She died.
Yes, you heard that right.
The girl who saved me seven years ago—the one who hunted for me, cooked for me, protected me from everything and everyone—is gone.
Sara, my guardian angel, is dead.
I still don't know who my enemies are or why they want me dead, but she never let them reach me. She stood between me and the darkness every time. And now, because of me, she's no longer here.
If only I hadn't run to her for help that day.
If only I hadn't led them to her.
But perhaps it was fate.
And it all began long before that—on the day I turned ten.
---
It was a warm morning in Veloria. The sun filtered through the curtains of our small wooden house on the village outskirts.
"Happy birthday, my dear son," my mother whispered, brushing my hair back with her warm hand.
She had the kindest smile. Everyone in the village adored her. They called her Flame—a name she earned for her gift: she could control fire through her Ki. But to me, she was just "Mom." A beautiful woman with soft, silver-white hair and clear blue eyes. She was my world.
"Mom… do you think he'll come this year?" I asked as I sat up. "It's my tenth birthday. Maybe this time...?"
She paused. That tiny hesitation was all I needed.
"No, love," she said gently. "Your father still has business in the capital. But he sent a gift for you."
I looked down. "I see. He's always too busy."
She knelt beside me. "Don't worry, son. Today is still your special day. Come, help me gather some blueberries from the farm. I want to bake your favorite cake."
"Okay, Mom!"
---
Our village was small, peaceful, and filled with kind souls. On my way back from the farm, I spotted a stranger at the edge of the field—tall, hooded, and watching me.
"Boy," he called. "Do you know someone named Flame?"
I nodded, not thinking much of it. "Yes, she's my mother."
He smiled and patted my head. "Then I'm your uncle. Your mother's brother."
My eyes lit up. Family? It was rare to meet anyone from my mother's side.
"Really?! That's amazing! Come, let me take you to her!"
I raced ahead, excitement buzzing in my chest. My mother opened the door just as we arrived, holding a small cake in her hands.
"Surprise!" she beamed. "Happy birthday—!"
But then... she saw him.
The cake slipped from her hands and shattered on the floor. Her eyes widened in horror.
"Son," she said, voice tight with urgency. "Go to your room. Climb out the window. Run. Now."
"M-Mom?"
She knelt and pressed something into my hand—a silver necklace with an old royal insignia. "Go to Veloria's capital. Find the king's palace. Show them this and ask for a girl named Sara. She's the king's daughter. The knights will take you to her. Only speak to her and the king—no one else. Tell them everything that happened today. If I don't come… don't look for me. Do as Sara says."
"Mama, what's happening—"
Then he stepped through the doorway.
"Well, well," the man sneered. "You really thought you could hide forever?"
"What do you want?" she asked coldly, standing between me and him.
"You know what I want. The Red Box. Give it to me, and I'll spare the boy."
"So he really sent you…" her voice cracked. "After all this time…"
"Yes," the man said with a cruel grin. "Your husband sent me. He wants the box… and your deaths."
Tears filled her eyes—but she didn't falter. She turned to me one last time.
"Run, my son."
I ran.
---
I ran until my legs bled. Behind me, a deafening blast shattered the air. I turned, gasping, and saw smoke billowing in the sky. Our home was gone. Just ashes and flame.
I collapsed on the road, sobbing.
My own father… sent someone to kill us.
---
It took me two days and four borrowed rides to reach the palace. When I finally arrived, the guards stopped me, but the moment I showed them the necklace, their eyes widened. They brought me inside—straight to the throne room.
The throne of Veloria was forged from the blades of conquered enemies, tall and menacing. Sitting on it was King Solomon Raaza.
He wasn't dressed like nobility. No silk or gold. Just hardened armor and calloused hands. He radiated power—his Ki filled the room like thunderclouds.
Beside him stood a girl. She looked older than me, maybe fourteen. Tall, fierce… yet beautiful. Her presence was sharp as steel, but her eyes held something deeper.
That was the first time I saw Sara.
I told them everything—my mother, the man, the explosion, the box.
King Solomon listened in silence. When I finished, he rose from his throne and walked over to me.
"You'll leave the palace tomorrow," he said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "With Sara. From this moment on, the world believes you died. That's what your father wants. Let him believe it. But know this, boy: your mother was family to me. And even if it costs our lives, we will protect you."
The next day, I left the palace with Sara.
And the day after that… the world turned on her.
---
Posters flooded every street.
"WANTED: Princess Sara of Veloria – For the Murder of King Solomon and Queen Elira. Handsome reward for capture or information."
My father did this.
He killed her family. Framed her.
And now… she's gone too.
---
I woke with a jolt.
It was morning. The red sun kissed the mountaintops. I lay in a meadow of scarlet dragonflowers, their petals swaying gently in the wind.
I wasn't dreaming anymore.
At the heart of the field was a single grave.
Her grave.
The name carved into stone: Sara Raaza.
Her sword, Dragonfang, rested beside it—rusted, but proud.
The memory came back clearly now-after the fight, when I was half-conscious, a mysterious man in knight armor appeared. He carried both me and Sara away. He made her grave... and left us safely in Alden.
I knelt before it, trembling.
"I'm sorry," I whispered. "You were always there for me. Even when the world hunted you… you never stopped smiling. You never let me see your pain."
Tears streamed down my cheeks. I pressed my forehead to the cold stone.
"I will never forget. I'll carry your legacy. But now… it's time."
I rose, brushing the dirt from my knees.
"I'll return here only after I've become strong enough. Strong enough to protect. Strong enough to face him."
He turned his back to the grave. The wind howled softly behind him.
His next destination is Klyria to find Sara's brother and uncover the truth.
But the first thing he have to do is to become strong.