*Dark Alley in Eldrador Empire*
The moon hung low over a desolate clearing, its pale light illuminating two shadowy figures standing against the eerie silence. Both cloaked in suspicion, their faces remained unreadable. The air was thick with an unspoken tension when, from the darkness, the sound of deliberate footsteps broke through. A woman emerged, cloaked from head to toe, her face hidden beneath the hood. In her hands were trays filled with glittering gold coins, the faint glow reflecting her restrained fury.
She approached the two figures and placed the trays before them. Her voice, cold and venomous, sliced through the silence.
"I don't care for excuses. It will happen, no matter the cast. She dares to take what's mine? Then she'll pay with her very life."
Her laughter, sharp and bitter, echoed across the clearing. The two figures exchanged wary glances before nodding, their hands reaching for the coin-filled trays.
"It will be done as you wish," one of them assured her. Without another word, the woman turned and disappeared into the darkness.
-----
*Duke Larousse Estate*
In her room, Elara Larousse (Kiara) stood before the fancy mirror, admiring her reflection. Her gown was a masterpiece of elegance, and her crimson eyes shimmered with resolve. This was the body of a 16-year-old Elara, but the soul within belonged to Kiara—a woman reincarnated from another world and another life, now armed with the knowledge of her tragic past.
"I've traveled nine years into the past," she whispered to herself. "Back to when I was 16... Back to where it all began."
For days, Elara had remained in her chambers, precise arranging her plans. She had cut off communication with the outside world, preparing for the coming storm. Her birthday loomed closer—a day that would mark the beginning of her revenge.
--- On the day of her birthday, Elara emerged from her self-imposed isolation. The duke's mansion sparkled under the morning light, but it was her presence that truly radiated. She moved with a grace born of newfound determination, her steps echoing down the marble halls.
Yura's voice broke the serene air. "My lady, the carriage is ready."
Elara responded softly, her voice betraying none of the storm within her. She stepped out, her gaze unwavering. Her brother, Cassius, waited for her in the carriage. She smiled faintly, concealing the truth of her plans. As the carriage moved toward the capital, Cassius spoke to her briefly before disembarking at a restaurant. He promised to meet her later. Elara watched him disappear into the crowd before continuing her journey to the Royal Palace.
-Royal Palace-
--- The Royal Palace was a marvel to behold, its grandeur unmatched. Elara requested an audience with the Crown Prince, Keal, but was instructed to wait in the garden. The garden was a vivid array of colors, with countless flowers blooming under the sun.
Among them, one flower caught Elara's eye—a flower tied to her memories. She forced herself to look away, unwilling to linger on the pain of the past.
A voice, smooth and teasing, pulled her from her thoughts. "Well, if it isn't the timid little bird who's finally left her cage."
Elara turned to face the Crown Prince, Keal. His teasing smile was met with her unwavering gaze. Without hesitation, she bowed. "Your Highness, forgive me for the sudden audience. I have something urgent to discuss."
Keal raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her formal tone. "Sit down and tell me what's on your mind," he said, studying her carefully. There was something different about her, something he couldn't quite place.
The crown prince, Keal, leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "I'm glad you could come, Lady Elara. I was looking forward to discussing a matter of great importance."
Kiara's heart quickened. "And what might that be, Your Highness?"
Keal's eyes narrowed, a hint of amusement dancing in their depths. "You came here to talk to me so you speak first Lara"
Elara took a deep breath. "I want to end our relationship, let's break up, Keal."
Hearing this, Keal froze, then laughed. "Have you started reading minds now Lara" he spoke with a soft voice, "I wanted to meet you to tell you the same thing."
"You see, Lara, we've come to realize that our paths are intertwined in ways we couldn't have imagined. Yes, Let's break this relationship."
Elara met his gaze, her crimson eyes filled with determination. "Yes, because I know the truth about the Royal Family. It's better to end this now before it's too late."
Keal smiled softly and said, "Goodbye, Lara"
Elara smiled too and replied to him with a soft tone. "Take good care of yourself, Your Highness," she said, turning away. "This is where our story ends." She didn't look back as she walked to her carriage
A perpetual smile with Keal Said Goodbye to her but his eyes spoke something else like he was in pain. "I don't want to let you go, but I don't have a choice, Lara." Keal remained rooted in place, his heart heavy. Once alone, he ordered an investigation into her recent behaviors, determined to uncover the truth.
___
*Capital of Eldrador- Arcadia*
That night marked Elara's 17th birthday. She spent it quietly, choosing to dine at a small restaurant in the capital. She didn't join her brother. After dinner, she wandered the market, feeling a strange sense of unease.
Someone was following her.
Before she could react, a hand grabbed her arm and dragged her into a carriage. "Who the hell are you__" Panic gripped her, but she quickly realized the man was Cassius.
"Be careful Ela, there are some masked people who followed you" His urgency was palpable as the carriage sped through the streets.
Elara looked through the window and spoke. Her expression was changed.
"Where are we heading? This is not Duke mansion's way." The carriage heading away from the duke's mansion.
The carriage deviates off the road, heading toward a mountain. Suddenly, magic users ambushed them, attacking with relentless force. Cassius fought valiantly, but he was gravely injured. The attackers pushed their carriage off a cliff, laughing as they left the siblings to their fate.
As the carriage crashed, Elara screamed. Dark energy swirled around her, enveloping her in its chaotic embrace. She lost consciousness as the world went dark.
One month later, the Empire mourned the deaths of the duke's children. The discovery of their belongings in a remote cave confirmed their fate. Duke Larousse and Crown Prince Keal searched tirelessly, but hope waned with each passing day.
----
Deep in a dense forest, a girl ran for her life, her breaths ragged.
"Ha... ha... Why does it feel like I'm in a survival game?" she muttered, glancing over her shoulder at the wild beasts chasing her. "Catch me if you can, you filthy beasts!" she shouted, climbing a tree.
The branch snapped, sending her tumbling down—only to be caught by a man in a white and blue suit. His emerald eyes sparkled with irritation. "If you want to die, do it somewhere else," he scolded, setting her down.
Elara caught her breath, thanking him reluctantly. "I wasn't trying to die. I came here for an herb to heal my brother."
The man smirked. "Whoever told you that was either a liar or a fool. This forest is no place for someone like you."
Elara straightened, glaring at him. "Huh.. someone like me? My name is Elara Larousse."
The man's expression shifted. "The duke's daughter?" "Yes," she replied.
A low, mocking laugh escaped him as he stepped closer, the sound reverberating in the eerie stillness of the forest.
"Well, you've piqued my interest. I am Orian, Master of the Magic Tower. And what brings a dead woman wandering into the heart of death itself?" he asked.
Elara's gaze turned icy; her voice unflinching. "I will return to the Empire but... when the time is right. First, I need to become stronger. Strong enough to make them choke on the ashes of their betrayal."
Orian's smirk returned, sharper now, like a blade glinting in the dark. "And when you have you become stronger, little prickly Duke's Daughter, and what will you do with all that power?"
Elara's lips curled into a dark smile. "I'll burn this Empire to the ground and make the flames dance until my rage is satisfied."
For a moment, there was silence—heavy, electric, and full of unspoken threats. Then Orian let out a low, malicious chuckle. "—ha—Interesting. Let's burn this world then…and dance on the flames."
The morning seemed to darken around the forest. The air thick with foreboding.
And thus, I became Elara Larousse, The Resurrected. And so began a tale of my vengeance.