In the courtyard of our house, I could still hear my father teaching us the ways of the Dike.

"Breathe in and breathe out, get air from your core, not from your lungs," he instructed, his voice a calm anchor amidst the whirlwind of my thoughts.

Sitting there with my eyes closed, I focused on nothing but my father's steady voice, each word weaving through the air like an ancient chant. His teachings filled the silence, echoing deep within me as I struggled to calm my racing heart. I tried to lose myself in the moment, forcing the outside world to fade away, for this sacred rite was more than a mere lesson—it was our legacy. Every Sălupte must master this, for we are not just heirs; we are the guardians of the empire and the protectors of the Crystal of Vida. The weight of our family's purpose pressed heavily on my shoulders, a burden I wasn't sure I was ready to bear.

"Now give me your hands, young lady," my father commanded, his voice steady and calm.

With trembling fingers, I hesitated, feeling the weight of the moment settle over me like a shroud. Slowly, I extended my hand to him, my skin slick with cold sweat, betraying the fear that tightened in my chest. My heart pounded in my ears, but I couldn't let it show. This is more than pain, I reminded myself. This is duty.

Before the branding began, my father, Brondilk Sălupte, stepped back to address the gathering with a gravitas that demanded respect. His presence was imposing, his gaze unwavering as he began his speech.

"Esteemed family and honored guests," Brondilk's voice rang out with authority, each word deliberate and resonant. "Today, we witness a momentous occasion in the life of my daughter, Initia. As she steps forward to take on the mantle of a Dike, she does so with the weight of our family's legacy upon her shoulders."

He looked at me with pride and a touch of solemnity. "Our lineage, the Sălupte, has always been more than just a name. We are the keepers of the Crystal of Vida, the guardians of an ancient and sacred trust. To become a Dike is to embrace not just the honor but the responsibility that comes with it. This mark, this branding, is not merely a symbol—it is a rite of passage. It is a testament to your courage, your sacrifice, and your unyielding commitment to our cause."

My father's gaze never wavered as he continued, his voice a steady cadence that seemed to resonate with the very core of our family's essence. "Initia, today you prove yourself worthy of this honor. The pain you endure is but a fleeting shadow compared to the light of your dedication. Remember, this mark will always remind you of what you have sworn to protect. It is a beacon of your resolve, a symbol of the strength within you."

He then turned his attention to the crowd, his voice carrying a note of finality. "Let it be known that from this day forward, Initia Sălupte is a true Guardian of the Crystal of Vida. She has earned her place among us, and with this mark, she will continue to uphold the legacy of our ancestors."

With a nod of approval, my father took my hand, his grip firm but reassuring. In the silence that followed, I heard the soft hiss of the still-hot branding rod being lifted from the flame. My thoughts raced as my eyes flickered briefly to the glowing tip, and I swallowed hard. This was the moment I had trained for, the rite that would mark me as a true guardian of the Crystal of Vida. Not every Sălupte is granted this honor—only those who have proven themselves worthy, and today, that was me.

I closed my eyes, focusing on my breath, willing my mind to still. Pain is only a trick, I reminded myself once more, the familiar words of my training echoing in my mind. It is a test, not of the body, but of the will.

When the branding iron met my skin, I felt the searing heat instantly. My instinct screamed at me to pull away, to cry out, but I clenched my teeth and remained still, determined to prove myself. The flesh of my palm sizzled under the rod, and the scent of burning skin filled the air. I bit the inside of my cheek until I tasted blood, but I did not make a sound. I couldn't—I wouldn't.

This mark is my family's legacy, I told myself. A symbol of our house, of the guardianship of Vida, passed down for generations. I will carry it with honor.

Finally, my father pulled the rod away, and though the pain still pulsed through my hand, I kept my eyes steady, blinking back the sting of tears. Around me, I heard the soft murmur of approval. My family stood there, watching—proud.

My father's eyes softened as he held my marked hand, inspecting it closely. "You've done well," he said quietly, his pride evident in his voice. A rare smile touched his lips, and I knew I had earned his respect. My mother Miranda quickly embraced me, her arms warm around my shoulders, her whispered congratulations filling my ears.

"You've made us proud, my brave girl," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion.

My two older brothers, Mikdas and Binzolk, both tall and fair-skinned like our father, approached next. Mikdas, with his strikingly dark hair and piercing blue eyes, had a commanding presence that exuded both confidence and kindness. His handsome features were complemented by a warm smile, and his blue eyes, a mirror of our father's, held a deep, reassuring gaze.

Beside him, Binzolk stood with his red hair, a vibrant shade that mirrored both mine and our mother's. His blue eyes, though similar to Mikdas's, shone with a unique warmth. His features were just as refined, and his expression carried an air of proud affection. The contrast between his vivid red hair and his striking blue eyes made him stand out with a captivating charm.

"Well done, sister," Mikdas said, his voice warm as he clapped me gently on the back. "It suits you."

Binzolk nodded in agreement, his red hair catching the light as he spoke. "You've truly proven yourself today. We're all very proud."

Their words and gestures, imbued with genuine admiration, were a comforting affirmation amidst the whirlwind of emotions.

Before I could respond, my younger twin brothers, Suryo and Surya, rushed over, their faces alight with mischief. Suryo, with his striking blue eyes inherited from our father, had an almost angelic charm. His grin was infectious, and his laughter carried a lighthearted tone. Beside him, Surya's green eyes, a gift from our mother, sparkled with a different kind of mischief—his gaze was both warm and endearing. Both boys were the epitome of youthful exuberance, their adorable antics bringing a brief respite from the weight of the day.

