Part one
TIGERS & DRAGONS

•°•

Breath in. Breath out. 

Again. 

Breath in. Breath out. 

Kaya lay on her bed, her eyes closed, and whispered to herself in a gentle, soothing voice. She urged her racing heart to slow down and her breathing to deepen as she fought against the fiery sensation that surged from within her. It was a familiar feeling, one she experienced every full moon. Yet, despite her attempts to remain calm, her muscles tightened in response to the tempting heat that emanated from the depths of her being.

As she lay there, drenched in sweat, Kaya scolded herself for her irrational fear. She knew that there was nothing to be afraid of, that this was a natural occurrence. But still, her heart raced, and she struggled to relax. With a determined focus, she tried to distract her mind by focusing on the details of her surroundings - the softness of the sheets beneath her, the sound of the wind outside, and the faint glow of the moon through her window. But even the constant whispered prayers in her head, coming from her folks, couldn't distract the pain. 

She struggled to draw in air, her chest heaving with each labored breath. The heat emanating from her body was intense, causing beads of sweat to break out across her forehead and trickle down her face. Even the thin blanket covering her felt suffocating, and she kicked it away, desperate for relief. Her hair, once a shining, snowy white, now lay plastered to her skin, the strands sticky and tangled with sweat. 

"This is getting worse, " she mumbled through gritted teeth. The young woman felt a rising frustration as a sharp pain crawled up her back. She attempted to rub the affected area, but her arms were too short to reach her shoulder blades where the pain was most intense. Kaya lowered herself onto the ground, her knees and hands pressing into the hard surface as the whispering in her head got louder and louder and the sharp pain erupted. She winced as her back protested the awkward position, feeling an ache that was almost unusual in its intensity. Determinedly, she extended her fingers and dug her nails into the dark wooden floor, carving scratches.

"Young lady…? " With a creak, the heavy wooden door swung open, revealing Liana, the housemaid, standing in the doorway. As soon as her eyes fell upon her young lady, who was lying on the floor, writhing in pain, a look of shock and concern quickly spread across the older woman’s face. Liana kneeled next to Kaya, combing her sticky hair aside to get a better view, but the old maid was horrified at the sight of her young lady's glowing eyes. 

"It hurts so much," Kaya let out a scream of agony. "Please ease the pain, " Kaya Aurora, the elegant, always strong young lady, had a voice that was typically soothing and calm. However, now it was low and almost demonic, filled with an urgency that was quite unusual. Her words were repeated in an almost trance-like state, as if she couldn't control herself any longer. "I can't take it anymore, please!" she begged, her voice filled with anguish.

Liana's heart pounded as she dashed out of the room, her feet slapping against the cold, stone floor. She navigated the dimly lit hallways with practiced ease, her breath coming in short gasps as she finally burst into the main hall. Without slowing down, she passed the castle's west wing and continued to the chamber of the high lady.

The massive wooden door loomed before her, and she pounded on it with an urgency born of worry. "High lady... Your daughter," she called out desperately, her voice echoing through the silent hall. "The young lady isn't feeling well!"

As the door creaked open, it revealed the presence of a tall and elegant woman - the High Lady Esira Aurora. Her long, jet-black hair was intricately braided to one side and glistened with a blueish sheen under the moonlight. Her hazel eyes furrowed in worry as she exhaled a soft breath, muttering to herself, "Not again."

The maiden spoke in a hushed tone, her voice quivering with fear. "I'm sorry to trouble you, high lady, but I must confess that I was quite scared," she said cautiously.

Esira strode purposefully alongside her maiden. The maiden she had known since she was a teen. Liana was always a part of the castle and one of the most trusted persons of the family, Aurora—quick steps echoing on the cold stone floor. "Proceed!" she demanded, her voice ringing out with determination.

The older woman's voice trembled with fear as she recounted what she had witnessed. "I saw the young lady's eyes," she said, "and they were not just red, but blood red. It was as if the very essence of terror had taken hold of her soul."

Esira remained utterly still, not even a twitch in her expression as she spoke with a firm tone, "I must insist that you do not utter a single word of this to anyone." "Not even to my husband, the high lord!"

Liana expressed her assent by gently nodding her head and bowing it slightly downward in agreement. The moment they entered the main hall, Kaya's piercing screams echoed through the entire room, making it impossible to miss.

“Ahhhhhhhhhrgh.”

“MAKE IT STOP!”

The imposing figure of the High Lady stepped inside the room, her gaze commanding authority. With a subtle gesture, she closed the door, leaving her maiden Liana waiting outside the chambers of Kaya. Liana could sense the weight of the moment as she stood there, her head bowed in deference to the High Lady's wishes. The silence was almost palpable, broken only by the muffled sounds of voices and groans from inside.

Esira rushed to her daughter's side, her heart pounding with worry. Kneeling, she gently wrapped her long, silky navy blue nightgown around Kaya's tiny body, holding her close. "It's alright, my Angel," she whispered, her voice soft and soothing. "Mommy is here for you." As she spoke, Esira hummed a familiar melody, one that had comforted Kaya since she was a baby. The High Lady had sung this lullaby to both of her children, a sweet, lilting tune that now filled the room with a sense of calm.

