The attic had always been off limits.
But seventeen year old girl Aria Valemire never listened to rules that made no - sense expecially not when a strong heat was pushing through the floor boards, beneath her feet tugging at her bones like a magnet buried within the house.
Dust in the air like a secret , as she pushed the attic door open . The wooden stairs groaned under her weight. But the feeling grew stronger with every step . Something was waiting.
Boxes and cobwebs cluttered the space. Faded trunk, old spell books, broken cloak, Then she saw it - an iron - bound chest tucked beneath a forgotten window, glowing faintly in the gray afternoon light.
Her fingers lowered over the lid . It opened with a soft click , like it had been waiting for her all along.
Inside was e .map , rolled in worn parchment and tied with a red ribbon.
When she touched it everything Changed. The air grew colder . The candle flickered - though she hadn't lit one. And deep inside her mind, a voice whispered.
" Return the crown - restore the flame" .
Aria staggered back her heart slammed in her chest.
" Who's there?" She called out , but only silence answered.
A dark shape stepped from the shadows behind a pillar - tall, cloaked in midnight, eyes like burning embers - Aria froze Evey instinct screamed run.
She couldn't move.
" Give me the map, " he said, voice low and calm - too calm. " You have touched what should 've stayed buried" .
" ....who are you? " She asked trying to sound braver than she felt .
He stepped closer. His face came into view sharp, beautiful, cold. A thin of scar traced his jaw , but it only made him look more dangerous.
"I'm Gael , he said." And I'm the reason the crown still sleeps"....