Author's Note:

Hello, my peeps!

I just wanted to say that there is a lot of folklore out there and this story is loosely based on it, but mainly from my imagination. Please remember that. I hope you all enjoy this story!

I stood watching from the window of my room out to the valleys of our kingdom, villages, and wonders alike of this realm.

The invasion had started and war was surely to follow closely behind.

This situation was all because I refused to bow down and accept the proposal of any suitors my parents deemed worthy of my hand. I refused to accept any of the suitors or bow down to the orders of my parents.

This wouldn't be happening if my older sister, Annette, had just agreed to marry Ed of the fifth realm, instead of running away and eloping with Byron, her guard.

It left me being pulled into a betrothal I didn't want or need.

I wanted to be free. Free of marriage. Free of any royal obligations.

Unfortunately for me, I had no option left, for my brother was already betrothed to Lady Katherine of the human world. That left only me.

Mother and father enforced it, and all but forced me to promise to accept one of the suitors. The word forced more like it. But

I refused all of the suitors, even a few who sent representation in their place, and this is what resulted.

A war. The bloodshed of our people, all because I refused to accept.

I tear fell down the side of my face as I turned and made my way down the wide corridor. To the portal, I had opened inside my closet.

Come dawn all would know that I refused all the suitors, including the one who was sent in representation of the Dragon realm.

All of them lacked a connection, and empathy of the situation, and acted as if this was a business deal, rather than a marriage. So, I refused, because it didn't seem right.

So, I dishearteningly rejected the proposals.

This caused all of the suitors to leave, some in anger, others without a care.

As I grabbed the enchanted satchel I had prepared for these cases before looking out the window once more.

The strike of ten was heard through the kingdom, and I knew the time was growing closer as I turned.

Screams and smoke traveled through the air as men from the other realms filled the villages.

In the middle of the courtyard of the edge of the village hung the bodies of innocent people who had just been condemned for petty crimes.

Screams of the dead victims still hanging in the hazy air. The air itself was heavy with the smell of burnt flesh, and the distinct smell of smoke lingering in the air.

Most if not all the houses were set on fire. Very few that were made of stones still stood, without the wooden ceilings, or hay a top. No doors, or glass remained.

More destruction ensues as more portals begin to open.

Our armies are already beginning to fight back as they try to keep the raiders away from the castle.

Remorse raked at my heart, as I took one last glance at the scene.

Wiping the tears formed in my eyes as I slowly wrap my cloak around my body.

I leave behind the memories of my current life.

I had seen the place where I would be hiding.

A place which can only be reached through the correct portal. Limited magic, and knowledge of nature or the elements. But it had to be done.

If I didn't leave I would end up hurt. Or worse.

My parents would be alright. They always were fearless, stouthearted, and wielded ancient powers which hadn't been seen since the beginning of time.

They would be alright, I knew they would be.

It was I who was in true danger since I refused the suitors.

I had to leave for my own safety.

To a safe haven.

A place for freedom to finally be touched.

A new home.

It has been close to ninety moons since I arrived in this realm.

I immediately asked for asylum from the humans in charge of this region. Given how quickly word has spread about the situation, I was granted it almost immediately.

I had been here almost exactly one year in this realm's time when my older brother, Garrett arrived. He found me almost immediately, despite the spells I placed on my appearance, and has refused to leave my side.

Even after I asked, no, implored him to go back, and defend our home.

He refused, justifying that he was to remain at my side until I went back. Father's orders.

So, here I was, at what these people consider to be the age of twenty-two, living with my older brother, and Grand Cross of the White Swan battalion, in the town of Hoquiam.

"I don't understand why you refused to come back, the Dragon realm has sent out a cease-fire, and sent orders to the other realms to do the same or their armies will burn their realms down." He informed me.

They what-?!

I frowned as I stared down at the assortment of fruit I had been eating mindlessly. "Are you saying that the Royal Dragon family of Vespera has offered its alliance to our home in Elysianth?" I asked in disbelief.

He nodded. "Yes, only one demon sector has refused to yield, and that has enforced all the royals' decision to join our cause." He informed me.

I frowned, "Who is it?" I asked as I felt my eyes cloud over.

He stared at me for a long time, before sighing in defeat. "Runevior sector. Run by James Hunter." He finally replied as I felt my stomach begin churning uncomfortably.

A sharp breath left my lips, as was pulled into a mirage of what I could only describe as the future. There, I saw our beloved home engulfed by flames.

"Only you can stop this fate, little fae." The masculine timbre spoke.

I gasped as the sound of the voice ripped through me. Gripping me like a vice as I felt my body fall backward as I felt my mind get pulled away from the present.

Something had changed, and it meant that things could be truly good or truly bad.

Which one remained to be seen.