The Empire of Wlior had a long history, being one of the oldest Empires known, yet this wasn’t what made people respect this Empire, it was one moment in history that changed its fate. 

More than 1,000 years ago, when this Empire was on verge of extinction, 7 Gods descended from Heaven and blessed this land. Their gesture was commemorated by all the Emperors that ever lived in this Empire. With their commemoration passed through the words of the Prophecy, too. The moment the word ‘Prophecy’ was spoken, I remembered this piece of information very well. 

As if I knew it better than my own name. 

‘The evil will attempt once again to destroy this Land blessed by the Heavens. In that time, it will be harder to save the Land of The Living, but… 

When that time is close, we’ll pass our power to guide the daughter of the Imperial Family who rules this Empire, 

Her power will be beyond ours, as we had all blessed her with the right amount of power to fight the evil, 

With the power to go above and beyond the Land of the Living, she will befriend those who passed away 

With them, she will surely save the empire 

But if she is unable to live up to her powers, the Land of the Living won’t ever be saved, So we truly hope that she will be able to achieve her mission and save the Empire.’ 

A cold wave flew through my body, yet, despite it, my hands still were sweating. Hearing him demanding me such a thing that was beyond my powers made me tremble. 

Taking a few deep breaths, I prepared my answer. I couldn’t disobey him, so, was there anything left for me? There was nothing. So I lowered my head.

‘Like you wish, Your Majesty. We’ll proceed with your suggestion.’ 

As if he just heard something brilliant, he began to clap his hands. A bright smile could be seen on his face, a smile whose purpose I did not understand. What was he so eager to see? 

If I were to fail, would he still smile like this? 

‘Good. Then, let’s gather all the common people before the Festival of Offerings and show them your true nature.’ 

The clock kept ticking, breaking the silence that fell onto the room. I’ve closed my eyes, inhaling and exhaling slowly. My birthday and the day when I will ascend to the throne were in a little over three months, but this Festival will take place in no time. 

‘That’s too soon! How can I do it in 3 days?’ I tried to voice out my concerns. 

His smile dropped and, At that moment, I felt my heart skipping a beat. Frowning his brows, he questioned himself. 

‘Have I not made myself clear when I’ve shown you the petitions?’ 

‘What if I’m not able to live up to the expectations? I never even tried to walk through the portal, you’re the one who never allowed me to do this! Now, you’ve changed your mind?’ 

The moment I finished muttering those words, he slammed his fist on the table, and I flinched upon hearing the sound. 

‘That’s because you wanted to do something for your own benefit! The Gods will never forgive us if we play with their gifts! This is why you were never allowed to try to go through the portal!’ 

I shook my head: ‘But how is it different, this time? Am I not doing it for your benefit? So that no one can doubt your decision?’ 

In the dim light of the room, I could see his shadow growing bigger and bigger as he raised to his feet. With every step he took towards me, it felt as if the shadow was about to swallow me.

I backed down. 

‘I never doubted you. In my eyes, you were the only children that this Prophecy talked about. The only girl born in this family after 1,000 years, how could you not be the one to save this Empire?’ he stared deeply into my eyes, his glare felt as if it were burning. 

‘But — but what if I fail? What if I’m actually not the one destined to save this Empire?’ 

‘Your mother lost her life giving birth to you. Isn’t it a sign that your birth was clearly written by the Gods? Look at you!’ 

He raised a strand of my silver hair: ‘Your hair… that resembles the hair of the Gods…’ He gently patted my cheek: ‘Your eyes… whose color resembles the stars.’ 

Pausing in his speech to take a deep breath, I could feel the silence in the room suffocating me. 

‘You’re different from us. You’ll change this world. This is why you were born. Your purpose is to save this Empire. Do not underestimate yourself.’ 

Once again, I was left with no choice but to obey his words. As if I was a servant, I lowered my head and acknowledged his words. 

‘Yes, father.’ 

The shadow that felt as if it was ready to swallow me dissipated before my eyes, and my father’s body lowered, reaching the height of my body. I felt his hot breath onto my neck the moment his lips approached my ear, and he softly whispered. 

‘You don’t want to be replaced by your brother, don’t you?’