AURÉNTAL: Saeculum Dolore, Saeculum Natum

CHAPTER 1. Escape in the Night

Nighttime silence shrouded the lands of Aurental, but there was no peace in that silence. War between the noble houses ravaged the country like a plague, claiming dozens of lives each day. Peasants trembled at every rustle in the forest—for any sound could hide marauders, a punitive squad, or yet another band of mercenaries.

Even the sky seemed to have turned away from these accursed lands. The king, once the formidable protector of his domain, now either could not or would not intervene in feuds that did not touch him personally. Rumors multiplied like mushrooms after rain, and faith in the crown crumbled more each day.

Late autumn was surrendering to a brutal winter. An icy wind lashed their faces, leaving crimson streaks on skin. But for two young women from the kingdom's most powerful families, there was no road back anymore.

Vivien Burnside and Pauline Lenz trudged through the snow-laden forest, leaving behind everything they once called home. Their decision was reckless—defying fate, tradition, and the fear of the unknown. But what awaited them at home? Torture, a public execution for the nobles' entertainment?