The sun rose like a golden spark crossing the enchanted walls of the Solarys Empire, bathing towers, streets, and rooftops in hues of pale gold and soft pink.
Dawn, with its magical touch, whispered to the living, "Rise"
To the south, the farmlands stirred with the rustle of wind through tall leaves.
Peasants, still sleepy-eyed, hitched oxen to plows as the scent of humus, sweat, and strong coffee spread through the air.
To the west, the urban district buzzed—carriage wheels turning, merchants setting up stalls, maids hanging rugs from the balconies of great houses.
A mosaic of transactions and practiced smiles.
In the east, where the ground was drier and the air thinner, frost melted on the windows of sanctuaries and magical academies.
Apprentices rushed to their morning rites, while monks prayed in silence to the God of the Five Elements.
But in the north, in the old noble region of House d'Argêntea, dawn painted the most serene—and the most fragile—scene.
In the manor's garden, Ligia sat elegantly at the breakfast table with Clarisse, her little sister.
Filtered light from the stained-glass windows cast golden arabesques across the floor.
Maids moved like trained shadows, setting down porcelain cups and jams made from fruits of the d'Argêntea's private greenhouse.
"Sister, are you really going to do the ritual" Clarisse asked, her voice floating like a petal
Ligia smiled softly, though her eyes carried the weight of a sleepless night
"Seems like it. Father said last night there's no time left to delay"
The little girl pouted and stabbed a strawberry with her silver fork
"But it won't hurt, will it"
Ligia hesitated. "The cat system said yes"
As if summoned by thought, a ghostly purr echoed beside her
The holographic cat materialized on the edge of the table, licking a paw with feline disdain
"Good thing only you can see me, ungrateful host. I'm a Transcendental Support System, not your emotional pillow"
Ligia rolled her eyes discreetly and pretended to sip her hibiscus tea
"Clarisse, what are you doing today"
The girl beamed, her eyes sparkling
"I have painting class. Then we're visiting the Mirror Garden. Want to come with me"
The offer warmed something inside Ligia
But the shadow of what was coming fell once more across her shoulders
"Not today, sis
I have to go to the library... and prepare for the ritual. Maybe later"
Clarisse nodded in understanding and returned to playing with her juice
Breakfast continued in silence, Ligia lost in thought
"You're quiet today, sis" Clarisse said, nibbling a caramelized fruit
"Thinking about grown-up stuff. It's a disease you catch with time"
"Disease? Will you have to drink bitter tea"
"Metaphorical. That means... not real"
The system, invisible to her sister's eyes, purred softly
"And it really is contagious. Comes with acute anxiety flare-ups and bursts of responsibility"
Ligia sighed, taking another sip
Last night's revelations still danced in her mind like elegant thorns
The silence broke with the steady steps of Vael, who entered the hall with his usual composure
"Good morning, young ladies" he said clearly. He turned to Ligia
"The Count wishes to see you in the eastern gardens. He asked you come promptly"
Ligia raised an eyebrow
An invitation? Her father didn't make invitations. His words always came in decree tones
"Thank you, Vael. Tell him I'll be there shortly"
She finished her tea, stood, and walked to her chambers
There, she washed her face and had her hair braided with the help of a maid, feeling strangely drowsy
She chose a gray linen outfit, silver-threaded at the sleeves
Simple. Light. Yet still worthy of a count's daughter
---
In the eastern garden, carved shadows danced between rosebushes and paths of white stone
The Count was already waiting, motionless
"Father" she said, bowing slightly
"Ligia" he replied without turning
"Are you preparing"
"I'm trying"
"The Awakening Ritual requires more than preparation. The marks of the bloodline already show in you. Your aura has changed. Even the dogs don't look at you the same way"
She gave a short smile
"It will be painful" he continued, finally meeting her gaze
"Not of the flesh... but of the soul. Not all survive the pact
You'll inherit more than power. You'll inherit the weight of the name
The eyes of the Empire will follow you"
"They already do" she said
"I just want to know how to dance under their gaze"
For a moment, he seemed to forget he was speaking to a young girl
"Prepare yourself. We'll begin the alignment rituals"
She bowed again and left
Her heart pounded like a war drum
"You feel that, Pest" she muttered without stopping
The system, curled around her neck like a fluffy and insolent necklace, purred
"'Feel' is a subjective term, drama-prone host"
"Pest, don't start... There's something in the air. Like reality's holding its breath"
The system opened one eye, sharp as a gem
"That's called a magical omen
The etheric field around you is shifting
The world's fabric twists when someone of d'Argêntea blood is about to Awaken"
She stopped before the silver tree at the garden's center
"Are you going to tell me more about the ritual... or keep playing coy until it starts"
"Hmm... depends. Will you give me royal milk or keep offering that pathetic ether kibble"
She raised an eyebrow. He yawned
"But I'll give you a hint
The ritual is less about magic...
And more about who you choose to be when power arrives"
Ligia looked up at the sky
Now it shimmered in shades of soft amber
Northern birds were singing—a bittersweet sound, like ancient memory
She sat on the grass. Hugged her knees
"I don't feel ready, Pest"
"No one ever is
But you are daughter of the Crimson Rose
Heir of Auren
Born under the wandering star
The Awakening will show you who you truly are"
"The question is... will you accept it"
Silence
Leaves whispering. The fountain singing. The world spinning
Then finally, she said
"Yes. I will
Because running from my bloodline... is no longer an option"