CHAPTER 1

Soleil wakes up in Tarn's realm, in a luxurious bed with sunlight streaming through the windows. She's still confused and disoriented, but the light and comfort of the bed is a stark contrast to the dark place she was in before. And then, she hears the door to the room open, and the story really begins.

As Soleil sits up, she sees a tall, dark figure standing in the doorway. The figure is silent, and seems to be watching her intently. Soleil feels a chill run down her spine, and she realizes that she's not safe. She tries to speak, but her voice comes out as a hoarse whisper. Who are you? she manages to ask. The figure doesn't respond, but instead starts to walk slowly towards her. As the figure approaches, Soleil's heart starts to race. She looks around for a way to escape, but the room is bare, with no weapons or means of defense. The figure is now standing right next to the bed, and Soleil can see that it's a man, dressed in black robes. His face is obscured by a hood, and she can't see his features. The man reaches out a hand towards her, and Soleil feels a surge of fear. Should she try to run, or should she stay and face this mysterious figure?

Soleil makes a split-second decision, and lunges for the figure's hand. She grabs his wrist and twists, trying to break his grip. But to her surprise, the figure doesn't resist. Instead, he lowers his hood, revealing young man with dark, piercing eyes. The man looks at Soleil with an expression of sadness and regret. I'm sorry, he says. I didn't mean to frighten you. Should Soleil believe him?..

Soleil holds the man's gaze for a moment, trying to decide if she can trust him. Finally, she takes a deep breath and asks, Who are you? And why am I here? The man hesitates, as if he's considering how much to tell her. Then he says, My name is Tarn, and you're here because you're in danger. There are forces at work that you don't understand, and I'm trying to protect you. Soleil's head is spinning, Is Tarn telling the truth, or is he just trying to deceive her?

As Soleil struggles to process what Tarn has told her, the door to the room opens again. Soleil whirls around, expecting to see another hooded figure. But instead, she sees a young woman, dressed in flowing robes of deep blue. The woman's face is kind, and she smiles reassuringly at Soleil. Don't be afraid, she says. I'm here to help you. Who is this woman, and why has she come to Soleil's aid?