arms." Liam, who stood right behind Kaya, inhaled her words sharply but held his posture, his eyes fixed on the ground. The High Lord averted his gaze to his beloved daughter with apologetic eyes. His face was etched with sadness yet pride. Kaya swore she saw a droplet on the crinkled corner of her father's icy blue eyes, a sign of his deep love and affection for her.

The High Lady approached Kaya, her hands grasping her daughter's shoulders. She spoke urgently as if trying to awaken her from a deep slumber. "Do you understand the meaning of that?" she asked, her tone conveying a sense of gravity and importance.

As her mother spoke, Kaya gently placed her hand on her mother's, offering a small gesture of comfort. Though she didn't say much, her touch conveyed a sense of understanding and empathy toward her mother's concerns. "I am aware of that, mother," Kaya whispered softly, her voice barely audible.

Esira's face contorted with fear and worry as she finally found the courage to voice her concerns. "He is a demon," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "A creature of darkness and evil. Kazimir is not just any demon, but the Prince of the demon realm and heir to the underworld! " Esira shuddered at the thought of her daughter being bound to such a being, forever trapped in a world of darkness and despair.

She had heard stories of the demon realm, of the unspeakable horrors that lurked within its borders. The idea of her daughter being forced to live among such creatures was almost too much to bear. The High Lady took a deep breath, steeling herself for what would come. "I cannot allow this union to take place," she said firmly. "I will do whatever it takes to protect my daughter from this fate.”

The words spoken by the High Lady of Anthropos, hung heavily in the air, reverberating through the room and drawing the attention of. Esira's gaze was fixed on her husband, her brows furrowed in anger as she scolded him for his inaction. "Don't just stand there," she admonished him. "We can't allow that to happen. He will..."

"Enough!" Before she could finish her sentence, the High Lord interrupted her with a sharp rebuke. His eyes were red and puffy, a clear sign of the emotional turmoil he was experiencing. The prince's proposal had come as a devastating blow to him, as he knew that his beloved daughter Kaya was the chosen one. As a mere human without any magical powers, he felt powerless against the immortal creatures who had made this decision. Despite his best efforts to protect his daughter, he knew that this was a battle he could not win.

"Mother, Father, " Kaya stood between her parents, interrupting their heated tension of anger. Despite being only twenty years old, she spoke with a maturity that belied her age. Her hands gently squeezed her parents' arms as she tried to reason with them. "Our world is in danger, and this marriage is the only way to protect it," she said calmly. "The contract specifies that we must provide a priestess every ten years, and our turn is coming up. I am proud to be able to help my people in this way, even though I feel powerless to stop their terrorism. The spirits have sent me a sign to  my thousands of prayers, and I know that this marriage is my destiny." Kaya's voice was filled with conviction as she spoke, and her parents could see the determination in her eyes.

Her parents were heartbroken but resolute in their understanding that they could not stand in the way of their daughter's destiny. They knew that Kaya was meant to embark on a perilous journey to a world that was entirely foreign to them - the underworld. This realm was shrouded in mystery and darkness, and was home to a myriad of creatures that were more terrifying than fascinating.

The underworld was notorious for its insatiable thirst for blood, and Kaya would have to navigate its treacherous terrain with caution and skill. Despite their fears for their daughter's safety, the parents knew that they had to let her go and trust that she would find her way in this strange and dangerous new world.

•••

Castle of Aurora

The general, Liam Klait (25)

The Priestess, Kaya Aurora (20)

Let me know your thoughts. I am so excited! 🫣😵‍💫