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Before In the enchanting land of Illtiir, four kingdoms stand together. Eques, a realm of endless grasslands and rich, dark soil, pulses with life and toil, its people mastering the art of survival and combat within the famed Ahl Scolah da Arma. Medha, cloaked in ancient forests and chilled by everpresent frost, whispers with the mysteries of its spiritual folk, who live in harmony with the land’s secrets. Azern, a forgotten domain sealed away by towering mountains, beckons with the allure of untold stories and lost history. And Arath, a rugged desert kingdom shaped by the restless sea, thrives on its raw cultural diversity, as a center for travelers from other lands. Evalyhn’s journey doesn’t begin in Illtiir but in the distant land of Avari, a place shrouded in mystery and magic. Avari is home to the Sorcenai, bearers of Magyk who have long been exiled from Illtiir, their gifts branded as dangerous and unwelcome. This banishment has bred simmering tensions among those whose veins pulse with innate power yet yearn for the wonders of Illtiir. Among them is Ilani, a shadowed figure of the Sorcenai, whose fate is entwined with the divine. Summoned by Aklys, the Death God, and Gayai, the Goddess of Magyk, Ilani is charged with an impossible mission to mend the fractured bond between the Sorcenai and Illtiir’s four kingdoms and to forge peace where there has only been strife. Driven by ambition as much as destiny, Ilani accepts his divine mission and sets sail for the fabled land of Illtiir. Upon arrival, he is awestruck—the land is even more breathtaking than whispered tales could capture. But awe soon gives way to greed. Consumed by his desires, Ilani devises a cunning plan to seize ultimate power. Betraying the gods who entrusted him—Aklys and Gayai—he schemes to twist the fragile balance of Illtiir to his will, starting his conquest in Eques, the land of inevitable triumph. Upon arriving in Eques, Ilani sets his sights on King Havre III, weaving a web of charm and cunning. He gains the king’s trust with subtle flattery and grand visions, all the while planting the seeds of his plan. Whispering tales of untapped potential, Ilani convinces the king that the Sorcenai prisoners, held in the infamous Roth Prison of Medha, could be the key to Eques’ prosperity and impenetrable defenses. Captivated by the promise of power, King Havre III is swayed and takes his plea to Medha’s ruler, King Alacho. But Alacho stands resolute, refusing to risk Illtiir’s fragile peace by unleashing the Sorcenai. Frustrated and emboldened, King Havre III turns to the Illtiirian Triad, a coalition of leaders from Eques, Arath, and Medha, to force the matter to a vote. When the Triad sides with King Alacho, Ilani’s manipulation bears bitter fruit King Havre III, feeling betrayed and desperate, declares war on Medha, shattering the uneasy peace of Illtiir. From their divine realms, Aklys and Gayai watch Ilani’s schemes unfold with growing fury. They demand he restore peace between Eques and Medha, threatening divine retribution if he refuses. Feigning compliance, Ilani seizes this as yet another opportunity to further his ambitions. With Medha battered and desperate from years of war, Ilani approaches King Alacho and Queen Serina with a chilling bargain their firstborn child in exchange for his aid in turning the tide of battle. The royal couple resists, unwilling to make such a devastating sacrifice. But as their lands crumble and their people suffer despair breaks their resolve. They make the blood bargain. Not long after the pact is forged, Queen Carea of Medha gives birth to a daughter unlike any other—a child radiant with divine power. From the moment the queen holds her, she senses the truth this is no ordinary child. Born of a blood bargain with the gods, the girl carries not only the lineage of her mortal parents but also the essence of Aklys and Gayai themselves. The king and queen, overwhelmed by their love for her, defy their pact with Ilani, vowing to protect her at all costs. Yet Ilani, ever patient and calculating, does not act immediately. For sixteen years, he waits in the shadows, allowing the child to flourish under the safety of her parents’ love. Then, when the time is right, he strikes. Under the cover of the night, Ilani kidnaps the girl and spirits her away to Eques. There, he uses his mindmelding powers to erase her memories, turning the divine child into a blank slate—ready to be shaped and wielded as the ultimate weapon in his insidious plan. The fall of Medha is swift and heartbreaking. The king and queen, consumed by grief and desperation, exhaust every resource and ally in their quest to reclaim their daughter. But their efforts only hasten their downfall. Medha crumbles, its proud forests, and frosted lands brought to heel under the iron rule of King Havre III. Once a sovereign kingdom, it is now reduced to a vassal state of Eques, its spirit is broken. Aklys and Gayai watch in outrage as Ilani’s deceit spirals further into chaos. Furious