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Chapter 1: Shadows in the Palace
The first rays of sunlight filtered through the tall, arched windows of the Immortal Palace, casting golden streaks across the training grounds. Princess Onjo, barely five yet already showing signs of powers her parents had never seen before, crouched low, her silver-bladed staff spinning in her hands. Across from her, Gae In, a lively five-year-old with bright amber eyes and the slightest hint of wolfish fangs, mirrored every movement, her own staff slicing through the morning air with precision.
"You're too slow, Onjo!" Gae In teased, a grin tugging at her lips. "If you can't keep up, you'll never survive the outside world!"
Onjo narrowed her eyes, her small hands tightening around the staff. "I'm not slow!" she snapped, spinning suddenly to deflect an imaginary strike. The wind whistled past her, carrying sparks of magic that danced like fireflies.
Their teacher, Master Hyun, a battle-hardened warrior who had trained countless immortals over centuries, watched from the sidelines, his sharp eyes scanning their every move. "Again! Harder this time!" he barked, his voice echoing across the courtyard. "You are not here to play, girls. The outside world does not wait for those who hesitate!"
Onjo and Gae In lunged at each other again, their staffs clashing with a metallic ring that resonated across the palace walls. Onjo's body moved faster than she knew it could, instinct guiding her in ways even she didn't understand. Yet, just as her staff aimed for Gae In's shoulder, a flash of uncontrolled magic burst from her fingertips.
"Onjo!" Gae In yelped, narrowly dodging the sudden surge of energy. Sparks of violet light flickered in the air, dissipating harmlessly against the cobblestone.
"I-I didn't mean to!" Onjo stammered, cheeks burning with frustration. Her small fists clenched, but Gae In only laughed, brushing herself off.
"You'll get it, Onjo. You always do," Gae In said softly, placing a reassuring hand on her friend's shoulder. "We'll get stronger… together."
Onjo's lips curved into a small smile. Despite the mishap, she felt a warmth in her chest — Gae In wasn't just a friend. She was family. The only family she had ever known outside of her parents, King Yeon and the formidable witch So Yon.
Suddenly, a shadow flickered across the courtyard, far above the high palace walls. The girls froze, eyes tracking the shape that glided silently against the morning sky. Master Hyun's voice dropped to a low growl. "Something stirs beyond these walls. The darkness grows stronger. You must be ready… sooner than you think."
Onjo's heart beat faster, a strange mix of excitement and fear swelling inside her chest. She glanced at Gae In, whose small fists had clenched tightly, her wolf instincts already sensing danger. Together, they had trained, laughed, and grown strong under the watchful eyes of their parents and Master Hyun. But now, Onjo realized, the world outside was not a place for play. It was a place of shadows, of danger… and she would have to face it one day.
"And we will be ready," Onjo said firmly, gripping her staff.
"Yes," Gae In agreed, her amber eyes glowing faintly. "Together."
Above them, the wind carried whispers of distant threats — creatures of the immortal realm and beyond, stirring in the shadows. For Princess Onjo, the first immortal born in thousands of years, and Gae In, the fearless shapeshifter, the journey had only just begun.
First In The Outside World
Fifteen years had passed since princess Onjo and her childhood friend Gae In where born, and today for the first time, they were allowed to leave the palace walls. The golden gate opened to a bustling mortal world they had only ever heard about. Merchants shouted their wares, children laughed has they ran through the streets, and the aroma of food and flowers filled the air.
"This is incredible," Onjo whispered, amber eyes wide with wonder.
Gae In ears twitched nervously. "It's chaotic….. but exciting. I like it."
Master Hyun, their teacher and guardian, followed closely scanning every shadow. "Stay alert," he warned. "The outside world is far more dangerous than it seems."
But before they could explore much further, a shadow lunged from a dark alley. A knife glinted has it aimed for Onjo head. Her instinct screamed, and she dodged it right in time. With lightening speed, she kicked the attacker back, spun around him, and twisted his neck. He collapsed lifelessly to the floor.
"Onjo are you okay?" Gae In cried, fear in her voice.
"I'm fine," Onjo replied, though her heart pounded.
Before they could even catch their breath, growls erupted around them. Vampires and werewolves emerged from the shadows, surrounding the sisters and Master Hyun. The Evil Pack has arrived.
A tall menacing figure stepped forward—— Loi Mi Oen, leader of the Evil Pack. His presence alone silenced the streets. "So…. you are the immortal," he said, a cruel smile tugging at his lips. "I expected more."
Onjo was forced to kneel, keeping her gaze steady. "Tell your pack to stand down. Let's see who's truly weak," she said, her voice strong and firm can't say the same for her heart.
"Kill me if you want to, but leave my sister and Master Hyun alone," onjo said firmly.
Loi Mi Oen chuckled darkly. "Kill you? Perhaps I'll consider after I'm done with you."
Tension cracked the air, and the evil pack circled like predators. Just then, heavy footsteps pounded the street. The Lycan Pack, five heroic werewolves, burst onto the scene. They moved with perfect coordination, striking the Evil Pack with claws, fangs, and raw strength. Within moments, the enemies fled into the shadows but not because they were weak but because Loi Mi Oen knew it wasn't the right time yet to get his hands on Onjo. The five werewolves transformed into five handsome male humans.
The leader of the Lycans pack stepped forward, offering his hands to Onjo . "Need a hand?" He asked calmly.
Onjo accepted, letting him lift her to her feet. Her pulsed race, but she kept her eyes on the street, alert for any hidden threats.
Master Hyun nodded at the Lycans pack. "Come with us. The king and queen would want to honour your courage."
As they walked back to the palace, Onjo's thoughts were heavy. The outside world was far more dangerous than she had imagined. Every shadow could hide a threat. Loi Mi Oen's words echoed in her mind.
"Perhaps when I'm done with you, I'll consider killing you."
What does he truly mean?
Her amber eyes hardened with determination. She had trained her entire life to protect her family and her realm, but now she couldn't even fight against the Evil pack. How can she protect anybody? Now, the real challenge has begun.