Prologue


    The alarm bells rang like war cries, their piercing clang echoing through every hall, every chamber, every corridor of the grand imperial castle. The sound was relentless, urgent—a call to arms that sent soldiers sprinting in every direction, their heavy boots hammering against polished stone. Orders were shouted, swords unsheathed, shields raised. The entire stronghold was in chaos.


    And at the heart of it all, a lone warrior ran.


    Athena’s breath came in ragged gasps as she sprinted through the gilded halls of the castle she had once called home. Her gold-rimmed warrior garb clung to her battered form, now stained with blood—both hers and that of those who had dared stand in her way. The markings across her skin pulsed with a fiery glow, the most prominent one—a fireball dipped in a triangle—searing with power.


    Shouts erupted behind her. **"Athena! Stop this madness!"**


    The guards lunged, desperate to subdue her, to bring her to her knees before their queen. But she was no cornered animal, no frightened deserter. She was a warrior, a commander, and she fought as one.


    Her twin swords cut through the air, silver arcs slicing through the ranks of her pursuers. Blood splattered across the marble walls, and bodies fell, groaning in pain. She spun, dodged, struck, her movements a deadly dance of fury and desperation.


    But it was not without cost.


    Pain seared through her right side where a lucky blade had found its mark. Blood trickled down her midsection, soaking into the fabric of her uniform. She grit her teeth, forcing her legs to move, to ignore the agony.


    She had to keep running.


    She burst into the open, onto the great stone bridge that stretched across the deep ravine encircling the castle. Banners bearing the empire’s sigil—the very flag she had once sworn to protect—fluttered in the evening breeze. The sight of them made her falter for the first time.


    How many battles had she fought under those colors? How many victories had she won? How many had she lost?


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    A voice, sharp and familiar, cut through her thoughts.


    **"Fire!"**


    Instinct roared louder than memory. Athena dropped to her knees, stabbing her swords into the bridge floor. A shimmering dome of energy burst to life around her just as a volley of black and red flame arrows rained down. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the air. Sparks scattered, hissing against her shield like dying embers.


    The moment the attack ceased, the barrier dissolved, and Athena staggered forward, panting.


    Another volley was coming. She could hear the archers readying their bows, could feel the tension rising. But before the second barrage could be loosed, another voice rang out.


    **"STOP!"**


    The command resonated through the castle, carrying both power and sorrow. At the same time, a golden dome enveloped the stronghold, its radiant glow forcing every soldier to pause.


    A hush fell over the battlefield.


    From the sky, a figure descended—serene, sorrowful, and bathed in ethereal light. A golden halo framed her noble features, and in her grasp, she wielded a gleaming lance. Her golden armor shimmered under the waning sun, a symbol of authority that none dared defy.


    Every soldier dropped to one knee.


    Every soldier but Athena.


    She remained standing, her fingers tightening around her swords. Her legs trembled beneath her, but she refused to fall. She glared at the woman floating above her, hatred simmering beneath her fatigued gaze.


    The golden lady spoke, her voice carrying across the bridge like a whisper of the past.


    **"Athena… You have always been the strongest among us."** There was a wistful admiration in her tone. **"The bravest. The fiercest. Even now, wounded and alone, you fight your way to freedom. It is… admirable."**


    Athena spat onto the ground, her breath labored. **"Spare me the compliments, Seraphina. You didn’t come here to praise me."**


    Seraphina’s eyes darkened, sorrow clouding their golden depths. **"No. I came to stop you."**


    Athena glanced around. The bridge was surrounded. Soldiers stood on every side, old comrades—some who had fought beside her, others who had trained under her command. Their weapons were drawn, their eyes filled with hesitation.


    Seraphina spread her arms. **"Athena, surrender. For the kingdom. For your friends. For the people who still believe in you."**


    Athena scoffed. **"You mean for you."**


    Seraphina placed a hand over her heart. **"Yes,"** she whispered. **"If nothing else… do it for my sake. Sister."**


    A heavy silence settled between them.


    Athena’s grip on her swords slackened, her gaze flickering to the soldiers around her. One by one, she met their eyes—memories flashing through her mind. Fights fought side by side. Battles won together. Shared laughter, shared pain.


    She had loved them all once.


    But that time was over.


    She closed her eyes and took a slow, steady breath.


    A hum of energy crackled in the air. Her markings ignited, burning crimson against her skin. The very air trembled.


    Seraphina’s expression hardened. She knew what was coming. **"So this is what you’ve chosen…"**


    Weapons lifted, spells charged, hearts wavered.


    Seraphina raised her lance, her final warning laced with regret. **"Athena, surrender peacefully, or face the consequences. If you escape—"**


    **"You will hunt me down,"** Athena finished for her, opening her eyes. **"I know."**


    Seraphina swallowed, her voice softer now. **"Don’t do this."**


    Athena roared, slamming her blades into the bridge floor. The force of her strike unleashed a shockwave of pure energy, rippling outward in a violent surge. The soldiers recoiled, momentarily blinded.


    A deafening crack split the air.


    When the dust settled, the bridge was shattered. A gaping hole remained where Athena had once stood.


    And she was gone.