at his betrayal, they confront him, stripping him of their favor and severing the power they once bestowed. To ensure Ilani’s plans unravel, they curse the girl, binding her divine powers to a singular condition they will only awaken when she escapes Ilani’s control and commits herself to a cause of true peace. Until then, Evalyhn remains locked in a state of blood lock, her immense potential silenced. Though her physical strength and combat prowess remain, her divine abilities are sealed, leaving her unaware of the legacy within her veins—a spark of godly power waiting for the right moment to ignite. Ilani, unshaken by the wrath of the gods, sees their curse not as a punishment but as a challenge. Fueled by defiance, he crafts a new scheme. If Evalyhn’s powers can only awaken through rebellion and pursuit of peace, then he will orchestrate the ultimate deception. Ilani’s plan takes shape he will manipulate the girl into turning against him, carefully guiding her every step while ensuring she believes it is her own will. Through her rebellion, her dormant powers will awaken, and when the time is right, he will twist her newfound strength to serve his cause. It is a gamble steeped in darkness, a battle of wits and manipulation where Ilani intends to emerge as the architect of her destiny—and the master of her power. Within the shadowed halls of his newly established academy, Ahl Ohm Da Noct, Ilani begins shaping his ultimate weapon. Under the guise of training the girl, he scours the kingdom for others touched by Sorcenai blood—those broken by loss, consumed by anger, or desperate for purpose. To them, he offers salvation, power, and belonging. One by one, they arrive, scarred and ready to embrace his brutal teachings. Through relentless trials and merciless discipline, Ilani molds them into deadly instruments of his will. Out of the ten who dare to walk his treacherous path, only six survive his unforgiving training, including Evalyhn. These six, forged in darkness and sharpened by despair, emerge not just as warriors but as assassins—devoted to Ilani’s cause, whether they realize it or not. Archaia, a striking and enigmatic young woman, wields her shapeshifting abilities with deadly precision, transforming allure into a weapon as sharp as any blade. She is a master of seduction, luring unsuspecting prey into their doom with a disarming smile and a fatal charm. Her talents don’t end there—Archaia’s expertise in medical training and her unmatched skill with throwing knives make her both a healer and a harbinger of death. Loyal to a fault, she thrives on order and discipline, carrying out commands with unwavering precision. To those who cross her path, she is a phantom—impossible to anticipate, impossible to escape. Mavric, a roguishly handsome and effortlessly skilled young man, masks his haunted past behind a devilmaycare attitude. Gifted with the uncanny ability to phase through objects, he navigates the world with an air of nonchalance, as if untouchable by its weight. But beneath the charm lies a fractured soul—scarred by a father who saw his Magyk as an abomination and sought his death. Dancing and drinking are his escapes, fleeting moments of joy in a life shaped by betrayal. Though he seems to care for little beyond a good time and a stiff drink, there’s one thing Mavric never treats lightly the contracts. When the mission calls, his carefree mask falls away, revealing a sharp focus and a deadly precision that few can match. To those around him, he is both a mystery and a force—a man who refuses to be bound by the past, yet cannot escape its shadow. Equen is the resident joker of the group, his quick wit and endless quips often lightening even the grimmest of situations. But beneath the humor lies a mind as sharp as a blade. A natural genius, Equen possesses a photographic memory—able to absorb anything he reads in a single glance, never needing a second look. His insight extends beyond the written word Equen has an uncanny ability to read people, effortlessly unraveling lies and uncovering hidden truths with a knowing smile. While his brilliance knows no bounds, Equen often struggles in physical confrontations, relying on quick thinking and resourcefulness to make up for his lack of brute force. His ingenuity shines as he uses his surroundings to deflect and outmaneuver his enemies. To top it off, he’s gifted with a unique power the ability to make objects disappear and reappear at will, turning even the simplest item into a tool—or a weapon. Clever, unpredictable, and endlessly entertaining, Equen is proof that the mind can be mightier than the sword. Zao, the elder of the group aside from Alec, is a natural leader and a powerhouse in combat, his strength is unmatched, rivaling even Evalyhn’s formidable abilities. Gifted with extraordinary speed, Zao wields his agility with deadly precision. Focused and disciplined, Zao is often found honing his craft—whether through grueling workouts that push his limits or strategizing alongside Alec to ensure the flawless execution of their