It had been exactly forty-eight hours since the announcement of Kaya's forthcoming marriage to the demon prince. The news had spread like wildfire, and the entire people of Anthropos was in deep sorrow. The people knew that it was their turn to offer up a priestess to the underworld, and unfortunately, it was their beloved young lady who had been chosen.

The entire human world was preparing to attend the farewell celebration, which was tomorrow, meticulously organized by the high lord and high lady themselves. Invitations had been sent out to every corner of the globe, and letters had been dispatched to the families with whom they shared close ties, detailing the time, date, and location of the event.

The preparations were in full swing, with the high lord and high lady overseeing every aspect of the ceremony. The venue was decorated with millions of tiny lamps hanging from the ceilings, and the finest chefs were brought in,  to prepare a sumptuous feast for the guests. The atmosphere was somber, with everyone aware of the gravity of the situation.

Kaya had always found comfort in the library of her grand castle, where she could escape into the pages of enchanting fairy tales. As the sun set and darkness enveloped the world outside, she remained restless, her mind racing about her new home and what it might hold for her. Despite the peaceful surroundings, her inner turmoil refused to subside, leaving her in a sea of uncertainty and anticipation.

Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice that made her heart skip a beat. "Can't sleep?" The voice belonged to Seokjin , the man she had been thinking about all day besides other stuff. She nodded in response, feeling a mix of embarrassment. Seokjin approached her side and kneeled next to her feet, still wearing his ebony armored leather.

He must've been noticed she was only wearing a thin nightgown and quickly covered her bare legs with his blue cloak. "You should get some sleep," he said quietly. "Tomorrow will be a very tiring and long day." The young lady felt comfort and safety as Seokjin 's words washed over her.

Kaya couldn't help but gaze at Jin's features, her eyes tracing every line and curve of his face. Despite the exhaustion etched on his handsome countenance, he still looked captivating to her. His short light brown hair was damp with sweat, a testament to the hard work he had put in for tomorrow's celebration. Seokjin had been running from place to place, instructing the guards on their positions and discussing safety measures until the late night hours. He was determined to ensure that everything was perfect for the event. As his striking dark brown eyes swept over Kaya's face, she felt a flutter in her heart.

°

Seokjin  often did this, sometimes he was unaware of it, but he couldn't deny the beauty of her. He was captivated by her. A beauty that could drive men to madness and make them do unspeakable things only to have a taste of her. But something about her made him uneasy - her white hair.

Those gifted with white hair were mighty creatures with great powers. It was not a common trait among mortals, and it also disappeared in the immortal world. It reminded him of the creatures who had destroyed his family. Despite his fear, he couldn't resist her. He was drawn to her, but at the same time, he knew that their paths would eventually diverge. Seokjin  was torn between his desire for her and hatred for all creatures with magical powers.

The atmosphere was tense as the general led Kaya through the dimly lit corridors of the castle. They walked silently, each lost in their thoughts, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily between them. Finally, they arrived at Kaya's chamber, a wooden door that seemed to loom before them.

Seokjin opened the door for her, his hand lingering on the rough wood for a moment longer than necessary. As Kaya stepped inside, she turned to face him, her eyes searching his face. For a moment, neither spoke until Kaya's smooth voice broke the silence, calling him back into the room.

As she whispered his name, "Jin ...", he felt a rush of emotions flooding his mind. The sound of her voice, soft and gentle, brought back memories of the times they spent together. He remembered the moments when he was lost in her company, forgetting about her supernatural abilities. He longed for those secret touches, the warmth of her presence beside him that always had a calming effect on him. He missed everything that she was willing to give him, and the thought of it made him ache with longing.

°

Kaya's voice quivered with vulnerability and hesitation as she spoke, her eyes downcast and her body language tense. "I know it's asking a lot, but do you think you could stay with me for a little while? Just until I fall asleep. I could really use some company right now." Her heart felt heavy, and her mind was filled with a confusing mix of emotions - sadness, longing, and a faint glimmer of hope. Despite the pain of their recent breakup, she still yearned for the warmth and comfort of her ex-boyfriend's presence, a feeling that was both comforting and unsettling at the same time.

