In a world governed by fate and infused with powerful magic, the great [Aethelgard] Empire stood as a beacon of civilization. Here, every person was believed to have a fated soulmate, a destiny woven by the ancient magic of the land.
Duke Enoch, a man of formidable standing and wealth, had reached his thirtieth year, still unwed. A deep, quiet yearning for the unconditional love and companionship of his destined other half often shadowed his days, a longing that had, so far, gone unanswered.
One crisp autumn day, the Emperor entrusted the Duke with a perilous quest: journey into the depths of the Forbidden Forest to retrieve a rumored, ancient treasure. During the expedition, a sudden, blinding fog separated Enoch from his guard. Lost and alone, he stumbled upon a place that defied the forest's dark reputation—a secret, breathtaking valley blooming with an impossible profusion of luminous roses.
Nestled among the vibrant blossoms, Enoch discovered a girl. She was exquisitely beautiful, with skin like flawless porcelain and hair the color of spun gold, seemingly asleep, delicate and small amidst the petals.
As the Duke approached, drawn by her ethereal presence, the girl's eyes fluttered open. He stopped short, captivated by the shocking, intense color of her gaze—a passionate, burning crimson. In that instant, an undeniable realization struck him: she was not human. Yet, she did nothing but stare at him with an unnerving, silent intensity.
When Enoch finally turned to leave, seeking to rejoin his men, she moved with surprising speed. A small, tenacious hand gripped the edge of his steel armor, silently forbidding his departure. She remained mute, an utterly silent companion, yet her hold was unwavering.
Duke Enoch returned to the capital with the mysterious girl in tow, who clung to him like a shadow. When he presented himself before the Emperor in the Grand Palace, the court was abuzz. Whispers followed the Duke and his stunning, silent charge—a beauty whose presence commanded attention, yet who refused to leave Enoch's side for a single moment.
Curious and perhaps covetous, the Emperor reached out to take the girl's arm. In a terrifying and beautiful display of power, the air filled with a sudden, sharp scent of earth and chlorophyll. The beautiful flowers and elaborate plant decorations in the hall surged and twisted, their thorny vines lashing out to defensively ward off the Emperor and the surrounding guards.
The message was clear and fiercely delivered without a word: she belonged to the Duke, and woe betide any who tried to separate them.