contracts. His presence commands respect, his every move is calculated and efficient. But beneath his stoic exterior lies a fierce loyalty to his team, a protector who will stop at nothing to keep them safe, no matter the cost. Alec exudes a quiet, mysterious confidence, the kind that comes from knowing far more than anyone else in the room. Though not physically imposing or skilled in combat, Alec’s true strength lies in his gift as a seer, granting him the rare ability to glimpse what others cannot. His visions give him an edge in even the most precarious situations, turning the tides of fate in their favor. Alec’s mind is as sharp as his foresight, making him a master strategist. He spends countless hours crafting meticulous plans, poring over every detail to ensure success in their missions. Yet, his gift is both a blessing and a curse. Haunted by the weight of the future he glimpses, Alec struggles with the burden of knowing too much. Still, he finds solace in Magyk, marveling at its beauty even as it shadows his existence. Alec is both a visionary and a guide, a man whose brilliance shapes the path ahead while concealing the ghosts of what he has already seen. Evalyhn remains bloodlocked, her divine powers sealed away and hidden from her understanding. Ilani, ever the manipulator, ensures she stays in the dark about her true potential. As she trains at Ahl Ohm Da Noct, she watches her peers excel in their Magyk training, a stark contrast to her struggles. The gap begins to weigh on her, sparking doubt and frustration. Fearing she might lose faith in herself—and by extension, in him—Ilani devises yet another cunning plan. He convinces Evalyhn that her Magyk lies not in traditional sorcery but in combat. Pouring his efforts into honing her physical abilities, he shifts her focus entirely to becoming a warrior. Under his careful guidance, Evalyhn channels her frustrations into mastering martial skills, eventually graduating Ahl Ohm Da Noct alongside her peers. But Ilani isn’t finished molding her. Before she can join his elite group, he sends her to Ahl Scolah da Arma, the renowned combat academy of Eques. There, she will endure grueling training until she becomes a formidable force—even without her powers. For Ilani, Evalyhn’s strength, discipline, and adaptability will make her an invaluable weapon, and one step closer to fulfilling his grand design. During her time at Ahl Scolah da Arma, Evalyhn crosses paths with a man named Arvan, a skilled warrior with a quiet intensity. What she doesn’t know is that Arvan is her brother, a prince with two burning ambitions to find his longlost sister and reclaim their stolen throne. Arvan immediately recognizes Evalyhn, but the sight of her, unaware of her past and who she truly is, leaves him conflicted. Desperate to uncover what she remembers—only to find she recalls nothing of him—Arvan decides to keep his identity hidden. Instead, he becomes her closest confidant, watching over her as she navigates her training. But as he witnesses her prowess in combat, he begins to question her abilities, sensing the unmistakable traces of Sorcenai blood. Fear takes root. If others discover her lineage, it could mean her death. Driven by both love and fear, Arvan dedicates himself to her success, training her relentlessly and pushing her to graduate early, in just one year. Their bond deepens, and for the first time since her abduction, Evalyhn feels the warmth of something resembling family. Leaving him behind after graduation becomes one of the most painful choices she has ever faced, not knowing the truth he held or the sacrifices he made to protect her. When Evalyhn steps out of Ahl Scolah da Arma after her grueling graduation, she’s greeted by a familiar face—Zao, waiting for her in the carriage. As they head home, Zao fills her in on the current state of affairs. The contracts are piling up, and there’s an undeniable shift in the air, but their conversation is abruptly interrupted as their carriage comes under attack. Medhan rebels swarm from the shadows, their ambush swift and calculated. Zao springs into action, but it’s Evalyhn who takes the lead, her newly honed skills on full display. Moving with precision and ferocity, she disarms and defeats the attackers with a grace and power that leaves Zao stunned. He watches her in awe, realizing just how much she has grown since he last saw her—stronger, faster, deadlier. Together, they dispatch the rebels with ease, their synergy effortless despite the years apart. As the dust settles, Zao leans back, catching his breath. Well, he says with a wry smirk, remind me never to get on your bad side.The attack only cements what Zao had hinted at the tides truly are shifting, and Evalyhn is no longer the unsure girl he remembers. Upon returning to Ahl Ohm Da Noct, Evalyhn is immediately prepared for a welcome home dinner where Ilani announces her readiness for initiation. This marks a significant turning point in her journey, as she is officially inducted into the ranks of Ilani’s elite assassins. After the