CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

In the Northern Nation of parallel universe, a little girl named Eleiss was about to celebrate her 4th birthday.

Eleiss was no ordinary little girl from House of Dragnar; she was a child reborn, a reincarnation from another planet of existence. The Northern Grand Duke Orchreigniel had returned from his long journey. It was his 4th year away from the North, and his heart sparked with excitement and anticipation for the young girl’s celebration when he heard his eldest son adopted an infant who happened to be their relative as well.

Eleiss, with her long ebony black curls and red ruby eyes, just like her father, aunts, uncles and cousin; was the jewel of the Northern Dukedom. Known for her enchanting innocence, she was a beacon of joy, radiating warmth and cheer wherever Lord Drayco would bring her alongside with him. Eleiss's eyes is actually far different from he family; although it is color red, however, her family's red eyes are red as blood, while her eyes are red as sparkling ruby.

Grand Duke Orchreigniel decided to throw a grand celebration. The plan was to invite everyone in their dominion; however, it was not just an ordinary birthday celebration, but a representation and example of their strength and influence. But, Lord Drayco and the other younger siblings of Lord Drayco was against of his idea due to what might happen during the party; but the Grand Duke insisted and for whatever accident may occur; they will show everyone what power the Dragnars hold and put them to their position right where they deserve.

Just as the sun was casting its day glow, a cascade of Royal and Noble visitors started arriving. The Northern castle was overflowing with jubilant faces, sparkling gowns, and teeming with gifts of all sorts. Eleiss was dressed in golden glimmering dress of satin and silk, her golden tiara sparkling under the chandeliers. On her left is her Grandfather, the Grand Duke holds her small and soft hand and she twirled around in excitement, her laughter echoed through the grand halls. Lord Drayco and Grand Duke was silently arguing through their faces as both of them wants to carry Eleiss on their arms, but Lady Louette snatch Young Lady Eleiss by surprise. Lady Jolinacella Ynualouette, or Lady Louette for short; is the First Daughter and third child of Grand Duke Orchreigniel and Late Grand Duchess Unalouette. Lady Louette is a fine woman aging 22 years old; she is 3 years younger than her eldest brother, Lord Drayco.

Due to the family tradition of Dragnars marrying off their blood relatives, the Grand Duke is forcing his eldest son, Lord Drayco to marry his younger sister, Lady Louette. However, Drayco wanted to end this family tradition of them because he is aware that his younger siblings, especially his siblings from his birth mother, the Late Grand Duchess, is better off with someone who won’t force them to anything. Lord Drayco is also aware of the secret lover Lady Louette has and he is more willingly to give them his blessing by the time they decide to marry and have their own life.

As the afternoon approached, the main feast commenced. The grand tables were laden with an array of delicacies originally from North and were made by Native Northernians. The grand hall of banquet was filled with laughter, conversations, and the occasional toast in Eleiss' honor. Suddenly, a sharp gust of cold wind swept through the hall. The huge extravagant doors were forced open, and a cloaked figure emerged from the unexpected darkness; silence fell over the hall immediately.

Lord Drayco quickly went front and Lady Louette hid behind her eldest brother while carrying the Young Lady on her feminine arms. The figure, hidden behind a cloak of darkness, marched towards the head table. The guards readied themselves, but Duke Orchreigniel motioned them to stand down as he stared at the intruder, unflinching. Lord Drayco darted his focus at the intruder as he was ready to shift into his dragon.

“Father, who is that man?” The innocent Young Lady Eleiss asked as she points the figure of the intruder, they did not even know if the figure is a man or a woman, but Young Eleiss immediately recognized that it was a man. “How did you know the intruder is a man?” Her Aunt Lady Louette asked, shocked yet amazed, and still in her arms.

“But I can see it very clearly, Aunt Louette” She uttered as she pointed her small finger to the intruder, and the Lady flashed a smile to calm Eleiss down. Lady Louette’s Dragon has several powers just like her siblings, one of it is that Lady Louette can sense the danger, the fear and phobia of a living thing, she could see what the fear could do to a person or an animal, and if it was her enemy; she would use it against them to secure her victory.

With a swift movement, the intruder almost captured Eleiss. A collective loud gasp of the guests echoed through the hall. However, Lord Drayco is not the strongest for nothing, he is the strongest for a reason, and that is why people call him Merciless and even Royalties and the Grand Duke itself feasr him. Lord Drayco did not shift to his Dragon form, rather he used his inhumanly strength to blow him away from his 4 year old daughter. With Lord Drayco’s deathly dragon claw, he did not hesitate to hit him as the intruder’s back was getting smashed to the wall. Little did they know that the intruder was only a shadow of darkness. “A puppet, I see” Lord Drayco mumbled.

“Only the East knows this kind of scheme, seems like the East is waging war against us.” Grand Duke said, “Again? Aren’t they tired of losing?” Lord Jazheb sarcastically said who walked beside Lady Louette. Lord Fylenndreigh Ezejazheb, the third son of the Grand Duke from his concubine, lady Flynessa Ezrabet Curxo of House of Cruxo.

In late reaction to Lord Drayco’s attacks, the intruder conjured a vortex of dark energy; its menacing glow filled the room, but what’s worse is that a black portal suddenly appeared behind the intruder and hundreds of Shadow of Darkness creeps inside the Hall. The intruder throws the vortex of dark energy towards Lady Louette’s direction, and Lady Louette dropped Young Lady Eleiss unintentionally as she casted a shield of barrier in front of her. However, Eleiss was not as helpless as she seemed. She was, after all, resurrected from another universe, gifted with powers yet unknown. As the intruder focused on the Lady Louette, Eleiss took action. She reached out towards the vortex, her hand radiating a soft golden light. The vortex seemed to resist at first, swirling wildly, but eventually began to dissolve under her touch; but this caused Eleiss to react from the dissolving of the vortex and it caused her body to collapse, but she was quickly caught by her father, Lord Drayco. The intruder, shocked by this development, lost his focus. Using this distraction, Grand Duke Orchreigniel lunged for the intruder, sharp dragon claw aimed squarely at his heart. But just as Lord Drayco expected, the intruder has no heart since it’s being controlled by a puppetry master.

The hall fell silent again as the intruder and its subordinates from the Black Portal began to disappear like wind. The guests erupted into cheers as Lord Drayco and Eleiss returned to their seats. The birthday celebration resumed like nothing happened, the energetic music and laughter was seen as a form of defiance to the intruder's wicked intent. But Lord Drayco was still mad and upset to what just happened a minute ago, he could’ve lost his daughter if he wasn’t powerful enough. Eleiss, despite the unfortunate events, continued to smile. Her resilience was a shining example of her strength, even at such a tender age. Her father, Lord Drayco looked at her with profound pride and admiration.

As the night came to a close, Lord Drayco, holding Eleiss in his arms; whispered softly, "You are the Northern Ruby, Eleiss. Always remember, you have the power to overcome any darkness." With his words echoing in her heart, Eleiss fell asleep in her father’s embrace. The events of the day surely marked her 4th birthday as an unforgettable one. The celebration may have seen an unexpected turn, but it displayed Eleiss's courage and the strength of the Northern Dukedom. It served as a reminder, that even in times of chaos and danger, the North always stood strong. Hence, it was not just a birthday celebration but also a coming-of-age for the young Eleiss. As the moonlight bathed the Northern castle, it marked the end of a memorable day and the beginning of the young dragon’s extraordinary journey.

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