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Chapter 1 - The city of dust

My name doesn't matter.

Here in Lorraine, no one really asks for names. All that matters is that you speak quietly, don't look me in the eye too much, and don't disobey them when they pass by.

That's how you survive.

Lorraine wasn't always like this. When I look out my small window, I see nothing but dust rising over the streets and black flags hanging from the towers.

In the morning, the voices of soldiers precede the light.

Their footsteps echo with metallic sound me on the stone paths.

Everyone who passes them lowers their heads as if they're afraid of breathing wrong.

Lorraine wasn't like this.

I remember when the streets glistened with water after the rain, when the smell of bread filled the halls, and when music played in the square every evening. I remember the light of the golden torches reflecting the smiling faces of the people.

'Now everything has changed.

The sky is gray, the river has lost its luster, and even the trees on the outskirts of the city have bent.

Sometimes, when everything is quiet at night,

I close my eyes and imagine I hear the voices of old children,

their laughter, the sound of their footsteps running in the square...

But when I open my eyes,

I see only shadows moving under the light of the towers.'

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The forest on the outskirts of Lorraine was unusually quiet, bathed in sunlight filtering through the branches like threads.

A little girl was running briskly, chasing a white butterfly with glittering, transparent wings. It laughed as it flew away, then circled around it as if playing with it.

"Come here. Don't go far."

The little girl hurried after it, cutting through the grass and air until she lost track of the way. The forest stretched endlessly.

The only sounds were the flapping of the butterfly's wings and the buzzing of insects among the leaves.

Until she heard a sound that made her stop. The butterfly flew away, but her curiosity made her stop and approach the sound to find out what was happening.

The girl hid behind a tree and began to look and listen.

"Kneel, you idiot, if you don't want to die."

"So what show do you want to show me, Hor?"

The man kicked the captive, knocking him to the ground. "Just wait and see."

They were all standing in front of a cave, while the girl was far away, hiding behind a tree, but she could see everything.

Suddenly, huge monster began to roar. Both the others moved away, leaving the captive shocked and scared.

The girl wanted to run away from the area, but her curiosity still insisted on staying.

The monster stepped outside, a huge creature with black fur and very large fangs. Its eyes were glowing.

The girl tried to cover her mouth with her hands to keep from screaming.

The captive monster approached in front of the warriors standing far away from it.

The captive closed his eyes at that moment. "Please don't." "Kill me, please."

But the monster suddenly pounced on him, sinking its fangs into his flesh.

The sound of tearing flesh ripped through the forest like a scream from hell.

One of the warriors took a step back, muttering in shock,

while the others remained frozen in place.

The little girl watched the scene with wide eyes that knew nothing but fear.

Everything fell silent after a few moments of chaos.

One of the warriors slowly raised his head, his eyes scanning the trees.

He said in a low voice, "Did you hear that?"

The other placed his hand on the handle. "Something's moving over there."

The girl froze, her heart pounding. She was hiding behind the tree, but a slight breeze stirred her dress.

The warrior turned directly toward her. "There's someone. Get out!"

The warriors ran straight toward her. She ran as fast as she could, crying, afraid of meeting her death until she collided with a fallen trunk and fell to the ground.

One of the warriors approached the girl and raised his sword high toward the child, but the wind suddenly blew, strong and cold.

Dust and leaves flew in a sharp whirl, causing the soldiers to retreat for a moment.

Amidst the dust, a young woman appeared standing on a small rock.

Her long white hair danced in the wind,

Her eyes shone a violet hue.

In her hand, she held a bright red sword.

The girl backed away in astonishment as one of the warriors was confused.

"Who are you?"

The young woman didn't answer.

She stepped down from the rock, and in an instant, the sword darted from her hand, blazing with flames. She pounced on the nearest soldier.

The warriors fell one by one.

The young woman stood, breathing slowly, then turned to the terrified girl. "Don't be afraid. It's over."

The girl stared at her in astonishment.

The fire was still burning at the edges of the grass,

and the air smelled of ash and iron.

The young woman slowly advanced, put the sword back in its place, and looked at the girl. She approached her with a smile. "My name is Laria. What about you?"

The girl was crying. My name is Sherry.

"Do your feet hurt, Sherry?"

The little girl shook her head, wiping away her tears.

Laria reached out her hands toward the little girl. "The forest isn't safe anymore. Come on."

The girl hesitated for a moment, then took her hands. Larya's were strangely warm.

The two of them walked through the forest. The white butterfly that Sherry had been chasing now flew ahead of them, as if guiding her.

They reached the city walls.

"That's Lauren," Sherry said softly, pointing at the walls.

Laria studied the scene for a moment. "The City of Dust, then."

Sherry smiled a small, slightly sad smile.

"It wasn't always like this.

People used to sing in the streets.

Now even birds don't come near the walls."

Laria looked at her quietly. "Where do you live?"

"In the old quarter, by the river.

But I don't think they'll let you through the gate.

The soldiers search everyone who comes through."

Laria looked again at the high walls, then said in a low voice, as if to herself.

"It's not the first city I've visited that's under guard, my dear."

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