The mere thought of never seeing Seokjin  again after her marriage struck her with a sense of helplessness and desperation. Jin was not just her fearless guard leader and passionate lover but also her closest confidant and trusted ally, who had always stood by her side through thick and thin. She knew very well that the underworld was a place where gentleness was a rare commodity, and Seokjin  was perhaps the only man she would ever love and who had shown her any tenderness amidst all the violence and chaos. The idea of losing him forever was simply unbearable.

His words dripped with reverence and affection as he whispered so softly that it was almost inaudible. It was as if he was afraid that someone might overhear his confession. "It would be an honor, my princess," he said, gazing at her with unwavering devotion.

°•°

In the grand halls of the silver-white castle of Anthropos, boisterous music reverberated through the air, filling the space with lively energy. The castle was teeming with people from all corners of the mortal world, all of whom had come together to celebrate a momentous occasion. The underclass people, often overlooked and undervalued, were also invited to partake in the festivities.

It was a farewell party for their beloved young lady, Kaya, who had touched the hearts of everyone in the Aurora family. The family's love and generosity transcended social divides, and it was evident in the way their people revered and respected them. The atmosphere was brimming with joy, and the guests danced, chatted, and ate to their heart's content.

Despite the occasional laughter, the general mood was somber and heavy. The High Lady and High Lord, in particular, seemed to be carrying the weight of their guilt and regret on their faces, unable and unwilling to conceal their feelings. While some individuals managed to maintain their composure and keep their emotions under wraps, others broke down into tears, openly expressing their grief and sorrow at the unfortunate fate of their beloved Lady Kaya.

Kaya bid farewell to her folks, they all expressed deep concern for her well-being and wished for her long-lasting health and vitality. What struck everyone was how remarkably composed the young girl appeared to be. Despite the overwhelming emotions courting through her veins, she didn't shed a single tear or falter in her composure. Instead, she stood tall and proud, her head held high, and offered words of comfort to her people, assuring them that everything would be alright.

The most remarkable aspect of the evening was the mesmerizing prayers of the young lady, Kaya. As she appeared in her dazzling diamond-white gown, she was clearly a vision of pure elegance. The gown was an intricate masterpiece decorated with tiny, shimmering stones that glistened against the malicious lace material. Her extraordinary white hair was styled into an elegant braided bun, which added to her angelic aura. The way the light reflected off of her dress and illuminated her face made her look like an ethereal being.

But it was Kaya's voice that genuinely took everyone's breath away. As she began to sing in an ancient language that society had forgotten long ago, the audience was transported to another realm. Each note was infused with the priestess' otherworldly voice, a song that was both a prayer and a plea for freedom. Her voice echoed throughout the room, filling every inch of space with hope and peace. The words may have been lost to time, but the emotions behind them were powerful and ever-present.

As Kaya continued to sing, it was clear she was not just reciting words but pouring her heart and soul into her performance. Tears streamed down the faces of many in the audience as they were moved by the purity of her voice and the passion of her message. It was a moment that would be remembered for years to come, a true testament to the power of music and the human spirit.

°•°

The night was long and quiet, and the priestess sat by her parents' bedside for hours after the celebration had ended. She held their hands tightly while they whispered words of love and tenderness to her. Despite the warmth of their embrace, there was an inescapable sense of sadness that permeated the room. The priestess' parents knew that they had to send their daughter away, just as they had done with their son before her. It was as if the universe was conspiring against them, punishing them for some unknown reason.

Tears streamed down their faces as they said their final goodbyes, their hearts heavy with sorrow and grief. They knew that their daughter was embarking on a dangerous journey and that they might never see her again. The weight of this realization was almost too much to bear, and they clung to each other tightly as they said their farewells.

