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The eastern wing of the Vale estate stood in quiet isolation, bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun. Within its confines, Lyanna awaited her eighteenth birthday with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.
Duke Cedric Vale, her father, entered her room carrying a small cupcake adorned with a single, flickering candle.
"Happy birthday, Lyanna," he said, offering a warm smile.
Lyanna's eyes lit up as she accepted the cupcake. "Thank you, Father."
They sat together, sharing the modest treat.
"Father," Lyanna began hesitantly, "when will I be allowed to leave this wing? To see the world beyond these walls, like my sister does?"
Cedric's smile faded, replaced by a somber expression. "Lyanna, you can't go out. Don't ever think of it ok. You were born under an inauspicious star. The astrologers warned that your presence outside could bring misfortune to yourself, me and your family. It's for your safety and the safety of others that you remain here. Or do you want us getting hurt" were what he said
Lyanna looked down, disappointment evident in her eyes. "I understand." Was the only thing she said
After spending some time with his daughter, Cedric gently squeezed her hand. "I have a meeting at the palace. Take care, my dear."
After her father's departure, Lyanna sat alone, the remnants of the cupcake untouched. The walls of her room seemed to close in, the isolation more palpable than ever.
Elsewhere in the estate, Duchess Elara, Lyanna's stepmother planned on how to get rid of Lyanna as her husband wasn't around, she convened with a trusted maid.
"It's time we rid ourselves of that girl," Elara whispered. "Prepare a drink laced with a sleeping draught. Once she's unconscious, take her to the forest and leave her there."
The maid hesitated thinking of what to tell the Duke but had no choice as she couldn't dare offend the Duchess and came up with her own plans then nodded. "As you wish, Duchess."
That evening, the maid brought Lyanna a warm beverage laced with sleeping medicine and also drug that will temporary weaken her leg so she won't be able to work for at least 12 hours. That way it'll be easy to locate her when the master caame back
"From the kitchen, to help you sleep," she said.
Lyanna accepted the drink, unaware of its contents. Soon after consuming it, drowsiness overcame her, and she drifted into a deep sleep.
Under the cover of night, the maid transported Lyanna to the nearby forest, placing her gently on a bed of moss-covered rocks. She then retreated, leaving the young woman alone amidst the wilderness.
Hours later, Lyanna awoke, disoriented and frightened. The forest was dark, shadows dancing between the trees. She sat up, realizing she was far from home.
Tears welled in her eyes. "Where am I? Why am I here?"
She attempted to stand but found her legs unresponsive. Panic set in. "I can't walk... What's happening to me?" Lyanna was scared out of her wits. She thought she was going to die and that she wouldn't be able to see her father or formally have to leave the mansion to explore. Different thought were crossing her mind.
As the night deepened, strange noises echoed through the forest invading Lyanna's thought. Lyanna's fear intensified, her imagination conjuring terrifying possibilities.
Suddenly, a rustling sound caught her attention. From the shadows emerged a young man with striking orange eyes.
He approached cautiously. "Are you alright? What are you doing out here?" The voice asked wondering what a little girl was doing at a dangerous pleace by this time. But from his observation she is not trying to move or make an attempt to run or escape
Lyanna looked up, relief and fear mingling in her gaze. "I... I can't walk. I... I... I don't know what's wrong I don't know how I got here."her voice shivering
The man paused for a moment to analyze the situation, truth be told, she was the most beautiful girl he has ever set his eyes on in his whole years of living. He felt exceptionally drawn to her, the feeling of wanting to protect her sets in. He examined her legs, noting their pristine condition. "Your feet... they show no signs of ever touching the ground. Yet, you don't appear injured." He said with a little bit of surprise traced in his voice at the same time was in awe. Does such person even exist.
He gently lifted her into his arms. "Let's get you to safety."
Carrying her through the forest, he reached a clearing near a well-trodden path. He set her down gently.
"Someone will find you here," he said. "I have urgent matters to attend to, but I'll return." Feeling reluctant to leave but had to
Lyanna reached out, grasping his hand. "Thank you... What's your name?"
He hesitated, then smiled. "Alaric. Rest now. You're safe."
With that, he disappeared into the night, leaving Lyanna to ponder the mysterious encounter and the events that led her to this moment.
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