3. Beacon of Light

The crazy lady devoured the fingers raw, a disgusting act that even made the Queen sick.

However, she witnessed a miraculous change as the crazy lady regained her youth, beauty, and sanity.

This happened three times before Riva became a mother once again, giving birth to another girl.

Princess Marina, the newest member of the family, had a beauty that enchanted the whole town.

She, too, was raised with love and care, just like her older sisters.

Unaware of her mother's evil plan, Princess Marina prepared for her special day.

A skilled maid gently combed through her beautiful golden locks, each strand as smooth and wavy as a flowing waterfall.

With great care, a stunning tiara was placed on her head, enhancing her already stunning beauty.

Her long, curled lashes cast graceful shadows on her captivating hazel eyes, captivating anyone who dared to look into them.

Her gaze fell upon the magnificent engraved window, and she longed for a taste of freedom.

In a sudden act of rebellion, Marina broke free from her loyal servants and opened the window wide.

A refreshing breeze swept through the room, causing her hair to dance in the wind. The maid, visibly annoyed, expressed her disapproval of the princess's impulsive actions.

"Princess! I just finished styling your hair!" she exclaimed, clearly irritated.

Uninterested in the world, Marina gently grabbed the maid's shoulder and directed her attention to a flock of birds, one of which had separated from the group. "Can you see that bird, Bathilda?" she asked, her voice sweet and polite.

"The flock moves in perfect harmony, but that one bird is free to fly as it pleases.

I long to be like that bird, for a life of order is dreadfully boring!" Her lips, as pink as the most delicate rose, round yet not too thick, spoke her words with elegance and grace.

The maid, touched by Marina's beautiful imagination, closed the window and guided her back to the seat in front of the ornate mirror. "My sweet Marina, as enchanting as your desires may be, remember that you are not a bird," she gently reminded her, firmly but lovingly. With a tender kiss upon her forehead, the maid continued, "This lilac hue complements your radiance beautifully."

Marina's face lit up with a radiant smile as she twirled in her beautiful gown, showcasing its beautiful design. Laughter filled the room as she playfully got lost in her own joy.

"Do not forget to conduct yourself with grace, my dear. Who knows, you may encounter someone special today," the maid teased, raising an eyebrow mischievously.

Blushing at the thought, Marina bid farewell to the room and made her way to the grand hall. Accompanied by her servants escorting her, she entered a room bustling with people. A giant dining table stood at the center of the room.

As she gracefully descended the grand staircase, her eyes swept across the great hall filled with a triumphant crowd. The vibrant atmosphere only served to boost her already overflowing happiness.

Amidst the laughter and cheerfulness, her gaze came to a halt on a young man spreading an air of charm and seriousness. He stood out among the sea of foolish overjoyed people, captivating her attention effortlessly.

It was only a matter of time before their eyes met, and in that moment, she found herself captivated by his presence. His jet-black hair cascaded effortlessly over his forehead, framing his eyes that held a deep, mysterious sorrow.

Dressed in engraved black metal armor, expressing both death and pain, yet his allure left her in a state of awe, unable to tear her gaze away.

Her cheeks flushed as his unwavering stare met hers, and a smile graced her lips when a soft whisper reached her ear, "You look absolutely stunning, my lady!" A maid approached her, and she returned the gesture with a grateful smile.

"Thank you," she replied, gracefully stepping down from the staircase. As she turned her head to catch another glimpse of the enigmatic man, she discovered that he had vanished into thin air.

Her eyes scanned the room in search of him, but he had disappeared without a trace.

Nevertheless, the day continued to unfold in a joyous manner, filled with lavish gifts, melodious songs, a delicious variety of food, and all things delightful. At the grand table, Queen Riva raised her glass in a toast and delivered a heartfelt speech.

"As you all know, I have endured the most unfortunate and cursed fate as a mother. I have witnessed the untimely demise of three of my daughters, their lives extinguished as they attempted to harness their powers for the first time," she confessed, wiping away her tears.

"But with Marina, I sense something different. I believe she will emerge as the strongest of them all. I cannot wait to witness her command her powers. My darling, I am so proud of you!" Queen Riva blew a flying kiss toward Marina, who wiped away her own tears and smiled, overwhelmed with gratitude.

"Before the setting of the sun, we shall commence the sacred ritual, and at that moment, my beloved daughter shall bring us great honor!" The Queen proclaimed, her words echoing through the grand hall. The applause erupted, a symphony of admiration for their respected ruler.

As time passed, a man, completely messed up and intoxicated, stumbled toward Marina. "Once, I fought alongside your mother," he mumbled, his words laced with a sense of awe. "She has an endless fascination with the idea of victory!" The man's breath, tainted with alcohol, rudely invaded Marina's personal space, throwing himself at her.

Marina pulled back in disgust, holding a delicate finger under her nose to block out the unpleasant smell. Quickly, she dodged the drunken man's presence. However, her attention was soon captivated by her mother, who stealthily made her way toward a concealed corridor.

Curiosity ignited within Marina, compelling her to follow in her mother's stealthy footsteps. "Why does she behave like a thief within the walls of her own palace?" Marina thought, her curiosity at its peak. With utmost caution, she followed her mother, trying to remain unseen.