In the dense, quiet woods of her childhood village, Lily sat by the river where she once played as a girl. Her gown was torn, her hands bloodied from the escape attempt—but her heart ached far worse than her wounds.
She had escaped death, but not the pain.
Her daughter… her precious child… was still in Raelynn's hands.
Raelynn, who now wore a false crown and carried a stolen child.
And Kaelion—did he believe she was truly dead?
Lily didn't know. She couldn't risk returning—not yet. If she did, Raelynn would kill her for real this time. So, Lily stayed hidden. She changed her name. Took shelter in an abandoned cottage deep in the woods. The villagers nearby thought she was a wandering widow.
Only a kind old woman named Mira brought her food and herbs.
Days turned into weeks. Weeks into months. Seasons passed.
Meanwhile, in the castle, Raelynn raised the child as her own—naming her Alina. She told the world that Kaelion had gifted her this child as part of their shared legacy. Alina was loved by the people. Taught the ways of royalty. Groomed as a future queen.
But Alina never truly felt she belonged.
Raelynn kept her close. Too close. She was not allowed outside the castle walls without heavy guards. Every step watched. Every breath controlled.
Alina, curious and brave, longed for more.
One day, during a secret stroll in the garden, she met a boy.
Poor. Scruffy. Golden eyes that gleamed with mischief.
His name was Kai.
He made her laugh.
He made her feel free.
And eventually… she gave him her heart.
But when Raelynn found out, her fury was unstoppable.