Chapter 1 - Capture
Selene was a beautiful girl. She had long, silky hair that matched her eyes and rosy lips along with a nicely curved archer's bow that complimented her fair complexion perfectly. Her nose was slim and curved upwards with a feminine tilt. Her cheekbones were high enough on her face to create a slight shadow underneath them. This combination of features in addition to her mature composure resulted in a delicate, but intelligent appearance. Not only was her beauty the envy of many - Selene had been born into a powerful Demacian household that rivaled the Crownguards.
Selene's upbringing was intended to transform her into a noble lady. Regularly would she be instructed in many subjects, including etiquette, history, arts, geography, and other topics that were expected of a high-ranking aristocrat. Although she never openly stated her dissatisfaction about being taught such things, Selene secretly felt that her aptitude for learning would be better used elsewhere, specifically, the arcane.
Out of curiosity, Selene began to secretly experiment with the mana that flowed within her veins, excited to test the limits of her power. Aided by ancient, archived writings and her intuition, Selene quickly absorbed all of the knowledge available to herself. She started with simple spells, such as levitating objects and controlling inanimate objects, but quickly advanced to manipulating her mana in such a way that it could accomplish anything within the limits of her imagination. She had become, without a doubt, one of the most powerful magic wielders in the history of Runeterra.
Selene sighed. Her governess had caught her reading another book that she had stolen from Demacia's grand library. "Why can't you just leave me alone? It's not like I'm committing treason by reading this. I do everything that you ask of me, so why can you not make an exception?"
Olga, her governess, replied, "You know very well why I cannot allow this sort of thing to happen in the household. If rumors of your fascination with magic were to be made known to the public, your future would be devastated! Demacia's treatment of mages is no secret!"
Frustrated, Selene turned her back to Olga and stalked past the glass doors that led to her balcony. It was her favorite section of her grandiose bedroom. Sometimes she would lean against the marble railings of her balcony at night, bathing in the luminous moonlight while enjoying the feeling of a slightly chilling, but gentle breeze. It instilled within her a sense of contentment and liberty, something she did not experience in her routine life. However, with Olga silently staring at her back, it just didn't feel the same.
"Don't follow me. I'm going to the gardens," Selene muttered as she pushed past Olga.
"Be back for supper, or else your mother will be very worried," solemnly stated the stout woman.
After making certain that Olga was nowhere within hearing range, Selene dashed down a regularly-waxed imperial staircase, careful to not slip. She eagerly continued through a hallway and out a pair of mahogany doors, and was promptly greeted by the scent of moonflowers and blossoming fruit trees, as well as warm sunlight that filtered through the clouds above. The moonflowers Selene had chosen to care for by herself, and the result was magnificent - the flowers appeared healthy and not a blemish resided upon their petals. The milky-white color of the flower gave off a bright glow despite it being daytime.
The weather is so wonderful… it would truly be a shame if I returned indoors so soon. Glancing around, Selene made the quick decision to sketch the spring landscape surrounding herself.
A few hours later, sometime just before dusk, Selene completed her sketch. If any passerby had laid eyes upon her canvas, they would have lavished praise upon her and perhaps offered a small fortune to obtain the masterpiece. While Selene's sketch was just that - a sketch - somehow the art appeared alive and vibrant. Proud but tired, Selene packed her supplies and made her way back to the estate.
Selene made it halfway down the path leading back before a pebble clattered in front of her feet.
"Who's there?!" demanded Selene. Her eyes shifted warily, watching for an unwelcome intruder. Unwilling to take any chances, Selene ignited a small flame in the palm of her right hand, careful not to let it burn too brightly lest any members of her household discover her affinity for magic. With the art supplies pinned underneath her left arm, Selene rushed home. Suddenly, a thump sounded behind her before a rough hand smothered her budding scream.
"MMPHH! ET O Uh Mm!" came a muffled protest from her mouth. Her arms had been pinned behind her back, causing the art supplies to clatter to the ground. Any option of fighting back was eliminated. Panic rose in her chest, threatening to erupt into another shriek. All Selene could think about was if she was breathing her last.
"Don't scream, pretty girl," a rich and deep male voice murmured next to her ear. From his tone alone, Selene already knew that he was grinning and enjoying the moment. Without a second of delay, a practiced blow to her mandible rendered her unconscious.