"It might leave a scar, you know," Suryo teased, his blue eyes dancing with playful humor as he pointed at the fresh burn. "Your hands won't be so pretty anymore."

Surya chimed in with a grin of his own, his green eyes twinkling with delight. "But think of it this way—you'll always have a unique story to tell!"

Their banter, light and affectionate, was a reminder of the familial warmth and love that still surrounded me, even amidst the gravity of the moment.

I smiled gently at them, their teasing light in the face of the intense ceremony. "This is the mark of our house, you little ones. Trust me, you'll be begging for it when you're old enough."

They grinned, their eyes full of admiration, though they tried to hide it.

The moment passed, and the room filled with cheers, the entire family celebrating my achievement. I had become a Dike—a fierce warrior, just as our ancestors had before me. It was an honor few in our kingdom attained, and even fewer in our family. The air around me was filled with warmth, pride, and a sense of belonging. I had fulfilled my destiny, and now, I stood as a true guardian of the Crystal of Vida.

As the night turned to celebration, my heart finally settled. I had faced the pain, the test, and the weight of our family's legacy, and now, I stood tall, marked and ready to protect all that we held dear.

The grand hall was alive with post-ceremony revelry, but amidst the celebration, Prince Hinro Von de Ozeanstein made his way towards Initia. His entrance was nothing short of majestic; with chestnut hair that seemed to catch the light in a halo and golden eyes that conveyed both the power and grace of his lineage, he was a figure of almost divine allure. The wealth and influence of the Von de Ozeanstein family were legendary, their name synonymous with both opulence and authority throughout the empire. Their vast estates, scattered across the land, were adorned with the finest art and treasures, and their political reach extended into the highest circles of power.

Hinro approached Initia with a charm that was both disarming and enthralling. His gaze lingered on her with a mixture of warmth and amusement.

"Ah, the newly minted Guardian of Vida," Hinro began, his voice rich and melodic, like the notes of a well-played violin. "I must say, your courage today was impressive. I expected nothing less from a member of the esteemed Sălupte family, but you've truly exceeded those lofty expectations."

Initia, still adjusting to the emotional and physical toll of the branding, offered a smile that was a careful blend of gratitude and reserve."Your Highness, it is an honor to have you here. I trust the ceremony was to your satisfaction?"

Hinro's golden eyes twinkled with genuine interest. "Quite so. It was a spectacle worthy of the occasion. But tell me, how does it feel to bear such a weighty mark? To carry the responsibility of being a Guardian of Vida?"

A flicker of pride crossed Initia's face as she answered, her tone resolute. "It is both an honor and a challenge. The duty is immense, but it is our legacy to uphold."

The prince's smile broadened, revealing a hint of mischief. "Ah, yes, duty. It can be such a relentless taskmaster. But tell me, if all this grandeur and duty were to vanish—if the Crystal of Vida's significance were to fade and the role of Guardian were to become obsolete—how would you respond? Would you face such a change with the same fire in your eyes, or would you find yourself adapting in unforeseen ways?"

The question seemed to catch Initia by surprise, her brow furrowing slightly as she processed his words. "Are you suggesting that our duty is so fragile that it could just disappear?"

Hinro's laugh was light and playful, yet tinged with a hint of seriousness. "Oh, not at all. It's merely a thought experiment. In our ever-changing world, who's to say what might happen? I'm curious if you would still carry that same intensity in your gaze or if you would find a new way to navigate such a hypothetical world."

Initia's expression shifted to one of contemplation, a mixture of defensiveness and introspection. "If in the face of such a scenario, I would bend like a reed in the wind. Survival and duty are two threads in the same tapestry; to evolve is to weave new patterns in response to the changing winds of fate."

Hinro's eyes sparkled with admiration. "You have the spirit of a true warrior. It's reassuring to know that you would remain resolute, even in the face of uncertainty."

He leaned in slightly, his tone becoming more intimate. "But let us not dwell on such what-ifs. Enjoy your moment of triumph, Guardian. Your path is paved with honor and challenge, and I have no doubt you will navigate it with grace."

His gaze lingered on her, warm and inquisitive. "Tell me, will the significance of this mark remain as profound as it is today, or will time eventually temper its importance? Or perhaps it will only grow more valuable as you face new trials?"

Initia met his gaze with a blend of curiosity and caution. "The mark will always hold significance, regardless of what changes come. It is a symbol of our legacy and commitment."

Hinro's smile widened, a blend of charm and respect. "Well said. It is always heartening to encounter someone with such unwavering conviction."

He gave a graceful bow, touching his forehead and lowering his head in the traditional farewell of their empire. "Farewell, Guardian. May your journey be as bright as your spirit."

As he turned to leave, Hinro glanced back with a final, warm smile. Initia watched him with a mixture of admiration and frustration. His light-hearted remarks and the undercurrent of flirtation had left her with a sense of unresolved tension, but also a budding intrigue about the prince and his complex world.

"Until next time," Hinro called over his shoulder, his tone teasing yet sincere. "And remember, sometimes the most enduring marks are those we carry in our hearts."

With that, he departed, leaving Initia to ponder the encounter and the enigmatic prince whose words and presence had made a lasting impression.