The sun's rays shone into the semi-old room of Poppy, filling it with the rich, golden-yellow hues of the early morning. Poppy lay sprawled on her not-so-comfortable bed in a lazy manner. She had been hunting in the mountains the night before, despite her father's warning about the heavy snowstorms in the area. Sneaking out of the house, she spent hours standing by a leafless tree, her legs nearly frozen. She returned home with only a rabbit, which she carelessly dumped in an unknown corner of the house before jumping into bed to sleep.

Poppy shifted in her position and realized she was still in her leather hunting gear. Sitting up, she found it impossible to force herself back to sleep. The room was a mess, just like her attire and her fiery red hair. Her body felt weak, as if it didn't belong to her. She stood up but stumbled slightly, like a drunk, before managing to reach the door.

"Filip!" she yelled, calling for her horse. A large black steed appeared around the corner, shaking its tail. Poppy mounted the horse and rode quickly to the market square. The town was busier than usual, beautifully decorated with orange, red, yellow, and pink flowers adorning the stalls and shops. As she rode, Poppy tried to recall what was happening but couldn't remember. She finally reached her sister's stall.

Dismounting, Poppy approached the brown wooden stall, adorned with pink flowers. The strong scents of lavender and jasmine filled the air as she peered through a small window. Inside, she saw her sister's back facing her; her messy brunette bun had strands of hair falling around her face as she struggled to turn a hot pot filled with thick liquid soap. Poppy smiled, but her sister didn't notice her at first.

"Hey!" Poppy yelled, startling her sister, who turned around, smiling and revealing a shallow dimple on her right cheek.

"Where were you yesterday?" her sister asked as Poppy entered.

"Is that my good morning?" Poppy retorted.

"Yes."

"Mountains, hunting."

"You don't listen, do you? Father warned you not to go there again."

"I know," Poppy replied, rolling her eyes.

"You better have brought something back."

"Of course I did—a rabbit."

"Ha! You'd better be joking."

"Nope, I'm not."

Mara sighed with exhaustion and continued to stir the liquid soap.

"So where are Amanda and Father?" Poppy asked.

"At the courthouse, preparing for Velaris."

"Velaris?"

"The Festival of Spirits..."

"Festival?!" Poppy exclaimed, dumbfounded.

"Yes, it seems like you've forgotten."

"I have, no lie about that. But you're not getting ready yet."

"Yeah, it's still morning, so there's plenty of time to prepare. I have a lot of orders to deliver today."

"Okay then, I'll see you later today or tonight."

"Sure, bye."

Poppy mounted her horse and rode him faster than the wind could blow, startling people who obstructed her path as she raced on. She soon arrived at the small white building with pillars surrounding it. Strolling inside, she saw some men discussing matters. Approaching them, she asked about her father's whereabouts, but before they could answer, she heard her name being called from the stairs. Turning, she saw the two precious blondes in her life—her father and her elder sister, whom she looked up to as a mother. She smiled and ran towards them, embracing them in a tight hug.

Her father chuckled. "You really shouldn't run in the courthouse; it's forbidden, you know."

"Sorry, but the meeting is over now, right?"

"Yes, but there's something to be checked at the old valley." He turned to Amanda and continued, "Amanda will stay here and take care of you two."

"I can take care of myself," Poppy smirked.

Her father chuckled again and walked toward the entrance, pausing to say, "I'll be back," leaving the young ladies to themselves.

"Where were you yesterday?" Amanda asked, frowning.

"Ugh! Again?!" Poppy said, exasperated.

"Mountains," she replied with a shrug as if tired.

Amanda's eyes widened with rage as she growled at Poppy, leaving her standing alone on the stairs. Poppy raised her hands in the air, waving them as if to say her sister was overreacting.

"I'm still alive!" Poppy yelled at Amanda before running after her outside.