Kaya lingered a little longer, even after her parents had fallen asleep. As she walked through the familiar halls, her childhood memories came rushing back. She could vividly recall the times when her maid, Liana, chased her around the house to make her finish her homework or the secret hideouts she shared with her general, Seokjin . Kaya savored each of these memories, letting tears stream down her cheeks. One of her fondest recollections was of her big brother carrying her on his back through the grand galleries or the hours he spent reading her favorite fairy tale about an abandoned demon prince.

Kaya whispered her brother's name, Namjoon, as she reminisced about the last time she saw him. It was her eighteenth birthday, and since then, there had been no news from him. Kaya couldn't forget how heartbroken her parents were when Namjoon announced his intention to stay in the underworld twelve years ago to search for a way to free their species.

Namjoon used to visit his family occasionally, mainly once every two months, but it had been over two years since his last visit. The silence and the unknown had been weighing on Kaya's mind, and she couldn't help but wonder where her brother was and if he was safe. She shook her head to get rid of the memories and negative thoughts of what happened and if he was still alive.

As she walked into her room, her body was exhausted, but her mind was too restless to sleep, knowing she had to leave the next day. A familiar scent filled the air, and she breathed it deeply, recognizing it immediately. A feeling of comfort and warmth spread through her as she realized that she was not alone.

“Looks like you could use some company tonight, too,” a voice said softly. Kaya always found pleasure in gazing at his broad and sturdy physique. However, that night was different. He had ditched his leather armor, which was a rare sight, and was now dressed in a simple black shirt and gray joggers. He sat comfortably on her bed with his back leaning against the headboard. His fluffy brown hair was still damp from the shower, and his body exuded a soothing fragrance of fresh soap.

°

She approached her bed, when the young woman whispered softly, "You know me too well, general." She then removed her heavy night coat, revealing a short, light pink satin nighty that shimmered in the room's dim light. Seokjin  felt a lump form in his throat as he gazed at his ex-girlfriend, who had always been stunningly beautiful. The fabric of her nighty hugged her luscious curves in all the right places, making Seokjin aroused and nervous at the same time.

Despite the unwelcome thoughts that kept creeping into his mind, Jin was determined to cherish every moment with her. As he pulled her close to him, he could feel her soft body against his. He inhaled her sweet scent deeply, savoring every bit of it as if it were the last time he would ever smell it again. He held her tightly, cherishing the warmth of her body against his own.

Seokjin  couldn't help but think this might be the last time he would get to hold her like this. The last time, they would get to talk to each other and share their deepest thoughts. It was as if time had slowed, and they were the only two people in the world. He wanted to make every second count, and so he held her closer, his heart aching at the thought of losing her.

This moment was everything to him, and he couldn't bear the thought of it ending by tomorrow. But he knew nothing would last forever, making him hold her even tighter, trying to capture every moment they had left together.

"Don't go!"  Seokjin  uttered the words, and Kaya's gaze slowly lifted to meet him. In the flickering candlelight, her irises shimmered like molten silver, reflecting the turmoil of emotions within her. Her lips parted slightly as she struggled to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over. Seokjin was surprised by his confession, but it was the truth - the deepest desire that he held in his heart, a wish that he longed to come true. "Stay with me. We could run away and hide somewhere no one could find us."

°

She could see the sincerity in his eyes, and it was exactly what she had been yearning for too. Kaya had always wanted to escape the chaos and danger of their world and live a peaceful life with the general, away from all the troubles. She could picture it - just the two of them, happy and content, maybe even starting a family. It was the kind of normal life that she had always dreamt of, but in their world, it was an impossible dream.

For over a hundred years, humans lived in a realm of uncertainty and danger where nothing was ordinary. Kaya knew that their escape would come with its own set of challenges, but the idea of starting anew with the general was too tempting.

She whispered against Seokjin 's chin, her warm breath tickling his skin. "You know we can't run away from them, right?" His tender skin felt perfect on her cheeks and she wished she could stay with him forever.

