"Whispers of Hope and Sacrifice"

3rd POV.

In the opulent study of the grand manor, the nobleman, known for his prestigious lineage, sat across from William, a young man who had spent his life in an orphanage. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as the nobleman prepared to reveal a life-altering proposition.

"I must confess, William, that there is more to me than meets the eye," the nobleman began, his voice carrying an air of authority. "I am not simply a nobleman; I am the sole Duke of Swan, a title that carries immense responsibility and influence."

William's eyes widened in surprise, realizing the magnitude of the man sitting before him. He had always imagined nobility as distant figures with little connection to the hardships of ordinary people.

The Duke continued, his expression softening with a mix of resolve and compassion. "I have learned of your efforts in caring for the orphanage's children, your selflessness and dedication. It has moved me deeply, and I wish to offer my assistance to secure a brighter future for them."

The weight of the Duke's words hung in the air, leaving William in a state of awe and curiosity. "How can I possibly decline such a generous offer?" William responded, his voice filled with a mixture of gratitude and confusion. "But what would you ask in return?"

The Duke's gaze held a touch of sadness as he spoke of a grave situation. "My daughter, you see, is facing a life-threatening illness. Time is running out, and only a rare ritual can save her. The ritual requires the life force of a person who possesses the elemental ability of wind, the very power your kind heart harnesses."

William's breath caught in his throat, his mind racing to comprehend the enormity of the situation. He had always known he possessed a unique power, an innate connection to the element of wind, but to be asked to give his life force for anther's survival was a burden he had never anticipated.

The Duke's eyes bore into William's, filled with a desperate hope. "I understand the weight of my request, and I assure you, William, that I would not ask this of you if there were any other way. I have exhausted every resource, searched tirelessly for someone who meets the conditions required to save my daughter. Yet, fate has led me to you."

Silence enveloped the room as William grappled with the enormity of the decision before him. The orphanage, filled with innocent children relying on him for their future, weighed heavily on his heart. On the other hand, an innocent life hung in the balance, and the Duke's unwavering determination revealed a father's love.

A round, sad smile played upon William's lips when he realized that just a moment ago he had been ready to give his life for this man just for the reason that he had saved the life of a person whose existence had granted him the opportunity to live until this very moment.

And now, that man is asking his life ,he found himself willingly offering his life force to save the Duke's beloved daughter. William bowed his head in reverence and said, "I am at your service, my Lord." He meant it with all his heart. He was ready to give his life for this man, and for the Duke's daughter, with no hesitation.

After William's resolute response, a small word of gratitude escaped the Duke's lips. With a nod, he took his leave, leaving William alone in the room. As the Duke exited, he was greeted by a man named Charlie, who stood waiting for him just outside the door.

"Good morning, Sir Duke," Charlie greeted respectfully.

" sir, Charlie" the Duke acknowledged Charlie's presence.

Curiosity glinted in Charlie's eyes as he inquired, "Did everything go well, Sir Duke?"

The Duke's expression softened as he replied, "Yes, what you said was true. He is indeed a wind elemental user, and he has agreed to my request."

Charlie's disappointment was evident on his face as he kept his gaze fixed on the Duke's retreating figure. The Duke had taken a few steps ahead when he suddenly stopped, causing Charlie to pause as well. With a knowing smile, the Duke turned to face Charlie and reassured him, "Don't worry, you will receive your reward."

The mention of a reward made Charlie's excitement burst forth, causing him to jump with joy. He eagerly glanced towards the room where William was resting, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"Thank you, my golden hen," Charlie exclaimed, his voice filled with gratitude and enthusiasm. Laughing with unrestrained delight, he swiftly made his way from the scene, his heart brimming with anticipation for the future.

Unbeknownst to William, the Duke's promise of a reward was directed towards Charlie, the man who had brought William to the Duke's attention. Charlie had played a crucial role in connecting their paths, and his efforts had not gone unnoticed by the Duke.

While the events unfolded in one place, in another corner, a young girl sat on a queen-size bed, her eyes closed in deep concentration as she engaged in a conversation with someone unseen.

"Really?!" Her voice carried a tinge of excitement and disbelief. "He has actually come for me?!"

A surge of relief and happiness washed over her. Finally, the hope of regaining her ability to walk and play freely flooded her heart.

"Mother, I must meet him as soon as possible. Please take me to where he is now." Her eagerness prompted her to rise from the bed, ready to embark on this long-awaited encounter.

"Hold on, my dear. You can't go like this," her mother intervened, halting her impulsive motion.

"Yes, you are right, mother," she sighed, acknowledging her mother's concern.

"But I can't meet him in this state. Mother, where is the dress that Dad bought me for my birthday? I want to wear it. I want to be in my best attire when I meet him." With determination, she headed towards her wardrobe, the anticipation of this special meeting igniting her every movement.

"That's not what I meant, Grace." Her mother's firm grasp wrapped around her waist, preventing her from reaching her desired dress.

Grace struggled to break free, her voice filled with protest. "But, Mother!"

"No 'buts'," her mother glared at her, conveying both authority and love.

"But he is here, Mom!" Grace's pout revealed her frustration and yearning.

"I know, my sweetie. But you can't meet him now. He is engaged in a crucial discussion with your father. Just be patient for a little longer, okay?" Her mother guided her back to the bed, settling herself next to her daughter.

"But can't I at least meet him while he talks to Father?" Grace's innocence and persistence persisted.

"No, my love. We can't interrupt them like this. Your father and he are discussing important matters," her mother explained gently, aware of Grace's curiosity.

"What kind of important matters?" Grace's inquisitive nature shone through her innocent eyes.

Her mother paused, feigning deep contemplation, before flashing a mischievous smile. "Perhaps... about your marriage."

Embarrassment flushed Grace's face, turning it a shade of red. In a pretend fit of anger, she grabbed a pillow and hurled it toward her mother, who deftly evaded the makeshift projectile while laughing. With a playful farewell, her mother left Grace's room.

Once outside, her mother's laughter subsided, replaced by a hint of sadness as she reflected on her daughter's journey. Grace had faced a debilitating illness since the tender age of five. Countless healers and doctors had failed to diagnose her condition, except for the realization that her life force was depleting with every movement. Desperate to find a cure, her father had explored every avenue to no avail. However, a hidden scroll revealed the existence of a ritual where a wind elemental user could transfer their life force to another. But strict conditions accompanied the ritual: the person must willingly sacrifice themselves, and the age gap between the parties should not exceed ten years.

Grace's father, the Duke of Sawn, faced an insurmountable challenge—finding a willing wind elemental user who was also willing to sacrifice their own life. Hope dwindled, and Grace, with tear-filled eyes, would implore her father to save her. She would pray to the gods fervently, seeking a miracle. Then, a prophet visited their mansion, foretelling the arrival of a savior seven years in the future—a person who would hold the key to Grace's deliverance.

Grace, having heard the prophet's prophecy, wove fantasies in her mind about the person who would break her curse. She immersed herself in fairy tales of princes rescuing princesses, dreaming of her own rescue. And now, the embodiment of her dreams had appeared before her, overflowing with energy. Little did she know that this person, who would save her, came at the cost of their own life.

Graciela Sawn, mother of Grace, whispered softly, her heart heavy with concern, "I pray she won't be heartbroken when she finds out."