meal, a ceremonial initiation takes place, where Evalyhn receives the symbolic sun tattoo on her back, signifying her allegiance and commitment. During the ceremony, each member of her new family makes a personal vow to her. Mavric promises to remind her of the joys beyond their dangerous work, urging her to embrace life’s lighter moments. Zao swears to protect her at any cost, a steadfast guardian in their treacherous world. Archaia pledges sisterhood and unwavering loyalty, while Equen vows to always guide her with honesty, even when the truth may be difficult to face. Later, Alec approaches her privately to share a more intimate vow. Confessing his longheld feelings, he declares his love for her, to which she reciprocates. Alec promises to cherish her heart and love her unconditionally, solidifying their bond in both their personal and professional lives. What Evalyhn doesn’t realize is that Alec, the one she trusts most, has been silently fighting his own battles in the shadows. For years, he has yearned for Ilani’s approval, desperate to step out from beneath the weight of her looming presence. While Evalyhn was away completing her training, Alec saw an opportunity to seize the recognition he craved—a chance to prove himself indispensable. In a moment of calculated ambition, he struck a secret bargain with Ilani. Alec pledged his loyalty in the most devastating way he would play a pivotal role in the ultimate betrayal. His promise To be the one who lures Evalyhn into a trap, ensuring her capture when the time was right. Unbeknownst to Evalyhn, the bond they share, the trust she holds dear, is laced with treachery. Alec’s internal conflict festers, torn between the love he has confessed and the dark path he has chosen. But for now, he wears his mask well, hiding the truth behind a veil of loyalty and affection as the wheels of Ilani’s schemes continue to turn. With these oaths, Evalyhn becomes not just a skilled assassin but a deeply connected member of the group. These vows serve as the foundation of the family she never knew she needed, binding her to her peers and their shared purpose under Ilani’s command. Freshly initiated, Evalyhn and the group receive their first contract together—a highstakes mission with Evalyhn tasked as the executioner. Confidence surges through her as she prepares to prove herself, but the moment she sees the target’s face, her resolve shatters. Something about him stirs a buried memory, a haunting familiarity that leaves her frozen in place. Her hesitation triggers a chain reaction. Guards are called, alarms blare, and the oncestealthy mission spirals into chaos. The team scrambles, their unity tested as they fight to salvage the operation. Through sheer skill and desperation, they manage to complete the contract, but only narrowly escape with their lives. The man Evalyhn saw, though unrecognizable to her fractured memory, was no ordinary target—he was an Azernian prince, heir to a throne shrouded in mystery. Once destined to be her brotherinlaw through a forgotten betrothal, his face stirred something deep within her, a flicker of a past life she could not grasp. Azern, the longisolated kingdom hidden behind its towering mountains, had quietly emerged from its seclusion. Their mission To aid Medha’s people, smuggling them to safety and defying the tyranny of King Havre III. This prince was no stranger to rebellion his presence symbolized hope for the oppressed and resistance against Equesian rule. The return home is heavy with tension. Ilani’s fury is palpable as he reprimands Evalyhn for her failure, stripping her of her role in the next mission. The shame weighs heavily on her, but so does the unanswered question—who was the man she hesitated to kill, and why did he feel like a piece of a past she can’t remember The moment marks a crack in Evalyhn’s confidence and sparks a dangerous curiosity about the truths buried within her lost memories. Not long after the chaotic contract, King Havre III extended an invitation to a grand royal ball, naming Ilanis group as guests of honor. On the surface, the story was simple—they were presented as distant kin of Ilani. But the true reason behind the invitation was a calculated move. The group had been hired by King Havre III himself to eliminate the Azernian Prince Heir, and now, under the guise of gratitude, he sought to bring them into the palace. While most of the group felt a flicker of excitement at attending such a lavish event, Evalyhn was plagued with doubt. The prince’s face lingered in her mind—a face that stirred questions she couldn’t answer and emotions she couldn’t place. She had no desire to attend, but Ilani’s manipulative schemes left no room for refusal. Unknown to the group, Ilani had struck a secret deal with the king. At the ball, Evalyhn was to be captured and taken alive, and accused of treason. Her bloodlocked state meant she could pass as a nonSorcenai. The others, however, were expendable in Ilani’s eyes, left to face whatever fate awaited them. This would be a pivotal step in Ilani’s