The general shook his head, trying to deny the harsh reality of their situation. "Kaya, please!”

"I know," she said, her words punctuated by her labored breathing. She lifted a hand to cup Jin's face, her eyes locking with his in an intense gaze. "I want everything you've said as much as you do, but we can't."

Seokjin 's voice shook with emotion as he replied, "I can't let you go. I won't let go of you!" He held Kaya's body tightly, closing every gap between them. His eyes wandered from her eyes to her full lips as the tension grew. His desire to kiss her was overpowering him, and he struggled to resist the urge.

"I want you to hold me tight tonight," she whispered, her voice barely audible. He noticed a hint of vulnerability in her eyes as she continued, "I want to feel safe and loved in your arms. But tomorrow, I must leave, and you must let me go."

"No. No. No__" His whole body was shaking in disagreement as he chanted the word on repeat.

Kaya, herself, was quivering with emotion, but begging him to understand. "Jin, please listen to me. The fate of our entire species rests on my shoulders and I cannot act selfishly, not when so many count on me." Her eyes were red-rimmed from tears that threatened to spill over. "We don't have magic or a grand army to fight them. They are far stronger and more powerful than us. If we go against them, we will be destroyed. All of us. You. Mother. Father. Liana and the whole human realm. They'd erase us from this world. We have to be smart about this. "

Seokjin 's face was stony and unyielding. He had once loved this woman deeply and still did, but now he saw the stubbornness of a leader, a queen, that had always fascinated him yet, at the same time, scared him. Her eyes were shining as if someone had lit a fire in them. "You're asking me to stand by while you get captured by them? That's not an option, you know that." An ironical chuckle left his lungs.

Kaya's voice rose, her desperation mounting. "I'm not asking you to do nothing, Jin . I'm asking you to trust me. If I get the chance, even if it's a tiny bit of hope, I'll grab it and do everything to save our people—our world. But I can't do that if you constantly try to underestimate me. I'm not as weak as you think of me."

Seokjin 's expression softened slightly, but he remained unconvinced. "I can't just sit back and let you put yourself in danger while you have to do what's best for our people."

The young woman took a deep breath, steeling herself. "I understand that. But you have to trust me. I will do everything in my power to save us, but I need you to have faith in me. Can you do that?"

°•°

The High Lady's voice quivered with emotion as she spoke, her breath coming out in short gasps. "Angel," she said, "you could run away. We would understand it and even support your decision." Her eyes were red-rimmed and puffy, evidence of her sleepless nights worrying about her daughter.

Kaya stood before the mirror, her face a mask of determination as Liana, the maid, helped her prepare for the day. Her sapphire cotton robe was thick and soft, its luxurious fabric feeling cool against her skin. She watched her mother's reflection in the mirror, seeing the pain and worry on her face.

"Mother," Kaya said, her voice calm and resolute. "I won't run away. I don't want to leave you and Father alone to face this." She paused, taking a deep breath. "I'm part of the Aurora family. In my veins flows royal blood; it's my duty as a daughter, princess, and human. There has to be a way," she continued, her eyes bright with hope. "The spirits are with me, and I know they'll hear my prayers. I'll find a way to make things right. You'll see."

°

Liana nodded in agreement, her expression one of quiet support. She had been with the family for years and had seen Kaya grow from a small child into the strong, capable woman she was today. She knew that Kaya would do everything in her power to find a solution. The young Lady had always been very stubborn, which was one of her excellent gems.

Esira gazed at her darling daughter with a sense of wonder, her heart filled with a bittersweet ache. Kaya was a child brimming with confidence and conviction. She always knew precisely where she stood, and even her parents found it challenging to contradict her when she had made up her mind. Kaya was unshakeable in her beliefs, and her unwavering determination was admirable.

