The early morning sun streamed through the small window, illuminating the dull room. Well, not really a room—more like a cell. A prison.

  Zora sighed, anticipating another boring and bleak day ahead. Her days consisted of pacing around her room, peering out through the narrow window, or trying to hone her ability. Her Ability. The very reason she was locked up in the first place.

  She was only twelve when the voices started—voices of people around her, all speaking at once in her mind. Zora remembered it vividly: the immense pain, the way she clutched her head in agony, trying to drown out the noise. It turns out she was a Telepath. Telepaths were immensely rare, perhaps even extinct—until Zora's ability appeared. But with her power came horror: she couldn't control it, and the pain caused her to lash out, accidentally killing two members of the royal court. Zora had inflicted a mental pain so dreadful, their minds couldn't handle it.

  She was a princess by birth, belonging to the kingdom of Velar, where her father ruled and those of royal blood had abilities. She had two sisters and a brother who were acknowledged as royalty, while Zora was hidden away in secret, far from the prying eyes of the kingdom. She never knew her mother—supposedly, she died shortly after childbirth—and the King seemed to resent Zora for this, as though blaming her for the queen's death.

  Zora often thought about escape: from her dull room, her heartless father, her cruel siblings, her entire life. But escape wasn't an option—she had nowhere to go. Sure, she could use her abilities to break out, will people to help her, and disappear far from the palace. But Zora couldn't bring herself to exploit others for her own gain. She knew the guilt would follow her forever. So, she accepted the reality: she was likely condemned to a life of solitude.

  She couldn't remember the last time she'd been outside. Still, she remembered the lush green of the earth, the array of roses in the garden, and the cool splash of water from the stream.

  A sudden thump of footsteps interrupted her thoughts. Over the years, Zora had learned to suppress the thoughts of others, but she couldn't resist reaching out with her mind whenever the servant came to deliver her meals. Staying informed was the only way to hold on to her sanity. But as she reached out, her eyes widened in shock—it wasn't a servant. It was the King. Her father.

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  The door creaked open, and he stepped in, observing her with his usual cold gaze.

  "H-hello, Father," Zora said.

  The King studied her for a moment, then got straight to the point.

  "Get up, and follow me."

  Zora was stunned. She couldn't remember the last time she'd left her room—let alone a time her father came in and asked her to come with him.

  Eagerly, she rose and followed him down the steps of the long tower. The halls were empty. Not a soul in sight. He led her to his study and gestured for her to sit.

  "I'm sure you're curious as to why I've called you here," he said. "I'm not sure how much you know about the Umbral kingdom, given your... predicament."

  "I do know about them," Zora answered hesitantly. "Though probably not anything recent. I remember they were considered enemies due to a past conflict... and there were two princes. But I think they were quite young back when I..." She trailed off, unsure how to finish.

  The King simply nodded.

  "Yes, the princes are around your age now. Seventeen or so—one a bit older. Their names are Cole and Kael, and their father is King Aizen."

  He continued, explaining the history and the tension between their kingdoms. Decades ago, Velar had murdered a royal from Umbral, fueling hostility. He also described the princes' abilities. Cole, the eldest, was believed to be darkness itself, able to manipulate shadows to his will. He was said to be brute and openly vicious, whereas Kael was quiet and calculating, no less dangerous. His ability caused complete sensory deprivation—no sight, no touch, no sound. Victims were trapped in void-like nothingness, drained of power and paralyzed unless Kael chose to release them.

  "In the past few months, Velar has been suffering," the King continued. "Drought and famine have struck us hard, and our wealth and resources have dwindled. The Umbral kingdom has offered a truce—on one condition. A bride for one of their princes. I've chosen your sister, Nyra, to wed the eldest. The Umbral royals will arrive in two days. I want you to use your abilities during their visit. I need information. I know they're up to something, and I plan to stop it. Do you understand?"

  Zora felt like she was spiraling. The moment her father said he wanted to use her powers, the traumatic memories surged back—lifeless bodies, unbearable guilt, the shame of what she was.

  Still, she pushed the memories down, swallowed her fear, and forced a smile.

  "Of course, Father."