The large, echoing hall of the castle felt cold to Ariadna as she entered. Empty yet imposing, it stood as a reminder of her isolated existence, six long years spent as the youngest princess of the holy family of the God of Destruction. Today, however, would be different. Today, she would learn about the other four domains, a whisper of opportunity in her otherwise stifling world filled with hate and fear.
She had grown accustomed to the kindness of her family, even if it was laced with delusions formed by their unwavering belief in the necessity of destruction. They did not wish her harm, nor the harm of others, yet the world they advocated felt deeply flawed to Ariadna. She watched them speak of destruction as a source of renewal, but to her, it was a cycle of pain wrapped in an illusion of progress. She still remembered vividly the loss of her previous life.
The room was adorned with a massive map depicting the five domains, detailed and vibrant, a stark contrast to the darkness that resided in her heart. Ariadna approached it cautiously, her dark eyes scanning the illustrations of the domain of the God of Innovation and Craft, the Goddess of Peace and Compassion, the God of Night and Secrets, and the Goddess of Earth and Fertility. Each domain intrigued her, offering a glimpse into other lives, other philosophies.
As she stepped closer, her teacher entered: a distinguished figure from the neighboring kingdom of the God of Night, wearing a flowing robe that spoke of wisdom and experience. He nodded at her, and his eyes sparkled with the knowledge of countless journeys beneath different stars.
"Today, Princess Ariadna, we wander beyond the realm of Destruction," he said warmly, gesturing to the map sprawled out before them. "Today, we explore the balance of the world, the interconnectedness of all domains."
Ariadna felt a spark of curiosity ignite within her, a rare flicker that momentarily pushed aside the shadow of her resentment. She listened intently as the teacher began with the domain of the Goddess of Peace and Compassion.
"In this kingdom," he explained, tracing his finger along the familiar lines, "the people believe in harmony and understanding. They cultivate relationships, guided by empathy. Every act of creation here seeks to heal, not harm."
Ariadna considered this. Healing was a foreign concept to her, but she could picture it—a world where words were stronger than weapons, where compassion inspired rather than fear. A twinge of longing bubbled up inside her: longing for the gentleness she had never been shown in this life.
Next, they moved to the domain of the God of Night and Secrets. With a dramatic flourish, the teacher described the enigma of this realm. "Here, shadows tell stories, and knowledge is revered. Secrets hold power, and the dark is not to be feared but embraced."
Ariadna smiled inwardly. Secrets were familiar territory—she understood their weight well. They could be powerful tools, shields of protection. Who better to navigate the shadows than someone like her?
As the lesson progressed, they touched the domain of the Goddess of Earth and Fertility, where the teacher spoke of growth, nourishment, and the magical cycle of life. "This domain teaches patience, the understanding that all things must grow in time, with care. Destruction can sometimes pave the way for new growth, but here, they cherish life, not just for its transience but for its abundance."
A deeper sadness settled in Ariadna's chest. She didn't remember much feom her old life, but remembered the pain and the loss. She remembered the hate. These lessons, rich with contrasts, were shaping her thoughts into even sharper edges.
Lastly, they arrived at the realm of the God of Innovation and Craft. Ariadna found herself captivated by tales of ingenuity, of how creation thrived through the hands of those who dared to dream and build. "Innovation is a response to need," the teacher emphasized. "It transforms ideals into tangible realities."
Ariadna's heart felt cold and distant. She didn't dream of creation. Only destruction.
As the lesson drew to a close, Ariadna felt a growing resolve within her. She had lived under the shadow of destruction for too long, confined by the teachings of her family who clung to their beliefs like a lifeline.
As she left the big classroom, a sense of purpose filled her heart. The world was vast, and in her small hands laid the potential to reshape it.
However she had no memory of her nurturing past. She vaguely remembered love, care, patience. She could be patient - she could wait for as long as needed to become the heir. She could care - she deeply cared for her revenge. And love - another feeling that's been twisted by the same family that killed her. With these thoughts in mind Ariadna knew - she was trully a princess of the God of Destruction now.