---
The king was seated on his throne when a messenger burst into the hall, falling flat on his face.
"Why do you enter my court uninvited?" the king asked.
"I'm sorry, my lord, but it is Lucifer—"
Before the man could finish, an arrow flew into the room and struck him through the neck. Instantly, his body was consumed by flames and reduced to ashes.
Seeing this, the king's guards formed a protective circle around him, weapons raised. The atmosphere grew tense as darkness engulfed the hall.
The king turned to the well-armed man standing beside him.
"My king, you called?"
"Get my family out of here. Now!"
"Yes, my king!" the man answered, drawing his sword and slipping through a hidden passageway.
Outside, thick dark clouds gathered around the castle, so dense that nothing could be seen. The king, still seated on his throne, wore a grim, unreadable expression. Suddenly, all entrances to the hall slammed shut.
"Heh heh heh heh..."
A loud, sinister laughter echoed throughout the room.
A handsome young man emerged from the swirling dark clouds, approaching the throne. His flaming eyes burned fiercely; his long white hair was braided neatly down his back, and he wore foreign black robes that radiated a chilling evil aura.
"It's customary to introduce guests properly," he said mockingly. "Such a pity your messenger failed to do so."
"What do you want, Lucifer?" the king demanded.
"How rude," Lucifer smirked. "Is that how you welcome your guest? But since you asked, I'll be blunt. There's a prophecy—two great kingdoms rising together to bring about my downfall. I can't let that happen."
"That doesn't explain why you are here," the king replied coldly.
Lucifer smiled darkly.
"I demand the heir to your throne."
The king stood, anger flashing in his eyes.
"Never! Guards! Seize him!"
At his command, the guards charged toward Lucifer.
"How cute," Lucifer said, waving a hand. From the shadows, black-armored demons emerged, their bodies wreathed in dark mist.
"Let's make this fair, shall we?"
The two sides clashed violently. One by one, the king's guards fell. Fear crept into the king's heart. The man he had sent earlier returned, face grim.
"My king, they are nowhere to be found," he whispered urgently.
"What?"
"Enough games, old man," Lucifer sneered. "Give me what I came for."
"I will not hand over my son without a fight!" the king roared.
"Good. I love a bit of drama," Lucifer said, motioning for his beasts to attack.
A brutal battle ensued. The last sound heard in the hall was the king's dying scream.
---
Meanwhile...
Far from the castle, two horses galloped through the night. At a riverbank, two women dismounted.
"My queen, now what?" one of them asked.
"I need you to take the prince far away. In time, he will return to claim his kingdom," the queen said, tears glistening in her eyes.
"But what about you, my queen?"
"Obey me, Grump. Please, take care of my son."
Grump nodded solemnly. The queen turned to the river, playing a flute she carried. The water parted, and a mermaid appeared, her body shimmering with fish scales but human legs.
"My queen, you have returned."
"The time has come," the queen said.
"I will summon them."
A moment later, two children — a young boy and a little girl — emerged from the river, running into their mother's embrace.
"Mother, is all well?" the boy asked.
"My son," she said, tears falling, "I wish I could watch you grow, but destiny calls us apart."
"Mother, what are you saying?"
"You must go with Miss Grump. She will teach you all you need to know. When the time is right, you will return for your crown."
"And Eve, Mother?"
"You will be reunited... but it is too dangerous to stay together now."
The sound of horses approaching grew louder.
"Miss Grump, quickly, take him and go!" the queen commanded, handing Grump a wrapped sword.
"Hide this. Protect him."
"Yes, my queen!" Grump said, mounting the horse and riding into the night.
"Mummy, what's happening?" Eve cried.
"We must go too, Eve," the queen said, lifting her into the saddle and riding across the river toward the woods. Two shadowy men soon began pursuing them.
Knowing their intent was evil, the queen spurred her horse faster. But a large tree crashed down before her, spooking the horse. She and Eve fell hard to the ground.
Quickly rising, the queen knelt before Eve.
