Yelan woke up after another fit of heat. Her body was still warm, but she decided to take a walk to clear her mind. She walked into the garden of Almandine Castle alone, and by chance, it was a rare warm summer night in the North.
The garden's air was filled with the aroma of blooming flowers, and the soft breeze rustled through the leaves of the trees. Yelan wore her shawl, draping it over her shoulders. Her face was pale and expressionless, and her long, straight black hair flowed gently.
Her heart was heavy and uneasy.
Now that her fits of heat were becoming more and more frequent, she wondered if that meant 'the man' would come to her soon. Her brother told her that he would come when she turned 20, and she had just turned 19.
As she reached out to pick a rose from a nearby bush, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned around to find a man she had never seen before. He stood tall with an air of confidence. He had charming golden eyes and a captivating smile.