In a world where magic exists, wizards and witches are commonplace, and thanks to them, there has been significant progress in meeting the daily needs of the people. The use of fire to light streets and homes has been abandoned, as light orbs illuminate entire rooms, benefiting even those who cannot use magic. Furthermore, magical portals have been created, enabling travel from one city to another in minutes instead of days or hours, along with many other advantages. In this world, as in any other, there is always someone who must maintain the stability of each country, which is why the ruler is always the most powerful sorcerer. However, as with all worlds, there are always threats of war and power struggles for more territory to rule.

Aiden Barnett, the young emperor of the country of Ilios, is a blond and handsome man, bold and powerful, who conquered every realm within reach with his exceptional swordsmanship and magic to create a harmonious nation. He stood at the top of the world, hailed as the savior, the one to protect from every threat, as every kingdom he subdued had been under the rule of cruel and ambitious emperors. But of course, he did not fight alone; his mighty army was full of brave warriors, including his cherished friend Colin Doron, a handsome young man with dark hair; Raven, a very attractive young woman with unusual colored hair and eyes like the sun, known as the witch of shadows; and Daisy Rose, a young blonde with a sweet smile and great healing magic, who would later become his empress. His generals were also well-known, and while they did not use magic, they were highly skilled with the sword. Even though wars were not as frequent, as an emperor, Aiden always had a mission. Once, he had to defeat the queen of shadows, a powerful witch who had been an ally years earlier but had retreated to the dark mountains after the war. Seen as a threat to humanity, as every man, woman, or child that entered her mountain domain vanished never to be seen again, the people weary of this begged Emperor Aiden to eliminate her. They urgently needed access to the mountain for medicinal herbs and crystals used for lighting. Aiden fought the witch but, instead of killing her out of the affection he once had, he merely captured and sealed her in his palace's dungeon.

Aiden ruled with total harmony, always looking out for his people's needs, until one day he fell ill. No one knew what ailed him, and not even the finest mages could cure him. He was losing all his power and strength, and his empress tried to maintain the kingdom's stability, but without his boldness, she struggled. Trusting his good friend Colin, Emperor Aiden granted him temporary power. Then one day, a general informed Aiden that the country was in crisis and that Colin was blaming him. It was rumored outside the palace that the emperor was not ill but had become ambitious and blinded by power, and that poor Colin was the one fighting to keep the country afloat while the emperor opposed him. When Aiden summoned Colin, he was told that the general's words were lies and that all was well, resulting in the general's expulsion from the palace.

One night, as Aiden awoke to a calling voice, he struggled out of bed, silently walked down the corridors until he reached a dimly lit room at the end of the hallway—his friend's room. Assuming Colin was still awake, he entered unannounced, only to discover his empress intimately engaged with his friend. Horrified, he drew his sword, but in his weakened state he was unable to act. The empress quickly dressed and hid behind Colin, who drew his sword while grinning.

* Daisy\, I thought you loved me. How could you betray me like this?

* I love you? Please\, I only wanted the position of empress\, and now\, as a widow\, I'll raise Colin to power.

Unable to believe his ears, Aiden realized his beloved had used him, as had his friend; both had betrayed him. Weakened, he had no choice but to flee the room, summoning help, but the palace was deserted. Colin caught up and stabbed him in the stomach; using the last of his magic, Aiden cast a feeble spell that knocked down his friend, allowing him to escape, leaving a trail of blood along the corridor. Stumbling through rooms, he again heard a calling voice and followed it to the basement. There, he found the chained witch in front of a vast window bathed in light. She lifted her head and called his name, the voice he had heard.

* Do you see now? You know who your true enemy is...

The witch smirked mockingly, the poor emperor surely shaken by the truth.

* You'll die\, die as I die every day\, bound and far from home.

* You must be pleased to see me like this...

The emperor collapsed to his knees, barely able to breathe, his vision blurring.

* Do you want to live and seek revenge?

* Yes\, that I do...

* Break the seal\, and I'll grant what you desire...

* No\, I can't release you.

* Do it! Free me! They are coming; will you let them get away with this? Allow them to be happy while you die in misery?

At those words, Aiden struggled to his feet. Footsteps were approaching, so with his last ounce of strength, he opened the chains, freeing the witch. Just then, he fell, powerless to move. The witch sat down and cradled him, caressing his face as he gasped for breath. The last thing he saw was the witch's beautiful face looking at him with profound sadness before his eyes finally closed. Colin and the empress, accompanied by soldiers, reached the basement.

* The witch! The witch killed the emperor!

The young blonde man opened his eyes, surveying his surroundings—it was the same room he had occupied since childhood. Sitting up with a slight headache, past memories flooded back; it was as if he had just emerged from a horrific nightmare. He couldn't comprehend what was happening or why he was in that room, when he was supposed to have died. He touched his lips, recalling the faint brush of delicate lips and the words of that woman.

