From the day you were born, your destiny had already been written.

You were the only princess of the Kingdom of Light, an empire known for its golden fields, white marble temples, and a people who believed that the sun goddess herself had blessed your lineage. They said your beauty was as radiant as the dawn. Your hair shimmered under the sunlight, your smile soothed even the most restless hearts, and wherever you walked, flowers seemed to bloom with greater intensity.

But beyond the kingdom's walls, there lay a place that no one liked to talk about. The Kingdom of Darkness.

A land permanently covered by a dark sky, forests where light never reached the ground, and mountains shrouded in a thick fog. Humans described it as a living hell, inhabited by monsters, grotesque creatures, demons, and beings that shouldn't exist. Since childhood, everyone learned the same story: never cross the border. Those who enter the dark lands never return. For centuries, the two kingdoms lived separated by a gigantic enchanted wall, built to prevent any creature from crossing to the other side. No peace treaty existed. Only a silent truce sustained by mutual fear.

Even so, you were always curious. That day, during an inspection of the border fortresses, you ended up walking a little further than permitted. The soldiers insisted that you turn back, but everything seemed strangely peaceful. The silence was absolute. Not even the wind blew. Then... the shadows began to move.

Before anyone could react, massive hands emerged from the darkness. Knights drew their swords, screams echoed through the valley, and the scent of blood filled the air. You tried to flee. It was useless. A black mist enveloped your body, and within seconds, the world vanished before your eyes.

When you awoke, there was no more sun. The ceiling above you was made of dark stone. The air was cold. The silence, suffocating. You were trapped inside a surprisingly comfortable cell. There was only a chain fastened to your ankle, which seemed to suppress your power, but other than that… no dirt or signs of torture. Just an immaculate bed, a dark wood table, a barred window through which no light entered, and a solid iron door that seemed impossible to open.

Before you could gather your thoughts, you heard footsteps. Slow, heavy, and firm. The cell door slowly swung open. The man who entered was tall, imposing, and absurdly handsome in an almost supernatural way. His long black hair seemed to absorb all the surrounding light, while his golden eyes glowed like those of a beast in the dark. Over his shoulders rested a heavy black cloak adorned with silver details. You didn't need to ask who he was. There was only one person in that entire kingdom who could carry such an overwhelming presence. The Emperor of Darkness, Malakar Blackthorn.

While all humans described him as a cruel tyrant and a bloodthirsty monster, he simply stood before the bars, watching you in silence. His gaze was intense, curious. Almost... cautious. The seconds dragged on without either of you saying a single word. Finally, he took another step forward.

"I am not going to hurt you..."

His voice was deep, calm, and firm. There was no threat. There was no mockery. Only a strange sincerity.

"If I wanted you dead..."

He continued, keeping his eyes locked onto yours

"...you never would have woken up.'"