The white carriage moved smoothly through the moonlit streets of the capital, lanterns flickering like stardust on either side of the cobbled road. The paladins riding beside me sat with quiet vigilance, armor faintly glowing beneath their cloaks marked with the sacred symbol of Hue Shrine. Through the small carriage window, I could see the faint glow of torches in the distance—the town square.

As we drew closer, the sound of gathered voices grew louder—eager, hushed, and curious. I could feel it in the air: anticipation thick enough to press against my chest.

They’re waiting for me.

The carriage slowed, and a paladin knocked softly on the frame.

"We’ve arrived, Saintess," he said, his tone low and respectful.

The door opened to a grand sight.

The town square was illuminated by floating orbs of light—enchanted spheres that hovered like miniature moons. A platform had been set at the square’s center, draped in white and gold. Lining the edges of the space were townsfolk, nobles, priests, merchants, and travelers alike—all pressed close to one another, eyes drawn toward the empty platform like moths to flame.

And then I saw them—Priest Leander and Meris, standing near the stairs of the stage, their faces lighting up as I approached.

"You made it," Meris whispered with a smile, taking my hand briefly. She looked radiant in her ceremonial robe, her golden hair pinned with star-shaped clips that shimmered like constellations. "They’ve been waiting for you."

I nodded, my heart thudding. "How… do I look?"

Leander, tall and composed, answered with a quiet certainty. "You look like the Saintess they prayed for."

A trumpet sounded.

Then, silence.

And finally, Priest Leander stepped onto the platform. His voice, amplified by divine magic, echoed across the square.

"People of the Empire!" he called. "Tonight, beneath the eye of the moon and the blessing of the gods, we welcome the dawn of a new age."

The crowd hushed.

"It has been ten years since a Saint walked among us. Darkness grows bolder, erosion creeps upon our lands, and fear takes root in once-peaceful hearts. But our prayers have not gone unheard."

He turned to me and extended his hand. "From the light of the heavens, she came. Not as an infant wrapped in prophecy, but as a maiden—fully grown, gifted, and chosen."

I took his hand and stepped onto the platform. The entire square seemed to hold its breath.

"She is the Saintess of Light, chosen by the great god, bearer of divine power. She stands here not as a symbol of hope alone—but as a beacon of change."

He stepped aside, and all eyes turned to me.

I felt the weight of their gazes. Not in judgment, but in wonder. Awe. Hope.

Taking a breath, I spoke—my voice surprisingly steady.

"I am Seraphina Ivory," I began. "Two days ago, I woke up in this world a stranger. I was confused, frightened… and lost."

The silence deepened.

"But the gods guided me. The shrine gave me shelter. And all of you—through your prayers—called me here."

I raised my gaze to the sea of faces before me. "I am no longer a stranger. This empire is now my home. And I vow to protect it—to walk alongside you, to stand between the light and the dark."

There was a pause. A heartbeat.

And then—applause. Deafening, thunderous applause.

Cheers erupted from all sides. People called my name, flowers were thrown onto the stage, and children reached out from their parents’ arms just to catch a glimpse.

Above, the floating lights began to swirl slowly in the sky, forming the shape of a glowing sigil—the mark of the Saintess.

Meris came up beside me, clutching my hand in joy. "You did it. You really are her."

But even as the warmth of the crowd embraced me, I felt something stir beneath my feet—a strange, cold pulse. Like something ancient shifting deep underground. A warning. A presence.

My smile faltered for a brief second.

Something’s coming.

I didn’t know what yet, but this was only the beginning.