He rose from the bed and dashed to the window to draw back the curtains. Below, the servants were busy; they cleaned and arranged tables in the garden. Was it all just a nightmare? He heard the door open; an older man entered, wheeling a cart filled with assorted dishes.

"Good morning, Prince Aiden. What a surprise to see you awake so early. Are you excited?"

Aiden approached the man, clasping his shoulders, unable to believe he was seeing him—if his memory served, this man had died.

"You're alive, Miller...how is that possible..."

"What are you talking about, Prince? Are you delirious with excitement for your birthday?"

"Prince? Birthday? What's going on?"

He couldn't make sense of it. Miller had passed away before his wedding to Daisy, and yet here he was, addressing him as prince when he was supposed to be the emperor. He sat on the bed trying to digest his situation, when the last words of the Shadow Witch echoed in his mind, "Return and do not let it happen again." He tried to stay calm to understand the meaning behind those words.

"M-Miller, what day and year is it today?"

Miller looked at him oddly, pausing from pouring the coffee.

"It's the year 980, April the 19th."

"Today is my birthday? How old am I now?"

"My, what odd questions Your Highness; today you turn eighteen. And before you ask more, yes, there will be a celebration; your father will also officially name you heir."

Aiden gave no response, just stared into the void, struggling to believe what he heard; he had gone back in time to the day he was named heir, which according to his memories, was also the day he met Daisy Rose. It was the day he danced with her, initiating everything until he made her his fiancee, despite his father's disapproval given her status as the daughter of a mere Baron. He clenched his fists; this time things would be different, he must not fall for that woman again.

Miller finished preparing breakfast and then moved to Aiden's closet to select appropriate attire for the party, knowing that if left to his own devices, Aiden would likely choose something ill-fitting and inelegant. Aiden sat to eat but barely touched his food, still perplexed by why the Shadow Witch would send him back in time. He had been cruel to her, keeping her chained for two long years, and had it not been for the magic that sealed her powers, she would have surely perished by now. Once Miller arranged the clothing on the bed's edge and left, Aiden requested to be left alone; he needed solitude to ponder his situation. If he had returned to the past, it meant he had a tremendous advantage, to know future events and prevent them from unfolding, including marrying and trusting that pair of traitors.

I spent the whole day in bed, still struggling to believe that I had returned to my past. When I realized it, night had fallen and the garden was aglow with myriad lights. I had forgotten that I needed to go downstairs, as I was the guest of honor. Dressing quickly, I dashed towards the stairs. Descending and entering the throne room, a wave of happiness washed over me at the sight of my parents alive again. I rushed over and embraced them. The emperors were surprised, but they reciprocated the embrace all the same.

"Come now, you're an adult, behave yourself."

"I-I'm sorry Mother, I'm just so happy to see you both."

"Silly child, you just saw us yesterday."

"You speak as if your parents never have time for you," remarked the emperor with a laugh. Perhaps they were always busy, but never once missed a family meal.

"Now go, you must host this celebration."

"Yes, Mother, I will go greet everyone."

As guests arrived, they immediately sought out the prince to present him with precious gifts; the higher their rank, the more lavish the token. Eventually, a familiar carriage rolled to a stop—it belonged to the Rose baron family. Not yet prepared to face that girl, I discreetly moved from the entrance and mingled with the crowd. Just as I stepped aside, Baron Rose and his daughter, Daisy Rose, entered the festivity. Although Baron Rose was taken aback not to be greeted by the prince, he still handed his daughter a box and instructed her to find the prince. Many praised the beauty of his daughter, and naturally, he aimed to exploit it; the prince was yet unengaged, making it an opportune time to capitalize on Daisy's marital prospects, for as a woman, the least she could do was marry well.

The girl roamed the party in search of the prince, but each time she caught a glimpse of him, he would move away, not even pausing for her greeting. However, finally, Aiden stopped in his tracks when Baron Rose blocked his path with a courteous greeting.

"Your Highness, allow me to present my precious daughter Daisy."

"Delighted to meet you, Your Highness."

With extreme care, the girl lifted one side of her dress, curtsying deeply before presenting him with her gift.

Though Aiden did not reply, remaining silent, internally struggling to restrain his anger toward the girl. Although he had yet to act, there was no doubt in his mind that she would only use and betray him. He accepted the gift but did not linger to engage in conversation; instead, he hurried out to the patio and into the vast garden. He paused, far enough from the festivities, searching for a place to sit, only to stop in his tracks at the sight of a familiar figure.

It was her, there could be no mistake, bathed in moonlight, dazzling him anew. Yet he was ripped from his reverie by the realization that no, this was not the night they had met—not even the place. Did straying from Daisy mean the future was altering? If so, perhaps this time everything could change, and he could survive.