plan to turn her against him. When Evalyhn resisted attending, Ilani turned to Alec with his orders. Alec, loyal to Ilani’s agenda, was tasked with convincing Evalyhn to attend. He promised her a night of beauty and distraction, offering to take her into town to choose the perfect dress. Meanwhile, the rest of the group was sent on a perilous contract, unaware that they were being maneuvered into Ilani’s deadly gambit. Alec played his role with practiced ease, charming Evalyhn with warmth and subtle persuasion. As the ball loomed closer, she reluctantly agreed, not realizing that her presence at the palace was the keystone to Ilani’s betrayal—a trap that would leave her questioning everything she thought she knew. After completing their latest contract, the group decided to shop for the upcoming royal ball, an opportunity to indulge in rare moments of levity. Evalyhn found herself pairing off with Archaia, the two finishing their errands quickly and enjoying a quiet camaraderie. But when they returned home, their paths diverged—Evalyhn sought solitude, while Archaia seemed distracted. Later, Evalyhn stumbled upon Archaia rifling through Ilani’s private chambers. Confronting her, Evalyhn demanded an explanation. Archaia hesitated but finally confessed her growing suspicions. She had uncovered unsettling details about their recent target—the man they assassinated had been an Azernian prince. Archaia couldn’t shake the feeling that Ilani was keeping dangerous secrets. Evalyhn tried to quell her unease, insisting Ilani always had a plan and they should trust him. But Archaia’s suspicions lingered, planting seeds of doubt in Evalyhn’s mind. As the evening wore on, another shadow of doubt crept into Evalyhn’s world. Equen, usually lighthearted and jovial, approached her with uncharacteristic seriousness. He confided that he suspected Alec of hiding something, his recent behavior raising alarm bells. But Evalyhn couldn’t bring herself to believe it. Alec, with his steady presence and tender moments, had always been her confidant. To consider betrayal from him felt like breaking a fragile trust she couldn’t afford to lose. Yet, even as she brushed off Equen’s concerns, Evalyhn couldn’t ignore the cracks forming in her trust—not just in Alec, but in Ilani’s grand design. The ball loomed ahead, promising answers wrapped in intrigue and peril, and Evalyhn could feel the walls of her world beginning to shift. When the night of the ball arrives, the group is brimming with energy, laughter echoing through the halls as they ready themselves for a rare evening of celebration. For once, there is no talk of contracts or bloodshed—just excitement for a reprieve. Evalyhn is radiant, and Alec can hardly take his eyes off her. Yet beneath his smile, turmoil brews. He knows what’s coming, and the weight of his impending betrayal is almost unbearable. The ball is as dazzling as they’d imagined—bright lights, flowing gowns, and music that fills the grand hall with life. They dance, they laugh, and for a fleeting moment, the group feels untouchable. But the mirage shatters when royal guards close in. In an instant, their wrists are shackled with metal bands that suppress Sorcenais powers. Evalyhn, immune to their effects due to her blood lock, watches in horror as her companions are rendered vulnerable. The ambush descends into chaos. Mavric is the first to fall, throwing himself between Alec and a guard’s blade. His sacrifice is devastating—Alec hadn’t known there would be real bloodshed, and the sight of Mavric’s lifeless body shakes him to the core. Equen is next, his body shielding Evalyhn from a fatal blow. Even in death, his final act is one of love and loyalty. His sacrifice is so profound that Evalyhn is left frozen in grief. Archaia, already distraught by Mavric’s death—her secret lover—loses focus in the melee. Her distraction costs her dearly, and she is cut down amidst the chaos. Zao fights like a storm, his unmatched combat skills keeping the guards at bay for as long as his body allows. But even he cannot hold out forever, and his fall marks the final heartbeat of the group’s resistance. Alec is stabbed in the chaos, though his wound is not fatal. Immobilized by shock and trapped in the haunting visions of his seer’s trance, he appears dead to Evalyhn, who can do nothing but watch as her world crumbles. She is captured and dragged to the dungeons, consumed by the grief of losing her found family. She doesn’t see Alec stir from his trance, tears streaming down his face as the reality of what he’s done sinks in. Overcome by guilt and loss, Alec vanishes into the shadows, leaving Ilani and his shattered loyalties behind. Evalyhn is left to rot in the darkness, unaware that the one person she thought betrayed her is haunted by the echoes of her screams and the weight of his own broken heart. Imprisoned in the cold, unyielding darkness of the dungeon, Evalyhn loses all sense of time. Days blur into a suffocating haze as she replays the events of that fateful night, each memory slicing deeper into her