"Eve, listen carefully. Run. Do not look back. No matter what."
"But—"
"Obey, Eve. Go!"
Tears streaming, little Eve ran deep into the forest.
The queen turned to face the two men: Asher and Thomas.
"It was a nice chase," Asher sneered. "Now hand it over."
"Hand what over, Asher?" the queen said coldly.
"You know exactly what we want."
"I will never help traitors."
Thomas looked uncomfortable, but Asher only smirked.
"No matter. Grab her."
"You'll have to kill me first," the queen snarled, casting a spell.
Rain began to fall from the night sky.
She commanded the trees to attack, but any that touched the traitors burst into flames. Their talons grew, and with a flash, they lashed out, slashing her skin and dress.
Desperate, the queen called upon the earth to swallow them. The ground opened — but the traitors escaped, transforming into shadows.
She couldn't stop the spell in time.
The forest fell silent.
---
Dawn...
Eve, exhausted and heartbroken, lay sobbing among the trees.
Suddenly, she heard footsteps.
Terrified, she hid behind a tree.
Out from the woods wandered a little blonde-haired girl, following a group of squirrels. Spotting Eve, she approached carefully.
"Hello. What are you doing?" she asked.
"Who are you? What do you want?" Eve answered defensively.
"I was wondering if you needed help."
"I don't need help!" Eve snapped.
But her stomach growled loudly.
The blonde girl smiled and reached into her little bag, offering Eve a piece of wrapped bread.
"Why are you giving this to me?" Eve asked suspiciously.
"Because it's the right thing to do."
A man's voice called out from the distance, making Eve retreat in fear.
Soon, a kind-faced man appeared — Erica's uncle.
"Erica, why are you alone out here? Your father and I have been looking for you."
"Uncle, this is my friend," Erica said proudly. "I found her alone."
The man, Christopher, knelt before Eve.
"My dear, where are your parents?"
Eve only lowered her head in silence. Christopher understood.
"What's your name?" he asked gently.
"...Eve," she whispered.
"Well, Eve, would you like to come with us?" he asked, holding out his hand.
"Why are you helping me?" Eve asked, pain in her voice.
"Because it's the right thing to do. I'll make sure you're safe and happy."
After a moment's hesitation, Eve nodded.
Hand in hand, they left the forest together.
---
At a Distance...
The mermaid watched from the riverbank.
"I'm sorry, Eve," she whispered. "But things must unfold this way."
---
Present Day
"Since you're done with your meal and heard my story," Eve said, smiling, "It's time for a tour of the castle."
"But you still haven't answered all my questions!" Erica protested.
"We can't answer everything in one day."
"You're right... but everything still feels so strange."
"I made you a promise, Erica. Trust me."
"I do, Eve."
"Then, are you ready for your tour?"
"I am!"
I led Erica around, introducing her to every member of the castle staff.
"This is the last place I'll show you before lunch," I said.
"Where?"
"First, close your eyes."
"Okay!" she said excitedly.
Holding her hands, I guided her to the royal garden.
"You can open them now."
"Wow!" Erica gasped. "It's beautiful! I never thought a garden could be so big and beautiful."
The garden was laid out like a maze, with trimmed bushes shaped like animals, vibrant flowers, and sprawling vines. At its heart stood a grand fountain: a man pouring water from a vase, flanked by two others doing the same. Flower-covered gates marked each corner of the garden.
"Do you like it?" I asked.
"Eve, I love it!" Erica said, hugging me tightly.
Suddenly, a messenger ran toward us, shouting,
"Master! Master! Master!"
He stopped before us, panting.
"Forgive me for interrupting, Master, but I bring urgent news from the king."
"Speak."
"The king asks that you be informed — he will arrive tomorrow."
My heart skipped. I hadn't expected my brother so soon.
"You may go," I said calmly.
As he left, Erica tugged my hand.
"Eve, you have a brother?"
"I do," I smiled. "And you'll meet him very soon."
---