The young lady was shaking, but she stopped screaming in pain. The sound of her mother's lullaby almost magically affected Kaya. As the gentle melody enveloped her, all the weariness and pain from the long night slowly dissipated. Kaya lay cradled in the arms of her beloved mother, the High Lady of Anthropos, the city that was once a mighty kingdom in the human world. The steady rhythm of her mother's voice and the warmth of her embrace brought a deep sense of peace, and Kaya drifted into a peaceful slumber.

The room was utterly silent except for the faint sound of breathing. The moonlight illuminated the young lady's chamber in a blue-whitish hue, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. One could almost hear a pin drop as the stillness and calmness of the night enveloped the room.

Liana approached the door with a sense of trepidation, her heart pounding in her chest. She hesitated for a moment, wondering if she should knock or wait for her High Lady to call out to her. After a brief moment of indecision, she knocked, hoping she wouldn't disturb the room's occupants.

When there was no response, she took a deep breath and pushed the door open, peeking her head inside cautiously. Her High Lady was lying on the bed, her eyes closed, and her breathing slow and even. Beside her, her daughter was nestled against her, her face relaxed and peaceful.

Liana felt a wave of relief wash over her as she stepped inside, taking care not to make any noise. The room was bathed in a soft, warm light that made her feel instantly at ease. The bed was covered in a fluffy white duvet, and several pillows were scattered around, each in a different shade of blue.

As she approached the bed, Liana noticed the vase of dried flowers on the nightstand; Kaya got them from someone she cherished and couldn't throw them away, and since then, they remained. She couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sight of the two women lying together, so peaceful and serene.

After a moment, Liana realized that her High Lady was awake and looked at her with a small smile. She motioned for Liana to come closer, and as she did, she felt gratitude and contentment wash over her.

"I am sorry for disturbing your sleep, my Lady."

Esira's lips curled into a serene smile as she turned towards her maiden, who seemed worried about something. "Don't worry about that," she said reassuringly. "I wasn't fully asleep." The High Lady gracefully rose from the bed and approached Kaya, intending to cover her with another blanket. But as she leaned forward, something caught her eye. Esira paused, her gaze lingering on the spot momentarily before turning back to Liana. "You may rest now," she said, her voice gentle and grateful. "Thank you for your hard work." With a nod of her head, Liana left the room, her curiosity unvoiced.

The High Lady's heart sank as she laid eyes on her daughter's back. The once smooth and unblemished skin was covered in dried blood, and the scratches marred the surface were deep and angry. But it was the feathers on Kaya's shoulder blades that genuinely shocked her. The fine white down seemed out of place against the backdrop of Kaya's perfectly untouched, delicate skin.

Upon closer inspection, the High Lady's fears were confirmed - the feathers were growing out of Kaya's shoulders, and the skin underneath was torn open as if in protest against this unnatural occurrence. The sight was fascinating yet terrifying, and the High Lady couldn't help but wonder what it all meant.

Esira watched in amazement as her daughter's feathered wings began to shed, leaving a trail of delicate white feathers floating to the ground. With a sense of wonder, she reached out to touch them, but as soon as her fingers made contact, the feathers disintegrated into dust, disappearing into the air.

But that was not the most astounding sight she witnessed that night. It was when her daughter's torn and opened skin suddenly healed before her eyes as if the wounds had never existed. Esira couldn't help but feel confused at her daughter's magical powers.

"What in the world is happening?” She whispered. 

Esira had always known that her daughter, Kaya, possessed something special. She knew about the voices in her daughter's head—prayers from their people.  Kaya’s duty was to recite their prayers to the spirits when daytime shifted to the darkness, and nighttime greeted the human world. As a priestess, Kaya's abilities were primarily focused on healing others, like any other priestess' power, but what Esira witnessed tonight was beyond anything she had ever seen… The raw power emanating from Kaya was palpable, and it was clear that this was not just innocent magic. There had to be something darker and more mysterious going on. 

__"And they were not just red, but blood red. It was as if the very essence of terror had taken hold of her soul."__

Esira couldn't believe what she had heard earlier. Her maid, Liana, had spoken words that sent shivers down her spine. Esira's gaze shifted to her sleeping daughter, and she mumbled in disbelief, "It can't be..." The air was thick with tension as she struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation.

•••

The people of Anthropos warmly welcomed their young 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. She 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 other creatures. The war had taken everything from the humans: their loved ones, their land, and their freedom.

A guard of her castle approached her and respectfully addressed, "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 standing guard. It was Seokjin, 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. Jin 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 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 Seokjin'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 Seokjin 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 Seokjin, and she had dreamed of a future where they would be together openly, without any fear or shame.

Seokjin, 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. Seokjin 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.

Seokjin 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 Jin 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 deep 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 uneasy 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. She even felt Seokjin tense as they waited for the announcement. Her mother held an envelope close to her chest as if protecting it from prying eyes. Suddenly, a choke made her mother 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 of Anthropos, 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. Seokjin 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." Seokjin, 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 disgust 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.

Aurora castle

Seokjin Klait (25)

Kaya Aurora (20)

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