already fractured soul. The laughter, the music, the betrayal—they haunt her like specters, relentless and unforgiving. When Ilani finally visits her, his words are honeyed lies, dripping with false promises of freedom. He assures her he is working on her release, but his actions betray no urgency, and his visits grow infrequent. Evalyhn clings to hope at first, but it soon withers in the damp air of her cell, leaving her hollow and vulnerable. Her torment deepens when guards drag her from the shadows of her cell and into the hands of her captors. Ilani remains oblivious—or indifferent—as she is subjected to brutal interrogations, her body and spirit breaking over and over beneath the weight of their cruelty. Each session chips away at her, leaving her trembling and scarred, both inside and out. Despair becomes her constant companion until, one fateful night, salvation arrives in the form of chaos. A group of Medhan rebels storms the dungeon, their cause burning bright in their eyes. Their blades cut through her captors like whispers of vengeance, and for the first time in what feels like an eternity, Evalyhn breathes air that isn’t tainted by despair. They break her chains and pull her from the darkness, their determination igniting a spark within her battered soul. Evalyhn is free, but the scars of her imprisonment are etched into her very being. As the rebels lead her away, her thoughts turn not to relief but to vengeance. The dungeon may have broken her, but it also forged something unyielding—a resolve to rise from the ashes and reclaim her stolen life. After Evalyhn now finds herself among the Medhan rebels who risked everything to free her, their fire for justice burning as fiercely as her thirst for vengeance. Though their mission aligns with her newfound hatred, she remains guarded, unsure of who to trust. Each face is a question, each whispered word a potential lie. Grateful though she is, Evelyhn feels the weight of suspicion pressing on her shoulders like a phantom chain. Within her, something dark and primal begins to stir—a simmering force born of betrayal and anguish. It calls to her, a silent roar that echoes whenever she recalls Ilani’s cold indifference, his promises as hollow as the dungeon she barely escaped. She feels it grow stronger with each step, a rising tide she cannot yet understand but one that feeds her desire for retribution. The group reveals their plan they will navigate the treacherous terrain of Eques, evading the watchful eyes of its soldiers, until they reach the Ilka Mountains—the jagged sentinels guarding the secluded kingdom of Azern. From there, they will descend through the desolate ruins of Byrow Pass, a forgotten pathway clinging to the shadowy border of Arath. At first, Evalyhn is desperate to leave the shadowed streets of Insah, the capital of Eques, where her every memory drips with pain and betrayal. But her escape quickly feels like a new kind of prison. Shackled and watched like a cornered beast, she discovers the harsh truth—the very rebels who saved her despise her. To them, she is not a survivor but the assassin who delivered the killing blow to the Azernian Prince Heir, a fact that earns her nothing but cold stares and muttered curses. As the group presses onward, Evalyhn notices peculiarities that unsettle and intrigue her in equal measure. These people are unlike the soldiers and nobles she grew up around. The women, defying the norms of Illtiir, not only read and write but debate strategy and lore with ease. Each rebel, man or woman, moves with the quiet confidence of someone trained in combat, their hands calloused and their eyes sharp. Though she remains in chains, Evalyhn cannot help but admire their unity and discipline, even as their disdain cuts deep. She begins to see that this group is more than a ragtag band of freedom fighters—they are warriors born of a shared purpose, a strength forged in their mutual defiance. Yet she remains the outsider, the hated reminder of what they’ve lost. Evalyhn’s unease grows with each passing day, her thoughts torn between understanding these people and battling the whispers of rage and power stirring within her. She knows she must tread carefully these rebels are not her allies, not yet. Rohnan becomes Evalyhn’s first unlikely ally among the hardened Azernians, a beacon of understanding in a sea of suspicion. As the leader of the rebel group, Rohnan shoulders the responsibility of questioning her during their perilous journey back to Azern. His presence is commanding yet calm, his sharp intellect and quiet empathy standing out amidst the tension that clings to the group like a shadow. At first, Rohnan views Evalyhn as the enemy, the assassin who struck down the Prince Heir and his brother and shattered their kingdom’s fragile hope. Yet, as their conversations unfold, he begins to see cracks in the hardened exterior she presents. Her confusion is real, her sorrow palpable, and her memories—like fragments of a broken mirror—are missing the pieces that connect her to the life she’s accused of