Somewhere in the Past — A Dark Cell
A dim, flickering torch cast shadows across a cold, stone chamber. Chains clinked softly. In the center of the room, a boy knelt—naked, bruised, and filthy. His name was Elian.
His collar was rusted, the chain embedded deep into the wall behind him. Flies swarmed around him, feasting on his unhealed wounds. His breath was shallow. The stench of blood, rot, and filth was unbearable—even to himself.
Clack.
The door creaked open. A figure stepped in. Her boots echoed sharply with every step. It was Lyra.
But not the Lyra who stood with pride in the sunlight—this was someone else entirely.
She held a small vial in her hand. The liquid inside shimmered white, like salvation.
Elian's eyes locked on it instantly.
"Ah... ah...!" He scrambled forward like a starving animal, panting, crawling, desperation in every movement.
WHAM!
Her boot slammed into his chest. He was flung back, coughing violently, gagging on his own breath.
"Don't come near me, you filthy dog," Lyra sneered, pinching her nose. "You reek. Honestly... what were you again? Oh right. A mutt."
Elian trembled, barely able to speak, his tongue dry. "P-please... don't take it away..."
A wicked grin spread across Lyra's lips. "Then beg. Sit. Like a dog."
And he did.
He dropped to all fours, panting. "Please... please..."
She chuckled. "That's it. More. Louder."
"PLEASE!"
She knelt slightly, letting the vial tip and pour its contents onto the cold, dusty floor.
"Eat."
Elian didn't even hesitate. He crawled to it, slurped it up, licking the stone like a wild beast.
CRACK!
She stomped on his head, pressing it hard into the wet patch. "You like that, don't you?"
Elian panted, nodding weakly. Her heel ground into his scalp. "Good mutt."
Then another figure stepped in—a man dressed in a white coat. His face was expressionless.
"My lady, your father calls. Leave the dog for now."
He looked at Elian with disgust, then yanked his chain violently.
Elian gagged as the chain choked him. He collapsed to the floor, struggling to breathe.
The man spat on him. "Trash."
They left him there, gasping.
---
Present Day — Caelen's Room
GASP!
Caelen woke, breath ragged, sweat dripping from his brow. He sat up, heart thudding like war drums in his chest.
He stared out the window. Morning sunlight poured in like judgment.
"…Just a dream," he muttered. "Tch... I shouldn't dream of the past… or it'll never leave me."
He stood and walked to the washroom, splashing water on his face. A soft knock interrupted his thoughts.
"My Lord," a maid called. "Breakfast is ready. Everyone is waiting downstairs."
Caelen exhaled and pulled on his coat. "I'll be right there."
---
Royal Dining Hall
Lord Arcturus Flameborne sat at the head of a grand marble table, dressed in golden robes. Beside him, elegant and poised, was Lyra.
Caelen entered the room, scanning the seats. Someone's missing… He noticed one chair unoccupied and thought, The princess' sister must be away.
"Don't just stand there," Arcturus called out with a warm voice. "Come join us, boy."
Caelen bowed politely. "Yes, my Lord."
As he sat, a familiar presence approached—Reina, the maid from last night. She served him, leaning just enough for her curves to steal his attention.
This woman… Caelen thought, averting his gaze.
"Caelen," Arcturus said.
"Yes, my Lord?"
"I hear you've joined the Flameborne Guild."
"I have, my Lord."
"Good. Then today, you'll take part in your first mission."
A hush fell across the room.
---
Mission Briefing:
"The Flameborne Guild is to investigate disappearances in the village of Elmsreach," Arcturus explained. "Locals report glowing eyes in the forest, the ground freezing even in summer, and eerie howls before people vanish."
Caelen narrowed his eyes. "Frostfang Dire Wolves…"
Lyra nodded. "Correct. They're under Class-D magical beasts, but vicious. This will help you adapt to field combat."
Caelen clenched his fists slightly beneath the table. "I understand."
After a quiet meal, Lyra stood. "Go and prepare. Meet us at the gates."
---
Later — Castle Gates
Caelen arrived with a bag slung over his shoulder. Lyra, Riven, and Dren were already waiting.
"Sorry for being late," Caelen said.
"What were you doing, polishing your hair?" Dren teased.
Riven laughed lightly. "Cut him some slack, Dren. It's his first time."
Lyra folded her arms, smiling. "He'll get used to it soon."
The four heroes walked side by side, wind blowing against their cloaks. Riven held the map, pointing to a forested region.
"Elmsreach is on the eastern border," he said.
Dren added, "It's known for smuggling routes and beast incursions. No surprise wolves found a nest there."
Caelen remained silent. He stared into the distance.
Lyra looked over. "Scared?"
"…No," he answered. "But I'll be honest. If I mess up… please correct me."
"Leave it to me!" Dren grinned, slapping his back.
As they walked, Caelen thought to himself: The village is surrounded by dense mists and ancient ruins… ideal for magic disturbances and hidden threats…
"Caelen!" Lyra waved.
"Sorry." He jogged to catch up.
---
Elmsreach Village — Evening
Fog rolled across the village streets. Every house was silent. Empty.
Caelen whispered, "No signs of life…"
"They're probably hiding," Riven said. "I'll look for someone."
He darted away.
Lyra stood still, eyes scanning. "Stay alert."
Caelen observed the silence, the cold air. It's like death lives here…
Riven returned with a trembling young man. "This is Ren."
Caelen nodded. "Thanks for helping us."
"I-I just want to go home after this…" Ren said.
They followed him to a slightly larger home. Ren knocked.
A woman opened the door—and froze upon seeing Lyra.
"Your Highness…"
Lyra raised a hand. "No need for titles. I'm here as a hero."
A man stepped forward. "I'm Ben, village head. This is my wife, Rona. Please, let me offer you shelter."
Lyra nodded. "We appreciate your kindness."
He led them to two rooms—one for Lyra, the other for the men.
---
Inside the Room — Midnight
Riven and Dren quickly fell asleep.
But Caelen lay on his back, eyes open, staring at the ceiling.
First mission… new life… new name… But the past... still clings to me like chains.
Outside, an eerie howl pierced the night.
AWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Caelen sat up, curious.
From the window, he could see glowing blue eyes flickering in the distance.
The Frostfang wolves are nearby.