The High Lady's daughter, Kaya, was a true enigma. At first glance, she looked like a fragile and delicate angel, but it was all part of her devious plan. Her petite hight and striking beauty were misleading, and many made the mistake of underestimating her. However, Kaya was far from being just a pretty face. She was wise beyond her years and had an impressive command of language. She could express herself eloquently and with great confidence, making her an unstoppable force in any conversation.

But what truly made Kaya stand out was her outstanding sense of empathy and her unwavering dedication to justice. She was a natural-born leader, always ready to defend what was right, even if it meant going against her own family. Her ability to see things from other people's perspectives made her a powerful ally and a formidable opponent; that even her father is asking for her opinion from time to time. She knew how to get inside people's heads, to understand their motivations and desires, and to use that knowledge to her advantage.

In short, Kaya was a force to be reckoned with, a rare combination of beauty, intelligence, and compassion. Those who underestimated her did so at their peril. And that was what Esira calmed down for a bit. Her daughter will stand firm and survive.
Esira felt a sense of nostalgia wash over her as she looked at Kaya. She couldn't help but notice how much Kaya resembled her mother, Kaya's late grandma, both in appearance and mannerisms.

The lady of the castle, whose love for her daughter was immeasurable, spoke in a tender voice, addressing Kaya as "My Angel." She approached the dresser and carefully picked up a light brown cloak. The cloak had been crafted with great care, and its appearance did not betray the enchantment imbued within. As she placed the cloak over Kaya's shoulders, the young woman felt a magical energy emanating from the fabric that left her feeling both secure and protected.

Kaya's mother smiled warmly as she noticed her daughter's reaction, making her way to her side and planting a soft kiss on her forehead. "You must wear this cloak at all times during your journey, except when you're inside a building that you know for sure is shielded," she advised Kaya. "Remember, other species have a keen sense of smell, and they can detect your presence. So, be cautious, and never show your hair to anyone you don't trust!"

Kaya listened attentively to her mother's words, feeling gratitude for the care that her mother had taken in ensuring her safety. She knew that her journey would be fraught with danger, and the cloak would serve as a crucial safeguard against the unknown that lay ahead. "Where did you get this from? "

Her mother inhaled a shaky breath; her eyes started to fill with water. "It belonged to your late grandmother." Kaya's heart felt heavy at the mention of her grandmother. She cherished so many memories of her, yet she couldn't remember what she looked like. Pieces were just blurry when it came to her grandmother's appearance. "When she passed away ten years ago, she gave this to me, " Esira caressed the material as if her mother was wearing it.

"Mother, I can't take this__"

The High Lady's expression was one of gentle sadness as she interrupted her daughter. "It was meant for you, dear Kaya," she said softly. "My mother knew that you would need it someday, and that day has come. This cloak is no ordinary garment; it is imbued with powerful magic that will shield your body from harm and protect you from evil forces that seek to do you harm. My mother obtained it from a high fae, her dear friend and companion. The high fae was a master of hiding one's scent, and she used her powers to imbue the cloak with a powerful enchantment that will keep you safe.”

The room was filled with an overwhelming sense of sadness as the young woman hugged her mother tightly. No words were needed between mother and daughter as they said their farewells to each other. The weight of the moment was palpable as they held each other in a long, silent embrace.

°

The sound of sniffles and muffled sobs echoed throughout the room, breaking the moment's stillness. Liana, the maid, stood by their side, tears streaming down her face. She didn't care about appearing unprofessional; Kaya, the young woman leaving, was like a niece to her. The thought of her going was almost too much to bear.

Liana's mind drifted back to when Kaya was just a little girl, refusing to do her homework and always getting into trouble. Despite that, Liana had grown to love the girl like her own family. Now, as Kaya prepared to leave, Liana's heart ached with sadness. She couldn't bear the thought of not seeing her every day, of not hearing her infectious laughter or watching her grow further into a beautiful independent young woman.

As the three stood there, lost in a sea of emotions, the room felt smaller, the air thicker. They all knew this moment would be etched in their memories forever, a bittersweet reminder of their love and the bonds they had formed over the years.

