I'm Athanasia Eckart, the only daughter of Duke Leon Eckard. We had a happy family, but that happiness was short-lived. On my 12th birthday, my world shattered. My mom and dad died, leaving me with unbearable grief.
After their death, I learned swordsmanship and became the head of the house at a young age. I made a friend, or so I thought – he was like family, but he destroyed me, turning me into a monster with a body but no soul.
On my 16th birthday morning, my uncle, Duke Kyle of Adrasia's son, the young Duke Arion, confessed his love to me.
Standing in the garden, the wind whipping my hair, I was shocked. The person I had always considered my big brother was saying he loved me. He grabbed my hand, his eyes burning with intensity.
"I first thought I loved you like a sister, but it's more than that, Athi..."
I shook off his hand, my voice trembling with anger and fear of betrayal. "Lie! You're trying to fool me too!" Tears welled up in my eyes, my heart heavy with sorrow.
"I believed you... But you lied."
With that, I turned and left the garden, my anger and hurt boiling over.
I locked myself in my room, tears streaming down my face. "I hate that word... love... there's nothing left in me... something like this... I don't know if I'll ever love anyone or accept anyone's love."