Twenty years ago, the underworld began to weaken.
Its energy started to drain, and the ancient barriers that once kept each realm apart fairies, wolves, witches, warlocks, and vampires began to collapse. Without those barriers, the realms slowly merged into one vast world where all creatures now coexisted, though each race had its own realm.
The underworld was ruled by the Devil King Azazel, who had once married a vampire. But sometimes, he would vanish suddenly into hell and one day, he never came back. His son, born of both devil and vampire blood, took over his throne. Since the vampire realm was the strongest of all, the son made it the main capital of the underworld. That became the royal palace and the center of all power.
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In the fairy territory, magic thrived in quiet beauty.
The land shimmered under sunlight, the air filled with the soft fragrance of flowers. The fairies were not so different from mundanes at least, not at first glance. They had no tiny wings or strange forms; instead, magic flowed quietly within their blood. Their skin seemed to catch light like moonwater, and their voices carried a faint melody even in a whisper.
Each fairy's magic was tied to something in nature flowers, moonlight, mist, dreams, or emotions. But most fairy magic was small and harmless. Some were born with powers tied to elements air, water, earth, or flame but not all could control them.
The village market square was alive with soft chatter and laughter that morning. Stalls lined both sides of the cobblestone path, filled with glowing fruits, silken fabrics, and charms that shimmered faintly with magic.
As Celeste walked through the market, almost everyone she passed greeted her warmly.
Celeste smiled and greeted them back. She was well known in the village not only for her beauty but for her kindness and gentle heart. Everyone loved her. Her golden hair fell freely to her waist, glowing softly under the light, and her green eyes shone bright like spring leaves.
She wore a simple cream dress made of soft fairy silk, its sleeves loose and flowing. The hem was tied with thin silver threads that caught the sunlight. Around her neck, a small pendant hung a gift from her mother her most treasured thing in the world.
The road to the palace was long.
Some fairies used portals to arrive early, but the poor villagers couldn't afford such things. Celeste walked the whole way, her shoes brushing the moss-covered path as the cool wind danced around her hair. Sunlight filtered through the tall trees, and her heart felt light despite the long journey.
When Celeste finally reached the fairy palace, she paused for a moment, admiring it like she always did.
The palace stood tall and elegant, built from white stone that glowed under the sun. Its towers rose like crystal peaks, and the sound of running water echoed through the marble courtyard. Flower vines climbed the golden gates, their petals drifting softly in the air. It wasn't as dark and powerful as the vampire king's palace, but it was breathtaking grand, graceful, and alive with magic.
Servants moved quickly around the palace, carrying trays, cleaning marble floors, and arranging blossoms along the stairways. The faint hum of fairy magic lingered in the air like music.
"Celeste!"
A cheerful voice called out from behind her. Celeste turned and saw a girl with curly black hair and ocean-blue eyes running toward her.
"Faye!" Celeste said, smiling brightly. She was happy to see her best friend the one person who made the palace feel less lonely.
"Why are you late today?" Faye said, slightly out of breath. "The princess has been looking for you!"
"Me?" Celeste's heart skipped a beat.
"Yes! I've been waiting for you outside since morning," Faye said, linking her arm with Celeste's as they both hurried through the palace gate.
They walked together through the bright halls, their footsteps echoing softly on the polished floor. Light streamed through tall glass windows, scattering across the room like broken rainbows. Tiny floating petals drifted in the air, glowing faintly with enchantment.
After a few minutes, they stopped in front of a tall golden door carved with flowers and stars. Celeste took a deep breath before gently pushing it open.
Inside, the princess's chamber was spacious and radiant.
The walls shimmered in soft pastel shades, and the walls was covered in petals that gave off a sweet fragrance. A large window overlooked the palace gardens, where silver fountains sparkled in the distance.
Princess Ophelia sat at a carved wooden desk, her back facing them. A beautiful pink mirror decorated with crystal vines stood before her. She seemed lost in thought, staring at her reflection.
When she turned, her long blonde hair fell in waves around her shoulders, and her blue eyes glowed with calm authority. Her gown shimmered softly like moonlight, and her presence alone filled the room with quiet grace.
Celeste and Faye bowed immediately.
The princess smiled faintly, her voice as soft as silk when she finally spoke.