Chronicles of the Forsaken

The streets of the capital were alive with whispers. Their voices carried on the winds, murmuring about the mysterious second-born of the Valemont dynasty—the one who had defied every expectation, every norm. Seraphina's name had become a symbol of fear, a shadow cast over the streets like a dark omen.

Her arrival at Lord Sebastian Aurelian's estate was nothing short of theatrical. The towering stone walls of his mansion rose before her, gleaming in the dim light of dusk. The grandiose arches and ornate carvings on the gates screamed wealth and influence. It was here, in the heart of this decadent empire, that Seraphina would begin her transformation into something far more dangerous than anyone had anticipated.

She slipped past the guards with ease, her movements smooth and practiced. She knew how to blend in. She'd spent years learning to observe and mimic, to become a ghost in the shadows, unnoticed until it was too late. And tonight, Lord Sebastian would learn that mistakes made in the shadows could be fatal.

Inside the mansion, the music and laughter spilled into the halls. The revelry was intoxicating, and it was easy to see how the people of the kingdom were drawn to Sebastian's opulence. Yet, all Seraphina saw was a target—one that needed to be destroyed.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she navigated through the crowded hallways. The ballroom was filled with noblemen, politicians, and influential merchants—all dancing around each other in the delicate web of power. It was a game she had yet to master, but tonight, she would take the first step.

Her eyes scanned the room, landing on Sebastian. He was tall, his silver hair shining in the light of the chandeliers, a devilish smile playing on his lips as he conversed with a group of diplomats. There was nothing about him that seemed dangerous—not on the surface. But Seraphina knew better. His hands were stained with the lives of many. He was the one who had been feeding her father's secrets to the Emperor, ensuring the Valemonts stayed in his debt, the kingdom's future held by the tip of his fingers.

It was time for the puppet to meet its end.

Seraphina approached the group, her posture confident, yet composed. She wasn't here to draw attention—no, she was here to blend into the background, to appear as just another noblewoman at a lavish affair. Yet, every movement she made carried the weight of her mission, the knowledge that soon, there would be no turning back.

A servant passed by with a tray of wine, and Seraphina caught his arm, guiding him to where Sebastian was standing. "My lord," she said, her voice laced with false sweetness. "A drink for the esteemed Lord Aurelian."

Sebastian turned toward her, his smile widening as he surveyed her appearance. He was no fool—he could tell immediately that she wasn't from this part of the city. The way she held herself, the way she spoke, it was all too regal, too polished. But his interest was piqued.

"Ah, the second-born of the Valemonts," he said, his tone mocking. "What a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I must admit, I had heard rumors about your… sudden disappearance from the family estate."

Seraphina smiled, her eyes cold. "I prefer to make my own decisions, Lord Aurelian. It seems that's a rarity in these halls."

The words were laced with venom, but Sebastian's smirk never faltered. He took the goblet from her, lifting it to his lips. "You've got quite the reputation, Princess. I hear you've been causing quite a stir. But tell me—why would someone as… talented as yourself find herself in a place like this?"

It was a dangerous game, and for a moment, Seraphina considered her response. But the fire within her had already begun to burn too brightly to hide. "Power, my lord. Isn't that why we're all here?"

Sebastian's eyes narrowed slightly. "You're an interesting one, Seraphina Valemont. But I'm afraid I don't play games with children. This isn't a place for amateurs."

Seraphina's hand tightened around the hilt of the dagger concealed beneath her cloak. He thinks me a child. That thought was the last spark needed to set her resolve aflame.

"I don't need to play your games, Sebastian," she whispered. "I'm here to end them."

With a swift movement, she drew the dagger, slicing through the air with precision. Sebastian's eyes widened in shock, but it was too late. The blade found its mark, pressing against his neck before he could even react. Blood began to trickle from the small wound, staining his fine clothes.

A gasp of surprise echoed around the room as the guests froze in terror.

Seraphina leaned in, her lips brushing against his ear, whispering just loud enough for only him to hear. "You thought you were untouchable, didn't you? That your alliances and your secrets would save you. But you never counted on one thing."

Sebastian's breath hitched, his face pale as the blood continued to seep from the wound. "What—what are you—"

"I'm the shadow in the corner you've ignored for too long," Seraphina hissed. "And I'm here to show you that your strings are about to be cut."

With that, she pushed him away, letting him stagger backward. The dagger remained in his side, and the life drained from his eyes with every second that passed.

The room erupted into chaos, but Seraphina remained calm. The guests screamed and fled, the sound of their footsteps pounding in her ears. But she stood there, watching as Sebastian's life slowly ebbed away.

A voice from the corner of the room called out, a familiar tone carrying through the air. "What have you done?"

Seraphina turned, her heart skipping a beat as she saw Caius step into the room. His eyes glowed with approval, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"You've made your first mark," he said, his voice a soft murmur. "And I dare say… it's a memorable one."

As the blood of Lord Sebastian pooled at her feet, Seraphina felt the full weight of her actions. This was only the beginning. The kingdom would never forget her name.