Eira stood before the heavy stone door, the shock and fury raging within her like a tempestuous storm. She could not believe that the kind and loving Lady Evelyn and the rugged and generous Baron Erikr were not her true parents. And the very enemies who had murdered her mother and seized the throne were her own uncle and cousin. The once-warm and harmonious family ties had crumbled, revealing a meticulously orchestrated plot.
"Child, do not let hatred blind you..." The voice from behind the door echoed, tinged with concern and warning, reverberating in the cavernous chamber. "Your enemies are more cunning and powerful than you can imagine. You must learn to conceal yourself, bide your time, or you will only meet a needless death..."
Eira took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. Over the past three years, she had dreamed countless times of her mother's agonizing demise, yearning to return to the Erylian Empire and exact vengeance. But reason told her that the time was not yet right. She was too weak, while her enemies had already firmly entrenched themselves, wielding immense power and resources.
"What should I do? How can I avenge my mother and reclaim what is rightfully mine?" Eira asked, her voice laced with confusion and helplessness. She did not know how, as a mere woman, she could confront the formidable empire and seek retribution against those in positions of authority.
"Child, you must return to your rightful place, to the palace tainted by lies and betrayal. Understand your enemies, find your allies, and gather your strength..." The voice spoke, firm and resolute, guiding Eira towards a thorny path of vengeance. "Remember, child, vengeance is a marathon, not a momentary impulse. Only with meticulous preparation can you ultimately triumph..."
Eira fell silent. She understood that returning to the Erylian imperial court meant facing countless dangers and challenges. The once-kind faces had now become ruthless predators, eyeing her with malice, and a single misstep could lead to her downfall. But for the sake of revenge, to reclaim what was hers, to fulfill her mother's dying wish, she had no choice but to confront these obstacles, even if the path ahead was fraught with peril.
"I promise, I will go back." Eira looked at the sealed stone door, her gaze resolute, as if making a vow to the voice and to herself, a promise to be fulfilled at any cost. "I will reclaim what is rightfully mine, avenge my mother, and make those who harmed her pay a devastating price!"
Time flew by, and three years passed.
During this time, Eira had trained relentlessly in the mysterious space behind the stone door, learning various martial arts, magic, the history and culture of the Erylian Empire - once so foreign and distant to her. She studied under a mysterious elder, mastering swordplay, horsemanship, archery, and esoteric martial arts. Her skills had reached a level of near-perfection, and even the experienced elder marveled at her exceptional magical aptitude.
Beyond the physical training, Eira had also immersed herself in the study of Erylian history, politics, culture, and court etiquette. She read extensively, understanding the various noble factions and their complex web of alliances and vendettas. She learned to conceal her emotions, to read between the lines, and to navigate the intricate social dynamics - all in preparation for her eventual return to the Erylian imperial court and the fulfillment of her quest for vengeance.
She was no longer the naive and sheltered Erikr family's second daughter, but a formidable avenger, wielding immense power and burdened with a blood-soaked vendetta, a future queen.
One day, the Erikr family received an invitation from the Erylian imperial palace, inviting Eira to attend an upcoming royal banquet.
"A royal banquet?" Eira looked at the gilded invitation, a cold smile playing on her lips, a glint of ice in her eyes. "It seems my dear uncle and cousin have finally remembered me."
For the past three years, she had been living under an assumed identity within the Erikr household, claiming poor health and avoiding public appearances. In reality, she had been quietly amassing her strength, waiting for the opportune moment.
And now, that moment had arrived.
"Child, the time has come. You must return." The voice from behind the stone door spoke, tinged with contentment and anticipation, like a benevolent elder watching their beloved child step onto the stage of life. "Remember what I have told you. Be cautious, strategic, and trust no one. Do not reveal your identity or purpose too readily..."
"I will, my teacher." Eira nodded, her gaze resolute. There had been countless times when she had wanted to give up, to forget the vengeance and live a peaceful life. But every time she recalled her mother's agonized expression, the slaughtered loyal servants, and that bloody night, she could not bring herself to abandon her quest.
A month later, with the Erikr couple's bittersweet farewells, Eira boarded the carriage bound for the Erylian capital. The Erikrs were unaware of Eira's true identity, seeing her only as their beloved daughter. They worried for her safety in the imperial palace and cautioned her to be vigilant, promising to welcome her back should she face any mistreatment.
Eira looked at the kind-hearted elders, her heart filled with gratitude. Over the past three years, they had treated her like their own daughter, showering her with endless love and care, allowing her to find warmth even in the abyss of vengeance.
"I..." Eira opened her mouth, wanting to reveal the truth to them, but unsure of how to begin.
"Child, go, do not worry about us." Lady Evelyn gently caressed Eira's cheek, her eyes brimming with affection. "You have grown up, and it is time for you to have your own life."
Eira nodded, suppressing the sadness in her heart, and stepped onto the carriage.