destroying. Rohnan’s sharp mind and observant nature remind Evalyhn of Equen, her late comrade, a memory that cuts through her defenses like a blade. Slowly, he begins to empathize with her plight, recognizing the truth in her haunted eyes—Evalyhn is not a coldblooded killer by choice but a pawn caught in the machinations of greater forces. He knows all too well the pain of having one’s destiny chosen by another. Though Rohnan’s allegiance to his people remains unshaken, his growing sympathy for Evalyhn creates a fragile bridge between them. With his understanding comes a glimmer of hope, a chance that perhaps not all Azernians view her with hatred. For the first time since her capture, Evalyhn feels a faint spark of trust, one she desperately clings to as they edge closer to the heart of Azern’s perilous lands. Azern’s influence runs quietly but deeply, with spies embedded in Medha and aid trickling into its borders. Yet their cautious strategy leaves Evalyhn questioning their approach as they traverse the lower towns of Eques. The towns are oppressive, the air thick with suspicion, and their journey takes a deadly turn when Equesian soldiers ambush them. The chaos is immediate and brutal. The Azernians fight valiantly, but their cohesion falters under the relentless assault. Evalyhn, still shackled, is forced to watch helplessly as the group struggles. Desperation wells within her. She begs to be freed, swearing to fight alongside them, but their mistrust of her is unwavering. But Evalyhn is no ordinary prisoner. With a surge of strength and defiance, she snaps her restraints, the years of combat training under Ilani coming to life in her every movement. She launches herself into the fray, her skills honed to deadly precision as she strikes down the soldiers with calculated efficiency. For a brief moment, she turns the tide, her actions a stunning display of power and purpose. Then, without warning, something deep and untamed surges within her. A shadowy force she cannot control explodes outward, engulfing the battlefield in an impenetrable darkness. The Equesian soldiers stumble, their attacks faltering as they’re ensnared in the eerie shroud. Even the Azernians, who moments ago mistrusted her, are stunned into silence by the display. When the darkness fades, the Azernians exchange wary glances. One of them, his voice laced with tension, speaks the thought they all share—Evalyhn must be Sorcenai. There’s no other explanation for the raw, uncontrollable power they’ve just witnessed. Evalyhn, breathless and confused, denies understanding what just happened, but their suspicions remain. Her captors are no longer sure of what she is—or what she could become. They speak of someone who might be able to guide her, someone who understands the Sorcenai bloodline. But Evalyhn senses their hesitation, their growing fear. If she is Sorcenai, she’s a danger, not only to them but to the careful plans Azern has laid. And dangers are often dealt with swiftly. As the group nears the borders of Arath, Evalyhn finds an unexpected ally in Myra—a commanding presence who seems carved from iron but speaks with a voice that cuts sharper than any blade. Myra isn’t just a leader among the Azernians she is the heart of their resistance, and her strength is matched only by her unyielding determination. As Rohnan’s wife, she stands as his equal, challenging him at every turn and earning the unwavering respect of their people. From the moment Myra lays eyes on Evalyhn, she sees beyond the chains, beyond the accusations. While others view Evalyhn as a dangerous liability, Myra sees a survivor—someone forged in fire but not yet broken. It was Myra’s fierce conviction that convinced Rohnan to give Evalyhn a chance, and her relentless belief in second chances that keeps the group’s doubts at bay. To Evalyhn, Myra becomes more than just a companion—she’s a force of nature, a beacon of strength and understanding. Myra doesn’t simply tolerate Evalyhn’s presence she recognizes her resilience, her quiet fortitude, and the courage it takes to endure. She’s the first to voice aloud what no one else dares to consider the torment Evalyhn has suffered, the betrayal she’s endured, and the unspoken battle she fights every day. But Myra doesn’t coddle. She pushes Evalyhn, challenges her to rise above the shadows of her past, and holds her accountable in a way no one else has. At the same time, she challenges the group, forcing them to confront their own biases and look beyond Evalyhn’s Sorcenai blood to see the woman beneath. Myra’s friendship is like a fire in the dead of winter, unexpected but lifesaving. For the first time, Evalyhn feels the warmth of camaraderie, a connection not forged by duty or necessity but by mutual respect. In Myra, she finds not just an ally, but a fierce protector and a mentor who dares to see the good in her when she struggles to see it herself. Myra’s strength becomes Evalyhn’s foundation, a reminder that even in the darkest times, there are those who will fight not just alongside you, but for