š The next morning.
A golden beam of sunlight crept through the half open window, landing gently on ina's face.
She stirred.
Her eyes fluttered open slowly. Her body ached, and her mind was heavy. The memories from the forest were hazy-- the glow, the sword, and Rehan 's voice calling her name before everything went dark.
She sat up,.rubbing her temples. Her heart was beating fast. " What....was that?"
A knock at the door broke the silence
"Ina," came Rehan's calm voice from outside .
She opened the door slowly.
He stood there, dressed in a dark cloak, his expressions unreadable. A soft breeze move through his hair. He looked both composed and..... Concerned.
"You'reawake", he said .
She nodded . "What happened to me yesterday?"
"I'll explaineverything ," he replied , his voice low. "But not here. Come with me."
Ina hesitated, "where?"
Rehan met her gaze. "To the palace."
He gave her a faint smile. "Your answers are waiting there."
š° On the journey .
The road to the palace was quiet. Trees flanked either side, and the air was cool with the scent of pine and earth.
Ina rode behind Rehan on a quiet horse. Neither spoke for a while.
Finally, she broke silence "why me? Why is this happening?"
Rehan didn't turn around, but his voice was clear, "because you're not who you think you are."
She frowned, " what does that even mean?"
You'll understand..... Once you see the painting".
Ina tilted her head. "What painting?"
But Rehan didn't answer.
Instead, the towering gates of the palace appeared in the distance --- waiting like silent watchers of the fate.
Tall white towers rose in the sky. Vines wrapped around stones arches. Silver flags danced in the breeze. It didn't looke like something from this time--- it looked ancient and magical .
Ina stared, her mouth slightly open."What is this palace?"
Rehan glanced at her , a small smile appeared on his face.
"You'll understand soon," he said, "come".
As they walked through the gates, Ina's heart beat faster. The palace was beautiful, but something about it made her feel..... Strange . Like she had been there before in a dream. Every step echoed with a memory she couldn't reach
They entered a wide hall. The air smelled like roses and old stone. Paintings lined the walls. ---- woman with glowing eyes, warriors holding swords. One painting stopped ina in her tracks.
A woman --- behind her , a glowing full moon lit the stormy skies. She held the sword upright, its tip glowing faintly. She looked regal.... powerful.
But her face--
Ina stepped closer.
It was scratched , blurred. As if time or someone tried to erase it. The features were smeared just enough to be unrecognisable, yet hauntingly familar. A cold shiver ran through ina's spine.
Her dream. It was her dream.
Her hand instinctively touched the faint scar on her wrist. It burned slightly under the skin.
She stared at it, frozen.
"She was a protector," Rehan said, appearing beside her. "Like you".
Ina looked at him, confused . "What does this mean?"
Before he could answer, a voice echoed through the hall.
"She has returned."
Ina turned.
At the far end of the hall a tall woman in a dark green dress. Her hair was braided with golden threads , and a thin silver crown rested on her head . Her eyes---- sharp and calm--- looked straight into ina's soul.
"The queen, " Rehan said quietly . He stepped aside. "She has been waiting for you."
Ina took a shaky breath.
For the first time in her life , she felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be .
Ina followed slowly behind Rehan as they approached the queen. Her legs felt heavy. She didn't know why her hands were shaking.
Maybe--- fear, or may be something deeper.
The queen stood tall and calm, her eyes never leaving ina's face. When ina got close , she dropped into a small bow, unsure what to do.
The queen smiled gently. "You do not need to bow my child. This palace belongs to you."
Ina looked up confused . " I don't Understand. I have never been here before."
The queen stepped forward and touched ina's cheek softly. " Not in this life.....but your soul remembers."
Ina's breath caught
The queen walked towards one of the windows. The sunlight poured in, making her crown glow.
"You are the last of the moonblood line. Your ancestors were guardian ---protectors of this realm. Each one was chosen by the blade of Aravyn....the sword that only answers to their true heir."
Ina's eyes widened. "The sword from dreams?"
The queen nodded "yes, it has been calling to you. Because only you can wield it."
Ina touched her mark on her wrist , which shimmered again.
"You were hidden for your safety after your parents died," the queen continued . "But now, the demons are returning . And so must be the protector."
Ina's mind spun. She wasn't just an ordinary girl. She was someone important . Someone meant for more.
"But.... I don't feel strong ," she whispered. " I don't even know who I am."
Rehan stepped closer, his voice quiet but firm. "You will. I'll train you. We all will."
The queen smiled softly. "You are not alone, ina. You never were."
Tear's filled ina's eyes, but she didn't let them fall.
Something had awoken inside her.
Not fear
But purpose.