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Chapter One: The Flame WithinThe Kingdom of Ardyn lay nestled in the heart of the mountain range, a land of crystal-clear brooks, lush meadows, and ancient forests that whispered secrets of old. In the centre of it all stood a castle that had watched over its people for centuries, its towers reaching toward the sky as though trying to touch the very heavens. The sun kissed the peaks of the mountains at dawn, casting a golden hue upon the kingdom's heart—a heart that beat within the chest of King Aldric, a ruler whose name was spoken with reverence.But in this peaceful land, there was one who was not yet content.Pyrrha stood high atop the castle turret, her dark, fiery red hair billowing in the wind. She had always felt a strange pull toward the world outside the castle walls, a pull that no royal duty or lavish feast could ever satisfy. From this height, the land spread out before her like a painting—lush meadows dotted with grazing deer, the winding river that cut through the valley, and the forest that lay like a vast sea of green beneath her.Her father’s kingdom, a place of peace and light, felt so far from the darkness she knew was waiting for her. The thought of her destiny was always present, lurking in the back of her mind, like the shadows cast by the trees that lined the edge of the meadow. It was the fire of her father’s death that burned in her chest, fuelling her every move, igniting her resolve."Pyrrha," came a voice from behind, steady, and warm.She turned to see her father’s most trusted protector, Liora, stepping toward her. The light of the early morning made Liora’s golden hair seem to shimmer like sunlight through water. The ethereal woman had been by Pyrrha’s side since childhood, her presence as constant as the wind in the trees."Father will be waiting for you, my princess," Liora said softly, a glint of concern in her eyes.Pyrrha didn’t answer at first. Her thoughts were still with the horizon, her eyes narrowing as though she could see beyond the land, beyond the borders of Ardyn."I’m not a princess anymore, Liora," she finally said, her voice carrying an edge. "I’m a warrior now."Liora’s eyes softened, but her voice remained firm. "You are both, Pyrrha. You always will be."But Pyrrha wasn’t sure she believed that anymore. Since the day, her father had been taken from her, the light in her life had dimmed. He had taught her everything—how to fight, how to think, how to be a ruler in times of peace and a warrior in times of war. But there was one thing he had not prepared her for—the cruelty of the world outside the kingdom’s walls."I will avenge him, Liora," Pyrrha said, her voice full of conviction, though it trembled slightly. "No matter what it takes."Liora’s gaze softened, and she placed a hand on Pyrrha’s shoulder. "Your father would want you to fight with Honour. The journey ahead is dangerous, and you will face many trials. But remember, it is not just vengeance you seek—it is justice."Pyrrha closed her eyes for a moment, drawing in a breath. She could still hear her father’s voice in her mind, his words always like a guiding star. "Justice demands sacrifices. The path ahead is not easy, and you may have to make choices that will haunt you. But remember, those who fight for what is right must stand firm—even when the world tells them to fall."The memory of his words steadied her, but the truth was, justice alone felt like a heavy weight to bear.“Come,” Liora said, pulling her gently from her thoughts. "Your father awaits in the great hall."The great hall of Ardyn Castle was as majestic as the rest of the kingdom. Tall, arched windows framed the golden light of morning, casting dancing shadows on the stone floors. The air was rich with the scent of blooming flowers from the gardens below, though today the fragrance seemed tinged with a sombre note.King Aldric sat upon his throne; his eyes warm yet sorrowful as he watched his daughter approach. Pyrrha could see the weariness in his features, but his love for her shone brighter than ever. He had always been her rock, the one constant in her life, until that fateful night when it all came crashing down."Father," Pyrrha greeted, her voice steady but tinged with the sorrow she carried deep inside her heart."Pyrrha," he said, standing to greet her. "You are becoming a woman of strength, and I am proud of you."She felt the weight of his words, knowing how much they meant, and yet, the hollow ache in her chest only deepened. He had taught her to be a warrior, to be strong, but he had also shown her how to love and protect. And now, he was gone, taken from her by the hand of an unseen enemy.Pyrrha’s eyes narrowed as her father continued, his voice now low and serious."Your quest is dangerous, Pyrrha. I will not lie to you. The enemy you seek is powerful. But you must not lose sight of who you are. You are the daughter of a king—a ruler of Ardyn. Your mission is not just to avenge me, but to protect this kingdom, to ensure that justice prevails."A part of Pyrrha longed to be with him forever, to let the weight of her grief swallow her whole. But another part of her—the warrior side—knew what had to be done.“I will do what is necessary, Father,” she said, voice unwavering.He studied her for a long moment, as though weighing her very soul. Then, his eyes softened with a look of fatherly pride."Then go with my blessing, Pyrrha. May your sword be guided by honour and your heart by justice."As he spoke, Liora stepped forward, holding the gleaming blade that had been forged for Pyrrha—a sword with intricate designs, its hilt carved from the rarest of metals."This is the weapon of your destiny," Liora said, her voice low but filled with reverence. "It will serve you well. And remember, it is more than just steel—it is a tool for your spirit, your resolve."Pyrrha took the sword, her fingers brushing over the hilt, feeling its warmth as if it were alive, pulsing with a power that matched the fire in her heart. This was no ordinary weapon—it was magic, forged for her alone, and it would help her find the truth, or so she hoped.With a final, lingering look at her father, she turned and left the great hall, Liora at her side, ready to embark on the journey that would take her into the depths of danger and darkness.