Far to the east, on the islands of Parth, stood a grand castle forged from marble with golden veins threaded through its stone. Atop the highest hill rested a towering palace surrounded by homes and a fortified wall. This was the ancestral home of the Paladins of Light—said to have been raised by the gods themselves.
The Sun Elves didn't follow a traditional monarchy. Instead, their realm was ruled by the Paladins, led by the Grand Inquisitor and governed through four military generals.
In the palace's main hall sat a round table with five seats. Four were standard chairs, spaced evenly around its perimeter. The fifth, carved from gold and topped with a pristine white cushion, belonged to the Grand Inquisitor. The circular table was symbolic—equality among leaders—but when has true equality ever existed?
In one of the many bedrooms of the palace, a young elf woman lay sleeping peacefully. Suddenly, the torches flickered and died, and an icy chill crept into the room. Her serene expression twisted in fear.
She awoke gasping, drenched in sweat, her body trembling. As she tried to rise, her knees buckled. She collapsed to the floor, knocking over her nightstand and spilling a cup of water. A maid passing by heard the commotion and rushed in.
"My lady! Are you alright?"
"Summon the Grand Inquisitor. NOW!" Cassandra shouted, her voice filled with panic.
The maid fled, pounding on the Grand Inquisitor's chamber door.
"Your Excellency! Wake up—it's urgent!"
The door swung open to reveal Gerald, the Grand Inquisitor. Middle-aged, with golden hair and sun-kissed skin, he stared sternly at the flustered maid.
"What is the meaning of this?"
"Lady Cassandra… She's distressed. She's asking for you."
Gerald stepped past her without a word and strode to Cassandra's chambers.
"My lady," he said gently. "What troubles you at this hour?"
"Death," she whispered. "I saw it. A vision—of death and ruin. Summon the generals. I must share what I've seen."
Two days later, five individuals gathered in the grand hall. The four generals stood at attention while Gerald took his place on the golden throne. Cassandra stood at his side, her silver hair gleaming like silk, her glowing white eyes scanning the room.
"The Oracle has received another vision," Gerald announced solemnly. Everyone grew tense. Cassandra's visions were known to be divine in origin—though Cassandra alone understood the torment behind them. They showed only doom. Never hope.
"What has Lady Cassandra seen?" asked General Tamen, a brawny elf with a commanding presence.
Beads of sweat gathered on Cassandra's brow. Her eyes glazed over. Her gift activated. As the room seemed to transport them.
Dark clouds swirled above a cracked land. Lightning split the skies. Thunder shook the earth. All was darkness until a lightning strike revealed an immense silhouette—eight feet tall, horned, muscular, and monstrous. The figure stood with its back turned.
Cassandra trembled.
Another flash. The creature turned, just slightly. Two glowing red eyes pierced the storm. Eyes that gazed beyond flesh—into the soul.
She tried to flee.
She couldn't move.
Then it was in front of her. Less than ten feet away. Its presence reeked of death. With a third lightning strike, a horde of monstrosities appeared behind it—an army of nightmares. Demons.
She screamed as the vision faded.
Back in the hall, silence reigned. The generals looked at one another, horror etched across their faces.
"What does this mean?" asked Gwain, a stern general with narrow glasses. "If this creature exists, we must destroy it before it brings devastation."
Gerald nodded. "It means war is coming. Prepare two squads of Paladins. Send them to the other continents—find this beast. Tamen, ready our forces. We must be prepared when the creature is found. You are dismissed."
He turned to Cassandra. "My lady, are you alright? We'll need your visions in the days ahead. They may help us find this threat."
"I… I'll do my best, Your Excellency," she said shakily. "But I do not wish to see it again. Once was nearly too much."
She smiled weakly, though her heart quaked. The vision had taken root inside her.
She didn't know it yet, but the darkness had already begun to take hold of her soul.