It had been such a wonderful day. Her adorable little sister, Elise, had come to visit her at the Northern Fortress. The last time Elise had been allowed to depart from the capital to visit her was a month ago! Alas, her adorable little sister still needed to take her boring lessons in how to be a "proper" princess.

Corrin internally scoffed at the thought. Her father had learned early on in her life that she wished to follow in Camilla's footsteps. She didn't want to just live life quietly until she was married off. She was going to be a warrior princess!

Her father had accepted her demands when she was a child, allowing her to follow her dreams. Instead of sitting through those dull etiquette lessons on how to be a proper lady, she had been granted rulership over the Northern Fortress. He had conditions.

While Camilla was out helping Nohr prosper, Corrin had to continue her training until her father was satisfied with her martial prowess. Only then would Corrin be allowed to depart from the Northern Fortress to join Camilla in the field of battle.

Things at the Northern Fortress weren't that bad. Old man Gunter, a veteran knight her father had insisted she take on as her steward, was a great teacher! While Elise was learning the differences between all the forks at the dinner table, Corrin was busy studying the blade. Corrin loved Elise, but her little sister's stories about her daily life at the castle with their father was so boring!

Still, Corrin was glad Elise had visited her. The Northern Fortress was a small castle city, so Corrin had dragged Elise off into the city to show her people off to her little sister. The merchants were always so kind to Corrin whenever she left the castle to explore her city. One of the kind ladies in the market even gave little Elise a basket of flowers!

Corrin loved her people. She never regretted her decision to follow in Camilla's footsteps. She only hoped that she would be able to prove to her father that she was ready to depart from home. That she was ready to lead forces to save Nohr just like Camilla.

Corrin looked outside of her bedroom window, the moon high in the night sky. She needed to get better, much better. Gunter, oldy that he was, still thrashed her around the sparring yard. Elise had mentioned something interesting during her visit. Their father was going to host a tournament in the capital in the coming months.

The legendary General Walhart was in charge of the tournament. Corrin knew with him at the helm of the event, promising warriors from around the continent would come flocking to participate. Her and her siblings were expected to be in attendance, but Corrin had been struck by an idea.

Corrin clenched her hand into a fist, "I'll prove my strength…"

What better way to prove she was ready to join Nohr's army than to crush all those promising fighters under her foot?

Under the light of the moon, she promised herself that she would grow stronger. Strong enough to put up a real fight by the time the tournament began. Strong enough to prove herself to her father.

It was at that moment, long into the night, the screaming started.

Corrin's sharp ears heard pained screaming coming from somewhere within the castle. Without even thinking, Corrin rushed out of her room, only momentarily stopping to grab a dagger off of her wardrobe.

In nothing but her nightwear, dagger in hand, she rushed towards the source of the screams. Her heart was beating, she recognized the voice. Lilith.

Her personally chosen retainer. Not just another servant among the rest, but her best friend.

Corrin rushed a few doors down from her own room. She had insisted Lilith stayed nearby instead of sleeping within the dedicated servant's living area of the castle. If said decision had put Lilith at risk, she would never forgive herself.

Corrin reached Lilith's door, grabbing the handle with her free hand. The door was locked.

Lilith was screaming.

"Lilith!" Corrin shouted as she pulled against the door again.

Corrin could hear others rushing towards her location from the hallway. She didn't have time for the extra help to arrive.

With all of her might, Corrin slammed her shoulder into the wooden door as she pulled against the handle. The door groaned, she shoved herself against it again. Again. Again.

It gave way. Corrin just barely managed to keep balanced as she fell forwards into the room.

She looked around the devastated bedroom. The curtains of Lilith's window were torn, the furniture shattered. Sat in the middle of the rubble was Lilith, collapsed upright upon her knees. Her best friend was staring up at the ceiling, her teeth clenched in what looked like pain.

Corrin rushed to her side, dropping her dagger. Lilith looked to be in so much pain. Lilith's lips were bleeding, bitten raw. Her hair was a mess.

Corrin knelt before Lilith, desperately shaking her shoulder, "Lilith! Please!"

Corrin was panicking. She didn't know what to do. She couldn't heal her friend!

Tears were falling from Corrin's eyes. She was powerless until help arrived. Whatever had happened hurt her friend.

It was faint. A whisper.

Corrin's ears wiggled as she just barely made out the pained voice of Lilith.

"C-Corrin…"

With little warning, Lilith launched herself at her. Lilith hugged her fiercely, almost unbearably tight.

"Corrin… I," Her friend's voice was filled with grief.

Lilith's tone made Corrin cry harder. She couldn't help herself. What had happened to her?

"...I'm back," Lilith muttered.

Corrin felt Lilith's hold tighten around her as they continued their hug.

"I'm back," Lilith's tone was firmer.

Corrin didn't get it. She didn't understand what was wrong with her friend. She didn't know what Lilith meant. It didn't matter. She was just glad to hear her voice without pain.

Corrin's voice cracked as she responded to her best friend, "W-welcome back!"

Guards came rushing through the broken door, swords drawn.

Amongst all the destruction, the only things the guards could see were two girls crying as they held onto each other for dear life.