CHAPTER 2 – Aurelia, the Golden Capital
Aurelia burst with noise the moment the morning bells rang. Merchants shouted prices, children darted between stalls, and bright banners announcing "THE HEIR'S ENGAGEMENT" fluttered across the skyline.
"Did you hear? Lord Kael is finally introducing his fiancée!""I heard she's breathtaking—like she stepped straight out of a painting."
Rumors travelled faster than the courier hawks overhead.
Down the main avenue, two guards chatted lazily.
"That tremor last night… felt weird, didn't it?""Probably a mine shift.""…Mines don't make the air hum like that."
A faint pulse of ancient magic lingered in the streets, though most people were too distracted to notice.
A burst of sparkling illusion fireworks suddenly erupted over the marketplace.
"Testing for tomorrow's ceremony!" the illusionist shouted proudly.
Meanwhile, far from the commotion, Lord Kael walked through the palace halls, reading a scroll. His golden hair caught the sunlight, making passing maids blush.
"Preparations for the engagement are behind schedule," he muttered. "Velene will worry if she hears."
A knight jogged beside him. "My lord, citizens are already gathering outside the palace gates to catch a glimpse of Lady Velene."
Kael sighed. "She hates crowds. Make sure no one bothers her today."
But across the city—Velene felt the disturbance first.
In her quiet manor chamber, her hand paused mid-brushstroke as she combed her hair.
"…That sound again."
A low, distant rumble—nothing humans could hear.
Her heartbeat tightened. It can't be. That presence… after all these years?
A maid peeked inside. "My lady? The tailor is here to adjust your gown."
Velene snapped back into her serene smile. "Of course. Let them in."
The tailor gasped softly. "Lady Velene, you shine even without jewelry. Lord Kael is a fortunate man."
Velene stiffened. "No… I am the fortunate one."
If only you knew the truth…
Outside, another faint tremor shook dust from the window sill. The maid flinched.
"What was that?""Just a passing carriage," Velene lied, though her fingers gripped her dress tightly.
Her eyes drifted toward the distant mountain range where black storm clouds had begun to gather unnaturally fast.
Something is waking. And it's coming for me.
Tomorrow, she would stand beside Kael in front of the entire kingdom.
But tonight, Aurelia trembled beneath ancient breaths no one recognized anymore.
No one… except her.
[CHAPTER ENDS]