The northern oak spread its branches like a great canopy, its leaves whispering against the afternoon sky. Beneath that shade, Eryn sat with a book open across her lap. The sunlight filtered through in broken patterns, scattering across the page and tracing faint gleams over her silver hair.
She lowered her gaze to the lines, lips moving softly as she repeated each word. Her voice was quiet, her finger steady as it traced the text.
Two years.
Two years since she had come into this world.
Eryn paused, tilting her head as the thought drifted through her. Was her luck good, or was it bad? Good—because she had met Sally and Leon. Bad—because she had died in another life, pulled into a ritual meant to twist her into a weapon. Even now, the memory sent a faint chill through her.
From the upper hall, Alfred often trained. The arc of his sword carried across the courtyard, sharp and precise. Eryn had watched so many times that her body sometimes echoed the rhythm without her will—her soul's memory etching each stance as though she had practiced it herself.
Yet swords were not enough. Her gaze lowered to the book again, and a flicker of light moved across her crimson eyes.
Magic.
She had seen it the day Sally and Leon fought the dragon. That battle had been proof—this world held power far greater than steel.
It was that thought which had driven her to learn words, to beg Alfred for letters, to struggle with every page. Piece by piece, she had discovered the truth of her surroundings.
The land was Luzaria. The castle, Ashenford, seat of the Duke of the North. Leonard Ashenford—her father. Duchess Salia Rowley—her mother. Alfred Ashenford—her brother.
And herself—Eryndra Ashenford. Eryn for short.
The name carried a weight each time she repeated it.
Eryn leaned back against the oak, her expression softening. Perhaps being adopted into a Duke's house was the second-greatest luck she had received. The first was something else entirely.
A faint chime stirred within her mind.
Ding.
"Host, another ability of yours is equally overpowered—if used correctly."
Eryn blinked, lips parting slightly. "Another?"
Ding.
"Yes. Energy Manipulation. It allows you to convert any form of energy into Soul Energy. Soul Energy may then be transformed into any energy you desire. The more you absorb, the greater your vessel becomes. Mana, aura, fire, even sound—anything can be transmuted. In simplified terms, your energy limit is infinite."
Her small fingers tightened over the book. "So I could take in anything… and turn it into something else?"
Ding.
"Correct."
Eryn let out a slow breath. The breeze rustled the leaves above, carrying the faint scent of pine. Terrifying. And incredible.
After a long silence, she whispered, "System… how do I begin? How do I feel mana?"
Ding.
"I am but a fragment of your subconscious. I cannot reveal knowledge you do not possess. But I can suggest. First: evolve into a dragon. Dragons breathe mana as easily as air. Second: seek knowledge. A book. Or guidance from Duchess Salia."
Her lips curved faintly, wry and small. A dragon's heart would expose her secret before she even began. That was impossible.
"…Then books. And lessons. One step at a time."
Eryn shook her head, amused at herself. "Why am I even explaining this aloud?"
The courtyard remained silent in answer.
Until a voice rang out.
"Lady Eryn!"
She turned. Lia was running toward her, pink hair tied neatly, brown eyes filled with urgency.
Eryn straightened. "What is it, Lia?"
"It's evening already. The Duke, Duchess, and Young Master are waiting in the dining hall."
"Ah… then let's go."
---
The dining hall glowed with firelight. Sally sat with calm poise, crimson eyes lifting as Eryn entered. Leon's tall figure anchored the head of the table, his silence steady, his presence unshaken.
"Eryn!" Alfred called, waving her over. "Sit beside me."
She obeyed. The servants entered, bearing trays heavy with roasted meats and spiced vegetables. The fragrance filled the chamber, warm and rich.
Alfred leaned forward, slicing the meat into smaller pieces for her. His hands moved carefully, protective in their gestures.
Sally and Leon exchanged faint, knowing smiles.
The meal began.
After a while, Sally set her cup down, her voice soft yet certain. "Tomorrow is your birthday. Do you wish for a banquet, or a quiet gathering? Last year, the beast tide drew us away. This year, we will not neglect it."
Eryn hesitated, then lowered her gaze. "I… will follow what you decide."
Leon's voice was deep, calm. "Do not feel burdened. When you turn five, we shall hold a banquet and invite the houses. For now, we celebrate as family."
Alfred nodded quickly. "Yes, Father. I agree."
Sally's smile softened. "Then it is decided. Tomorrow, we celebrate here."
Warmth filled Eryn's chest. She nodded.
---
The morning came with quiet light. Lia entered with a smile. "Lady Eryn, today is your birthday."
Eryn blinked, then laughed softly. She had nearly forgotten.
The maids flooded in with dresses of ivory and blue. They brushed her hair until it gleamed like silver, tied a ribbon at her wrist, and ushered her into the waiting hall.
Alfred was first to greet her. "Happy birthday, Eryn."
Then the cake arrived—a circle of white, sugared flowers blooming across its surface, four small candles flickering above.
Alfred leaned closer, eyes shining. "Go on. Make a wish."
Eryn folded her hands. Inwardly, she whispered her desire. Strength—to protect this family, whatever shadows might come.
Her breath flowed over the flames. Fuuu—
The candles went dark. Applause filled the hall.
Sally guided her hand to the knife. Together, they pressed it through the cake. Alfred cheered as though it were a triumph.
"Perfect! The first slice is yours, Sister!"
Eryn laughed, the warmth of the moment settling into her chest.
---
The gifts came after.
Sally opened a velvet box, revealing a silver necklace with a crystal pendant that glimmered faintly. "For you, Eryn. May it remind you that you are loved." She fastened it gently around her neck.
Leon entered leading a small black colt, its hooves tapping lightly against the floor. "This one is yours. Care for him well."
Alfred handed her a simple ribbon, cheeks pink. "I thought it would suit you."
Eryn touched each gift in turn—the cool pendant, the colt's warm breath, the ribbon tied with care. Then she looked up.
Sally's tender smile. Alfred's boyish grin. Leon's steady gaze.
Home.
---
That evening, firelight painted the walls. Eryn sat with Alfred's ribbon in her hair, the necklace glowing faintly at her chest.
Sleep drew her close.
System, she whispered inwardly, today… I was happy.
Ding.
"Emotional bond strengthening. Host stability: increasing."
Her eyes closed.
One day, she vowed silently, she would guard this warmth. No matter what shadows rose, no matter what threats stirred.
The castle held its quiet. Outside, the snow fell in silence.
Eryn slept.