Three hundred years have passed since the kingdom of Ruforia was established, ruled by the Hirst family.
In the beginning, the land was nothing but a vast, empty plain. The clan worked together to cultivate it through farming, hunting, and the preservation of natural resources.
As the years and decades passed, Ruforia successfully grew into a nation. From a small population to a thriving one filled with people seeking a peaceful life, businesses were established, currency was printed, schools were built, and armed forces were formed to protect the citizens. Under the rule of the Hirst family, Ruforia prospered.
Unknown to their people, the family possessed a mysterious power known only to them. Because of this, they married within their bloodline to keep their secret hidden. When a brother and sister were born, they were separated as early as three years old and were not allowed to see each other again until they reached the proper age to be wed.
This tradition was broken due to the defiance of one family member. It was Kriyo's grandfather, who married a pure human. Their grandmother accepted his true nature. From then on, they were instructed not to follow the old tradition. If they were to fall in love with someone, they had to make sure that person would accept them, and they must never reveal their abilities to others.
Kriyo and Orid were born from the union of a Hirst and a human. More importance was placed on the children of a male Hirst than those of a female Hirst.
The story of how Kriyo's grandfather met Jauna began when he wandered into the forest, driven by his desire to explore the world as far as he could. At that time, he was still a young man, handsome, with golden hair, tall and well-built. He had rebelled against his family because he despised their tradition, especially after learning that he was meant to marry his cousin upon reaching adulthood. He left Ruforia under the pretense of traveling to hone skills that would help him govern the nation, but he never promised to return.
During his journey, he was ambushed by bandits. He fought them, but was eventually left unconscious, his belongings taken.
At that time, Jauna was already living alone in her home within the dense forest. She found his body lying on the ground. Checking his pulse and realizing he was still breathing, she gave him first aid. She closed his wounds and performed a blood transfusion using her own power.
She waited for him to regain consciousness since she could not carry him.
When he woke, he was overwhelmed with gratitude. In that moment of deep emotion, he kissed her on the lips.
Jauna gasped and express her shock, "Hey I didn't expect that from you, Sir!"
She took him in so he could rest and recover properly.
Suede, Kriyo's grandfather, was deeply grateful to Jauna for saving his life.
While he was recovering and Jauna was not yet fully occupied with making medicines, she often experimented with herbal leaves for creating remedies. Suede assisted her, accompanying her into the forest and gathering the leaves she needed.
Over time, they fell for each other. But one night, during a conversation, Suede confessed his true nature. He revealed that he could transform into a golden wolf. Jauna understood, but they did not force their feelings. They both knew it would only lead to pain, as time itself was their enemy.
"I am not the right woman for you, Suede," she told him.
She advised him to find a woman he could grow old with and eventually die alongside, so they could remain together even in the afterlife. Something Jauna could never offer, as her life was far too long. She could not easily die either. Her body healed on its own. Even if her heart were pierced, it would not stop immediately. Her body would move from within to repair itself.
"May I stay with you a little longer before I leave?" Suede asked. "You are the first woman I have ever loved like this, Jauna."
Jauna gently caressed his calm face. "You may, but you cannot stay long. Your feelings for me will only grow deeper."
He embraced her and kissed her with restrained longing, tears forming in his eyes. He wanted to take Jauna back to Ruforia and marry her, but she refused. He could not argue against her reasoning.
A week later, after Jauna arranged for a horse for Suede from a distant place, they shared an emotional farewell.
"Do not visit me again. Focus on ruling the kingdom you will inherit and build a happy family. Tell your descendants about me as a friend."
"Thank you once again, Jauna," he said through tears.
Jauna gently touched his face and gave him a farewell kiss. "Take care wherever you go."
He mounted the horse and rode away. Jauna watched him until he disappeared from sight.
Years later, Suede ascended the throne. He found a woman to marry, someone who resembled Jauna and who accepted his true nature, a pure human. He was the one who broke the Hirst tradition of marrying within the bloodline. Their union bore two children, a daughter and a son. Their son became the father of Kriyo, one of those later slain by power-hungry enemies.
Whenever Suede found himself alone while he was still alive, he would think of Jauna, wondering how she was and what she was doing. There were times he would disappear from the palace for days, about three times a year. He would go to Jauna's home, watching her only from afar.
They had both promised never to see each other again out of respect for Suede's family. Yet his love for her never faded, even if Jauna never knew.