The crescent moon shines its moonlight upon the calm pond waters. Small lily pads blossom under the light, and turn golden in the hue of my lanterns.

I look out at the training house, and even look deeper, at the mountains and the awaiting rising sun.

Clutching the letter in my fist, I unravel it as my anger finally vanishes.

_My daughter,_

__

__

_This was the only way to protect you. Train to fight and fight for us all._

__

_-Father_

He sent me to this training camp in the blindness of night. I was taken without any goodbyes, forced away to a small, forgotten piece of land.

Worst of all, my training master is cruel.

“I hope you know that you’ll get no sleep tonight. Dawn is coming…so is our first training session,” an infuriating voice said, breaking my peace and silence.

I turn to see my training master smirking, his arms crossed.

“I wouldn’t have slept either way,” I whispered.

He walks away.

With his back to me, I allow myself to study him.

He’s roughly my age, young, yet I can tell he is experienced beyond his years.

Muscle packs him tough and scars are sprinkled on his skin, clearly showing his past.

I put my head in my hands and release a heavy breath.

“Come, your first session awaits,” he says.

“What’s your name?” I blurt.

“Riven Moonlure.”

I freeze.

I’m training with the crown Prince.