"What...?"
I never thought pain would ever leave my life. Or that my eyes would witness the light again. Or that night would grant me my freedom…
Darkness had always been my home, and suffering my reflection.
But that night, as I returned from a mission I had completed, the sky was studded with stars, and the moon hung high — full and radiant.
I stopped beside a tree, gazing up, mesmerized by the beauty above me… the only thing in this world I truly longed to see.
Suddenly, a voice called out to me:"Lilithia… Hasn't the time come?"
My breath froze. I spun around quickly, scanning the shadows for the source of the voice… but there was no one.
That's when I saw it — a shiny black stone lying on the ground. Unlike any stone I had ever seen before, it felt like the beginning of something with no end.
My eyes widened in shock, and I rushed toward it. I picked it up carefully. Warmth spread through my palms, along with a strange yearning for a place I didn't know.
It was as if a weight that had been pressing on my chest suddenly vanished.
I studied its damp surface and captivating gleam.
It glowed like a celestial star… or the eye of a cat in the dark.
My heart began to pound. My fear of my master was greater than my curiosity — yet something deep inside me whispered:"Do not let it go."
I wrapped it in a piece of cloth and slipped it into my pocket, then hurried toward the carriage before I could be late and get myself into trouble.
At that moment, my personal guard, Villiam — nicknamed White Wolf Fang for his strength and sharp mind — noticed me.
He saw me hiding the stone and simply gave me a mocking smile… one I couldn't quite decipher.
I climbed into the carriage beside him and told the driver to take a shortcut.
My heart was still pounding — not only from the fear of being late, but from the mysterious voice… and the stone, burning with curiosity in my pocket.
My thoughts spiraled into a tangled storm:What will happen tomorrow?If I survive today, will I still have my life tomorrow?How many have I killed… and how many more will suffer because of me?
Suddenly, the carriage jolted violently, as if the ground had split beneath us!
The horses neighed wildly, and the driver screamed:"Aaah… Help!!"
A shiver ran down my spine.
I grabbed my sword, Villiam did the same, and we leapt out of the carriage—
The moment that changed my fate forever…