AVELINE

As the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, I stepped out of the manor for what I hoped would be a new beginning. The sun's rays illuminated the path ahead, but my heart felt heavy with the weight of my family's indifference. There were no goodbyes, no kind words, just the oppressive silence that followed me as I departed. My family seemed to care little for my absence, a fact that both sting and liberates me.

With only a piece of bread clutched in my hand, I settled into the carriage for the long journey ahead. The wooden seat felt hard beaneath me, and as the carriage rattled over the uneven roads, I stared out at the passing landscape, the feeling of chill of the outside air seep into my bones. It is a stark reminder that I have leave behind not just my family, but the warmth of home—though it never truly felt like home. A cold wind blew through the cracks of the carriage, and I realized that I did not pack any warm clothing for this journey.

As the hour stretched on, my thoughts drifted to the Duke of North, Duke Edric Lytheryss, the man I would soon meet. What will he think of me? Will he see me as the outcast I have always been, a weak little girl unworthy of his attenion? Or might he accpet me as the way I am' These thoughts swirled in my mind, anxious storm of uncertainty as the carriage its journey, passing the northen border and into the Duke's territory.

Finally, the imposing silhouette of the Duke's estate emerged against the sky. The gates creaked open, revealing an expansive courtyard that seemed to dwarf me. The air felt heavy with the expectation as I was led into the castle and summoned to the throne room. As I entered, the Duke sat upon his elevated seat, a figure of authority and strength. The Duke have the same hair colour as me, except his eye is blue in coloured. He looked down at me with an expression of surprise etched across his chiseled features. I stand before him, a small, fragile girl with a demeanor that betrayed my inner strength. I could feel the weight of his gaze, questioning her worth, as he turned to his right-hand man, Sir Derrick

"Is this truly the best they could send?" the Duke asked, his voice echoing off the hollow room. "Do the House of Thorne have no capable individuals? Only this weak girl?"

I felt confusion wash over me. Weak? I did not come here to be judged for my appearance but to prove myself. The Duke's word determined me to show him that I am more than he assumed.

"Your Grace," Sir Derrick interjected, attempting to defend me.

The Dukes's piercing gaze returned to me. "What abilities do you possess?" he asked, scrutinizing me closely.

With a steady breath, I met his gaze. "I possess magical abilities," I revealed, my voice stronger than I felt.

The Duke raises an eyebrow, intrigued but skeptical. He summoned a magician to assess her mana levels, and I felt a flicker of nervousness. Will my power be enough to change his mind about me? When the magician completed his examination, his eye widened in atonishment. 'Your Grace, her mana levels are remarkably high!" I felt the sense of relief. "Very well," the Duke said, a hint of approval in his voice. "Sir Derrick, take her to her room. She will need to acclimate to her new surroundings."