READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 1: Crooked start
[ Aertos - central imperial city ]
The grandeur of the imperial palace was palpable as the sun's last rays kissed the gleaming marble floor of the vast hall. The air had anticipation as whispers of the new arrival echoed off the vaulted ceilings. Among the throng of courtiers and officials, all eyes were drawn to the figure gliding through the arched entrance. Aria, the youthful beauty with a mane of golden hair that cascaded over her shoulders, walked with a poise that belied her true age. Her graceful stride was a silent declaration of power and purpose as she approached the emperor's dais.
The emperor, Vesil, a man whose reign had been marked by indulgence and excess, wiped a bead of sweat from his brow as his gaze roamed over Aria's form. His eyes glinted with a hunger that was all too familiar to those who knew his predilections. He licked his lips as he took in the sight of the woman who now claimed the seat of time, one of the six divine thrones. Her youthful appearance was a stark contrast to his own bloated and jaded visage, a testament to the power she now wielded.
A murmur of speculation rippled through the assembly as the whispers grew louder. The gathered nobility and dignitaries exchanged knowing looks, wondering what this young upstart had done to claim such a coveted position. Yet, there was a sense of unease underlying their curiosity. The last time a seat of the gods had changed hands, the world had trembled with the consequences. They watched as Aria gracefully ascended the steps to the emperor's dais, her eyes never leaving his.
Vesil, the emperor, struggled to compose himself. His desire for Aria was undisguised, and it was all he could do to keep from reaching out to touch her. He knew the power she held was immense, and if he could bend it to his will, he would be unstoppable. "Welcome, Aria," he managed to say, his voice thick with lust. "Your youth and beauty are a most welcome sight after the withered presence of the former holder of the seat of time, Liar."
The crowd's whispers grew to a murmur as Aria straightened from her bow. Her eyes, a piercing blue, locked onto Vesil's, and she spoke with a voice that seemed to resonate with an ancient wisdom beyond her years. "Thank you, Emperor Vesil. I am aware of the responsibilities that come with this seat and assure you that I will wield its power with the utmost respect and discretion."
The emperor, his lecherous gaze unwavering, nodded, his mind racing with thoughts of how to manipulate this new power for his own ends. "Indeed," he replied, his voice a purr, "I am certain that together, we can bring a new era of prosperity to Aerthos."
As Aria lay on the velvet bed, her cherry eyes followed the intricate patterns on the teak ceiling in the distance. The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows across the room, each one briefly illuminating the frustration etched on her face before plunging it back into shadow. Her mind raced with thoughts, piecing together the puzzle of her existence on this foreign world called Aerthos.
"Your Majesty," Aria murmured as she walked out of the royal chamber with the grace of a ghost. Plush velvet curtains whispered her exit as the candles flickered, their flames casting dancing shadows on the stone walls. The fat figure on the large four-poster bed stirred, his snoring echoing in the opulent room like distant thunder. He was an emperor lost in the realm of his own desires; his mind was as soft and supple as the feather pillows under his head.
His eyes shone with a cold, calculating glint. In this world of Aerthos, where power was as fleeting as a summer breeze, controlling men like King Vesil was essential. The scent of her lust was too strong; a scent that women have learned to manipulate with just a gesture, a shy smile and a strategically placed word. The roars of his power were a silent symphony that appealed to the primal desires of those around him, and the ropes he pulled grew tighter with each encounter. He entered the room specially prepared for him.
The soft knock at the door barely registered until it grew louder, more insistent. With a sigh, Aria wove the threads of time around her fingers before casting them aside. The door swung open to reveal Sayir, her stoic bodyguard, his eyes searching hers for any signs of weakness. His armor gleamed under the candlelight, a silent sentinel to the gravity of the situation.
"You've found him?" she demanded, her voice sharp as a dagger's edge.
Sayir's gaze remained steadfast. "No, Lady Aria, but we've narrowed it down. The name Revy Gray does not appear in our records. He is not from the East, West, or North Kingdoms."
Aria's eyes narrowed, and a hint of anger tinged her voice. "What about the South? Did you search the archives of the Southern Kingdoms?"
Sayir's expression remained neutral, a testament to his years of loyal service. "The South, Lady Aria, is a land of ruins and whispers. The archives are scattered, and the people there are as enigmatic as the shadows that dance upon the ancient stones. We've sent our best scouts, but information is scarce."
Aria's jaw tightened. "Then we must send someone with more... persuasive skills." She stood, her silk robe whispering against the floor as she moved to the large, ornate map hanging on the far wall. Her hand hovered over the Southern lands, where the once-thriving cities now lay in silent decay. "Send for the Shadow Guild. They're known to navigate the Forbidden Lands with ease. They will find this... Revy Gray."
Sayir bowed his head and said, 'Yes, sir.' Without looking up, he said, 'Sir, I'd like to ask you something, if you don't mind.'
Aria turned to Sayir and gestured with her right hand for him to raise his head.
Aria turned towards the window and looked up at the bright stars in the sky. 'he is my inevitable destiny.'