Until that night, something felt different. In the darkness, a threat lingered, raising the hair on the soldiers' necks. Three thousand soldiers marched southward, not to protect their Ancient Queen, but a small girl who had taken her first breath just an hour before. Unknowingly, she had condemned her kingdom and her own grandmother.

Queen Andromeda knew that the moment this baby was born, her life was destined to end. Only a Witch born in the Southern Clan, under the banner of House Lurthon, could become the new Supreme. It had been nearly 200 years since a girl was last born to that clan.

“Why now?” Andromeda wondered, cradling her granddaughter in her arms. Deep down, she already knew the answer.

Andromeda, the last girl born to House Lurthon, had turned 197 that year. Despite being the Supreme, her magic felt the weight of age. Her long hair, once golden like the sun, was streaked with strands of white. Her blue eyes, the same shade as the Western Sea, were shared by the child in her arms.

The West, Andromeda thought, was where the creatures that destroyed her kingdom that night had come from. Almost a year ago, a reckless witch had opened the gates of Hell, and since then, the once peaceful world had been invaded by demonic creatures.

The army protecting Andromeda was headed toward a school in the South, where the only portal capable of transporting the princess to the human world—the Non-Magis world—was located. But before they could reach their destination, the creatures that pursued them in the dark revealed themselves. A horde of demons had a single goal: to kill the soldiers and capture the child.

In the ensuing battle, the soldiers sacrificed their lives to ensure the girl's arrival at the portal. That night would be their last, but they were determined to fulfill their mission.

"We’re close, My Lady," said one of the highest-ranking soldiers. "Once we cross the barrier, these creatures won’t be able to follow us."

Andromeda held her granddaughter firmly as a creature approached to attack. With a swift movement, she dodged, falling from her horse and facing the threat.

"Don’t worry," she murmured to her granddaughter, trying to sound reassuring. "Grandma will protect you."

With a steady gesture, Andromeda channeled the power of ice around her, casting a spell that enveloped the creature in a shell of frost. Taking advantage of the moment, she positioned herself between the creature and the girl, ready for any further attacks.

"We’re safe for now," Andromeda said, though she knew the danger was far from over.

One of the soldiers appeared and decapitated the frozen creature. He approached the Queen, extending a hand to help her up.

"My Lady, you must go. We’ll hold them off here as long as we can."

"Thank you, knight. What is your name?"

"Prior of House Leires."

"Prior of Leires, I will never forget what you did today."

Andromeda mounted her horse, soothing the crying child. She knew the situation was dire.

"Shh, everything will be all right. I promise. You’ll grow up beautiful and powerful, like the witches of this realm."

The baby calmed, and Andromeda handed her to a trusted soldier.

"They’re after her. Take her safely to the castle. Lady Gainer is waiting for you. If I don’t make it, raise her among the mortals, but don’t reveal her true identity."

"I’ll do my best, My Lady."

The soldier concealed the child under his cloak and guided the horse into the Black Forest, a place feared by many but where the creatures dared not enter. However, upon reaching the edge of the forest, they were surrounded by demons.

"Help me, goddess," murmured Elizabeth, drawing her wand. But before she could act, a majestic creature emerged from the forest and took down the demons.

"Stand aside, savage," Elizabeth ordered, still wary, despite the centaur having saved her life.

"I’m not protecting you, witch. I’m protecting the child. The stars spoke of her."

"Nonsense. It’s just a fairy tale."

"A story foretold by the stars a thousand years ago. This child will change our world."

Elizabeth left, reaching the castle with the child. Henri, a young boy, ran up to her.

"Are you all right?" He tried to help her, but Elizabeth placed the baby in his arms.

"Run to your mother and don’t look back."

Henri obeyed, while Elizabeth faced the demons. When he handed the baby to his mother, Veronica, she smiled.

"You did well, Henri. This girl will be your queen one day. And you, young one, will be her king."

"When will she return to Gorean?" Henri asked, holding the brooch Elizabeth had dropped.

"She’ll return when the time is right. Until then, you’ll know who she is when you feel this bond again."

Henri touched his forehead to the baby’s, and a faint connection between them activated.

"Take good care of her, Henri. This brooch will grant you immunity, even in the lands of the Dark Clans."

Henri fastened the brooch to his clothing, determined.

"Does she have a name?"

"Not yet."

"Mirella."

"It’s a beautiful name. You’ve created a bond with her, Henri. One day, you’ll be her Guardian."

"I’ll train hard and protect the princess."

Veronica held him close, and together, they teleported far from there.