Amanda walked briskly, her bag swinging lightly by her side. Hunter's words echoed in her mind — the Purge Units had been deployed, and danger was spreading faster than they could prepare for. She couldn't waste a second.
When she reached her house, she unlocked the door and stepped inside, expecting the comforting sight of her father somewhere nearby. But the living room was empty. Silence pressed against her ears like a weight.
"Papa?" she called softly, her voice trembling. No answer.
She set her bag down and moved cautiously through the house, checking each room — the kitchen was still, the study untouched, the basement silent. Her heartbeat quickened.
For a moment, she froze in the hallway, listening. A faint shift in the air brushed against her ear — nothing else.
Dropping her bag by the door, she tried to calm her racing thoughts. He has to be nearby… he has to be.
But something felt off. The quiet wasn't peaceful — it was watching.
A faint noise drifted from behind the house.
"Papa?…" she whispered, fear tightening her chest. She stepped toward the back door, fingers trembling as they wrapped around the handle.
Slowly, she pulled it open —
Her eyes widened.
"Papa?" she called again.
A man covered in dirt turned, revealing a familiar face. "Amanda? What's wrong?" He straightened, noticing the panic in her voice.
"You had me worried! I couldn't find you. What were you doing here?" Amanda moved closer, relief washing over her.
"Oh, just planting some seeds. I hope they grow well. Sorry I made you worry… but didn't you just leave for work?" His confusion mirrored her concern.
"Papa, come inside." She guided him through the door. Amanda sank onto the nearest sofa while her father leaned against the wall.
"Is something wrong?" he asked, breaking the silence.
"Papa… did you read this morning's news? The Purge Units have been deployed. Apparently, traces of magic were found in certain regions of town. They'll be investigating undercover. So please… refrain from using any magic."
He remained silent, expression unreadable, as if he had anticipated this.
"Papa…" she pressed, sensing more behind his calm facade.
"Honey… you needn't worry."
"Papa… He mentioned someone named Zarin. He's very powerful, and he might be after you… please…" She trailed off, nearly on the verge of tears.
"Zarin, huh? I see." He paused, then spoke firmly. "Amanda, I think it's best if you stop going to your shop for now."
She looked up, confused. "Yes, you're right. I've had the feeling someone's been following me… what you said just confirmed it. Zarin… his name lingers in my mind, and I know he's dangerous. I'll stay home and refrain from any magic."
His words trailed off, leaving an air of unspoken caution.
"Papa… can you just give him whatever he wants? I don't want to lose you." She stood, stepping closer, worry etched into her features.
"Honey, I promise I'll be fine. You don't need to worry. Who told you all this?"
"A friend of mine. He'd like to meet with you and discuss everything — how to protect the town, and why Zarin has appeared in Elton. Please, Papa, could you make time?"
Her father paused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he considered her words. Finally, he nodded. "Alright… I'll meet him."
Amanda exhaled, relief washing over her. The danger had not disappeared, but at least her father was safe… for now.
---
The day dragged on, and the sky finally darkened. I tossed and turned in my sleep, the events of the morning — the Purge Units, Amanda's safety, Zarin — twisting through my mind.
This is going to be a long night… I thought, exhaustion weighing me down, but sleep wouldn't come.
Suddenly, darkness swallowed me.
The sound of a baby crying pierced the silence.
"Your Majesty, it's a girl!" a woman's voice called.
Slowly, shapes began to form. I was in a grand castle hall — chandeliers glittered above, casting soft light across the room. The walls shimmered with gold trims, and every piece of furniture looked like it belonged to a world of royalty.
In the middle stood a tall man, his back to me. His robe was adorned with royal insignia, and from the way the old lady in black and a white apron bowed, I knew immediately — this man was powerful.
"I see," he said briefly, before bursting into loud, hysterical laughter.
At first, I thought he was mad.
"You must be filled with overwhelming joy, sire," the woman said, still bowing deeply.
"Henderson!" the man called suddenly.
The door opened instantly, as if on cue.
"Your Majesty?" Henderson — a man in his late sixties — stepped forward.
"The princess has been born," the King announced proudly. "Spread the news throughout the kingdom and to every royal house in the Onyx Dimension — she has arrived!"
He began walking toward the door, still with his back to me. Frozen, I could only watch.
The scene flickered and shifted.
Now, I stood in a quiet chamber. A woman sat on a large bed, cradling a newborn in her arms. I couldn't see her face clearly, but her smile radiated warmth, peace, and love.
"My lady," said the same old servant, handing the queen another child, slightly older than the newborn.
"Two children," the queen murmured softly. "Two blessings." She smiled weakly. "Anne, have you informed the King?"
"Yes, my lady. His Majesty will be here soon. He intends to hold a feast in honor of the princess," the servant said brightly.
"I see… what a father these two have," the queen said with a faint laugh.
The door opened again. The King stepped in, Henderson following behind.
"My wife," the King said tenderly, approaching the bed. Henderson and Anne slipped quietly out, leaving the two alone.
He leaned down, kissed her forehead, then looked toward her chest — where two tiny children lay asleep.
"These are the greatest gifts you could've ever given me," he said softly. "In return, I give you the world… and my heart. Thank you."
She smiled weakly. He carefully lifted the newborn girl into his arms. Tears welled in his eyes.
"She took after her father," the queen said with a tired laugh. "In the end, she only took the color of my hair."
"Well," she added, glancing at the slightly older child, "at least this other little one took after me completely."
The King chuckled, brushing a finger across the boy's cheek. "He has my eyes, though."
The queen smiled faintly. "Then I suppose they both carry a part of us."
Their laughter was soft and tender — a perfect, fragile peace.
I couldn't help but smile at the joy filling the room. But as quickly as it came, the world shifted.
The same room — now engulfed in flames.
Screams. The cry of babies.
Everything burned.
I jolted upright in bed, heart racing like thunder. Sweat clung to my skin. I pressed a hand against my chest, forcing my breath to steady.
It was still dark outside. The clock said three more hours until dawn.
One thing was certain —
I wasn't getting any more sleep tonight.