Inside the Kingdom of Zion's Palace.
Lively music sounded in the background as everyone in the Great Hall enjoyed themselves, dancing, talking, playing, and drinking.
The event was hosted to celebrate the New Year, and the king had declared a royal feast that would continue for at least a week.
But there were also a lot of other things to celebrate about. Tarah felt very grateful and blessed as her eyes followed her loving parents who were dancing sweetly to the lively music. Their sweet and affectionate display filled her heart with warmth, and she couldn't help but hope for a relationship as beautiful and enduring as theirs once she grew up to be in their position.
The celebration was not only a reflection of their kingdom's prosperity, but it was also a moment for them to personally reflect on their dreams and aspirations. Absentmindedly, she let her thoughts wander to a certain man who had been appearing in her dreams lately, causing her cheeks to flush red with a hint of embarrassment.
As she continued to revel in the fun atmosphere, she felt a pang of guilt for what she was keeping to herself. In truth, her heart carried a secret that she had yet to share with her parents.
Recently, upon turning eighteen, she began to experience random visions and dreams. This newfound ability, rare and exceptional as it already was, immediately set her apart and marked a significant turning point in her life.
In her diligent studies to see what was happening to her, Tarah eventually came across historical records that detailed similar cases of individuals possessing the gift of foresight. However, such occurrences were exceedingly rare, and she only found what she was looking for when she finally got to studying the history of the Kingdom of Ebodia.
The Kingdom of Ebodia, the largest realm in their continent inhabited by humans, had a long-standing tradition of having a fated Seer for every ruler of each generation.
Considering the lack of alarming content in her dreams and visions thus far, Tarah reasoned that it might be prudent for her to observe her condition for another week. This careful approach allowed her to gather more information about the nature of her newfound abilities before eventually deciding to reveal them to her parents.
While she continued to enjoy the festive celebration on the outside, her mind was already planning to broach the subject with her parents the following day. But for now, she wanted to enjoy the festivities, and she couldn't help but feel excited as she swept her gaze across the entire room.
Before long, she spotted her little brother, Leviticus, approaching with his nursemaid. Tarah's heart swelled with joy at the sight of the two-year-old child giggling in the woman's arms. Feeling the comfortable warmth in her heart, her smile widened, and she extended her arms up toward him.
"Look at you being so adorable," she exclaimed with excitement as she reached down to carefully grab her little brother, holding him gently and securely in her arms. "Come and give your big sister a dance!"
Swaying from side to side, she lovingly hugged him, feeling a deep sense of love and connection with her younger sibling as they enjoyed a sense of harmony in the music playing in the background.
Keeping him company, Leviticus' giggles added to the joyous atmosphere of the celebration. However, as Tarah turned to the rhythm of the dance, an unexpected collision occurred.
She bumped into one of the servants carrying a tray of cups filled with wine, and the golden cups they were carrying immediately got thrown up into the air before clattering loudly onto the ground, disrupting the festive scene.
Tarah's eyes widened as an ominous melody suddenly clouded her mind, drowning out the joyous sounds of the New Year's celebration. The great hall, once filled with laughter and merriment, now hung in the balance as her premonition unfolded before her.
Holding Leviticus tightly in her arms, Tarah's heart raced as her vision revealed a brutal attack within the castle walls. The vivid images of blood and chaos painted a grim picture, and the enemies, disguised using the uniforms of their royal guards, had already infiltrated their castle.
With each cup that crashed onto the ground, an echo of the impending danger loomed over the castle. "Blood everywhere…." she breathed. Panic set in as Tarah's body trembled in fear. It was a gruesome sight and Tarah could tell that the vision she was seeing was currently happening right now.
Still holding onto her brother, she shouted a warning to anyone who could hear her.
"Enemies are attacking right now!"
Her voice rang hollow as her face paled. The lively music that had once filled the great hall transformed into an eerie symphony, mirroring the sudden shift from celebration to impending tragedy.
Then, all hell broke loose. Shouts and cries suddenly echoed through the grand hall, and Tarah's heart raced as she heard her father's urgent commands to secure the children's safety.
Amid the chaos, her mother rushed toward them, but a dark and ominous black mist suddenly enveloped her mother's entire body. Tarah's eyes widened with shock and fear as she witnessed what happened.
"Mother!" she called out while she witnessed her mother struggle right in front of her. The commotion then intensified around them as guests and servants moved, some to fight, while others were to flee to safety.
"Run and hide!"
Her mother's urgent command propelled her into action despite the fear and confusion that gripped her. Holding onto Leviticus tightly, she sprinted through the chaotic scene, the echoes of shouting and crying growing louder around her with each step.
Helion's soldiers pursued everyone relentlessly, closing in on the desperate escapees and killing those who fought them. Tarah chanted a concealment spell, casting it on herself and her brother. It would only last for a minute or two, but it was better than nothing while she desperately searched for a way to hide and protect her little brother.