The grand halls of Eldoria shimmered with golden chandeliers, the scent of roses and fresh wine lingering in the air. Nobles danced, their laughter echoing through the marble corridors. Yet, despite the merriment, an unshakable unease clung to the air.

Queen Aurelia stood on her balcony, her emerald gown flowing in the night breeze. Her piercing green eyes scanned the city below, but her mind was restless. Something was amiss.

A flicker in the darkness—a shadow moving unnaturally in the courtyard below. Her heart clenched as a chill ran down her spine. Was she being watched?

Shaking off the feeling, she turned back toward her chambers. The candlelight flickered violently, the heavy oak doors creaking open ever so slightly, as if nudged by an invisible hand.

A gust of cold wind swept through the room.

And then—darkness.

When the guards finally broke into her chambers, the queen was gone.

All that remained was the scent of crushed roses, a shattered goblet of wine, and a single blood-red ribbon lying on the floor.

The kingdom of Eldoria would never be the same again.