°

Kaya turned to her maid, Liana, and a wave of emotions washed over her. Gratitude, regret, and sadness all mixed together in her heart as she spoke. "Thank you for everything, Liana. You were always so bright and supportive of me, even when I was on the wrong side. I know I wasn't always the easiest to deal with, and I am truly sorry if I made some days hard on you. But you never once complained, and for that, I am forever grateful."

Kaya paused for a moment, taking a deep breath as she gathered her thoughts. "Please take care of my parents. You know how much they mean to me. Especially my mother. She spends most of her time alone because my father has to travel a lot. I can't be there for her as much as I would like, but I trust you to care for her like you always have. You are more than just a maid to us, Liana. You are family."

Liana's eyes moistened as she listened to Kaya's words. She had been with the family for years, and Kaya had always been her favorite. "You sound as if we won't see each other ever again.” She paused for a brief second before the words sank, Liana continued, ” I will take care of them, Lady Kaya," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You don't have to worry about anything. I will make sure your mother is never alone, and your father will have a clean house to come back to."

Kaya smiled weakly at Liana, her eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you, Liana. You don't know how much this means to me. I will never forget what you've done for us." And with that, Kaya hugged Liana tightly, knowing it might be the last time she would see her.

Suddenly, a loud knock on the wooden door interrupted the sentimental emotions filling the room. Seokjin, the general, opened the door and announced that Kaya's time had come. The women, holding each other's hands, closed their eyes and chanted a little prayer before they reluctantly let go of their touches.

Seokjin's eyes were like a puzzle that Kaya couldn't entirely solve. They flickered with a mix of emotions as he gazed at her momentarily before taking the lead. They haven't spoken after their conversation yesterday.

As Kaya walked down the path, she noticed three mysterious figures standing at the end of it. They were dressed in dark brown cloaks that covered their faces under the giant hoodie, making it impossible to tell anything about them except that they were male. Behind the three figures stood three magnificent stallion horses, each more elegant than the last.

The priestess realized just how big the males were as she stood before them. Each one towered over her, and she couldn't help but feel small and vulnerable in their presence. But despite their imposing size, Kaya could somehow sense that they meant her no harm.

The men marched forward, their footsteps echoing on the rocky way. "We're here to get the priestess!" the one in the middle bellowed, his voice deep and commanding. Kaya felt a jolt of fear shoots through her body at the sound of his voice. It was both soothing and dangerous at the same time, like the purr of a predator before it pounced. She strained to see his face, covered in his vast hoodie, leaving only his mouth visible. The young woman couldn't help but wonder what kind of person lurked behind the imposing figure in front of her.

Seokjin quickly positioned himself between the young lady and the three imposing figures approaching them. He stood tall and robust, his muscular back forming a barrier that shielded her from their view. "Identify yourselves first!" he demanded, his voice firm and commanding. One of the figures let out a mocking chuckle, revealing their lack of respect for Seokjin's authority. It was then that Kaya noticed just how small Jin looked compared to the towering, inhuman beings.

"Try me!" The figure in the center, again, spoke with a deep baritone voice, beckoning Seokjin to take action. The young warrior readied his sword, anticipating a fight. However, before he could even unsheathe it, the priestess stepped aside, evading the general's protection. Kaya, the priestess of Anthropos, stood tall and confident, her touch immediately calming Seokjin's nerves.

"It is I, Kaya Aurora - the priestess of Anthropos and rightful heir to the human realm," she declared, her words ringing with authority. The sheer confidence exuded by their priestess left Lady Esira, Liana, and General Seokjin surprised and taken aback. It was at that moment that the three of them realized that Kaya was not only willing but also fully prepared to fight her way through any obstacle that came her way. A queen without a throne and a land to rule but a fearless heart to fight for her world and people.

•••

[Hang in there, we will meet them on the next chapter 😁]