you. Once Evalyhn is in Azern, she is awestruck at what she finds. The long isolated land had become more prosperous and advanced than the three other kingdoms combined. Not to mention the land is beautiful. She is immediately sent to the capital Xiem, where she must meet the King and explain her situation. When she reaches the king, Rohnan informs his father about her situation, and that she was raised with a certain mindset, but would be a valuable asset. advanced than the other kingdoms combined. The capital, Xiem, is a stunning blend of innovation and tradition, nestled against the Ilka Mountains. However, her awe quickly turns to apprehension as she is brought before Azerns king. In the grand palace, Rohnan vouches for Evalyhn, explaining her upbringing and the forces that shaped her, while emphasizing her potential value to Azern. Evalyhn, despite her unease, speaks up, recounting her journey and struggles with raw honesty. The king listens in silence, his expression unreadable. Evalyhn leaves the encounter unsure of her fate, but one thing is clear—she has been granted a precarious chance to prove herself in a kingdom that could hold the key to her redemption. A few tense days pass before Evalyhn is summoned once more to stand before the grieving king. His eyes, shadowed by the weight of loss, pierce through her as he delivers his judgment. There will be no forgiveness, no absolution—her path forward will not be an easy one. However, he spares her the fate of imprisonment. Instead, he offers her a chance at redemption. Evalyhn is commanded to train with Azern’s most elusive and elite operatives, the fabled spies who work in the shadows. But there is a catch—a trial to prove her worth. To earn her place, she must complete a highstakes mission under the watchful eye of Azaiah, the king’s most formidable warrior and youngest son. The challenge is clear survive the test, or be cast aside. For Evalyhn, it is both an opportunity and a daunting gamble. Azaiah, the youngest prince of Azern and just a year older than Evalyhn, exudes an intensity that commands attention. Towering and powerfully built, his physique speaks of countless battles, with intricate tattoos marking his broad shoulders—a testament to both his lineage and his conquests. His hair, a striking shade of Azerns signature white, cascades in contrast to the stormy seagreen depths of his piercing eyes. Azaiah is not just a warrior but a force of nature, his skill with a blade is rivaled only by his ferocious determination. Yet beneath his imposing exterior lies a man haunted by loss—the death of his elder brother, the princes heir, weighs heavily on his soul. Grief has sharpened his resolve, fueling his leadership of the elite warriors and spies known as the Aelanis Shadohs. With Azaiah at their helm, the Shadohs is an unstoppable force, their loyalty to him as unyielding as his mission to protect Azern and avenge his fallen kin. Evalyhn embarks on a perilous mission to infiltrate Ahl Ohm Da Noct, Ilani’s stronghold, to recover a stolen artifact vital to Azern. Accompanied by Azaiah, Azern’s fiercest warrior and youngest prince, and Michal, a trusted operative, she ventures deep into enemy territory. Within the stronghold, Evalyhn encounters Arvan, a man she doesn’t remember but who secretly knows he is her brother. Arvan is torn between protecting her and exposing her to the truth. He warns her of the danger she faces, especially since she is seen as a traitor within the ranks of Ilani’s assassins. Despite his desperate offer to help her escape, Evalyhn refuses, determined to see the mission through, leaving Arvan grappling with guilt and worry. Azaiah, carrying a personal grudge against Evalyhn, begins the mission with suspicion and disdain. Years ago, as part of a political alliance, he was betrothed to the lost princess of Medha, a match that ended when she disappeared. Unbeknownst to him, Evalyhn is that very princess. He dismisses her as a liability and questions the wisdom of involving her, viewing her as a potential spy or a pawn of Ilani. As they progress, Azaiah uncovers files indicating that Evalyhn has dormant Sorcenai abilities, raising more questions about her origins. Witnessing her unmatched combat prowess during a skirmish, Azaiahs opinion begins to shift. He becomes captivated by her resilience and skill, suspecting she may be connected to Azern in ways even she doesn’t understand. The mission reaches a turning point when Arvan intervenes during a deadly confrontation. Azaiah initially assumes betrayal, but Arvan insists Evalyhn has no memory of her past and that she is not the enemy. Arvan even defends her actions, revealing that Evalyhn once had an opportunity to flee but chose to stay and fight. With the artifact retrieved, Azaiah’s perspective changes. Though he doesn’t yet know Evalyhn is the lost princess he was meant to marry, her bravery and mystery have sparked his interest. Resolving to train her himself, Azaiah vows to uncover the truth about this enigmatic woman who challenges his every expectation.