Prologue

On a night without stars and moonlight, a small girl, around the age of five, wandered through the darkened woods. The air echoed with the sounds of chirping insects, croaking frogs, and buzzing bugs, yet none posed any concern to her.

Flowing down to her hips, her silver hair cascaded along her back, complementing her silver eyes—a perfect contrast to the darkness of the forest floor

The darkness of the night didn't seem to bother her and her vision remained unhindered as she moved swiftly yet steadily through the forest. The cold, a white fog, failed to affect her.

Any child her age would be frightened just being near the dense and dark forest. The tales told of the forest had kept many away young and old alike. Those who were brave enough to step into the forest, exited it in fright. But she seems to be the only exception. She appears to know every route. Every turn that she took, she did without a second thought.

She continued to walk deeper into the forest until she came to stand before a cave.

Around the cave's mouth, about a thirty-foot radius was dense black fog that seemed to be alive. It contrasted with the white fog right next to it. She stood at a foot distance and stared into the cave.

After a minute, she stepped into the fog and headed for the cave. Inside, a lone flame torch barely illuminated its surroundings.

The little girl stood before a casket, old but remarkably preserved over the years. Its weathered exterior hinted at the passage of time it had endured, yet the seal appeared fresh as if it had been recently affixed.

The little girl placed her right hand on the casket, causing it to shake. The cave trembled in response to her touch. Inscriptions emerged on the casket, but she paid them no mind, proceeding to unseal it.

Her motions were rapid and fluid, suggesting a skill mastered over an extended period of time. With precise and swift movements, she broke the seal, and the lid swung open.

Within lay a man, reclined on his back. His features were sharp and beautiful. Despite being deeply asleep, he emitted a dangerous aura that sent chills down the spines of anyone within a mile radius.

Stepping back, the little girl sensed the overwhelming power emanating from the unconscious man.

Suddenly, his eyes fluttered open, revealing a pair of crimson orbs that met her gaze. She held her breath, but she displayed no fear in her countenance. he sat up, long, untrimmed dark hair danced with the wind before settling behind him.

His gaze appeared unfocused as he scanned the surroundings, finally fixing on the little girl who continued to stare at him without uttering a word.

In an instant, he vanished from the casket and reappeared standing before her. He loomed over her while she cocked her head up to meet his gaze.

"What is your name?" He went down on a knee and asked. She should be afraid but she was not. She was also able to set him free after a millennium. Although he was in deep slumber, he was aware of every passing day and of all those who had tried to free him but failed.

"My time is up," the little girl said. Her soft voice was a soothing melody to his ears.

"Tell me your name and I will find you," he said, staring deep into her eyes. He touched her cheek so he could read her mind but he was unable to.

The little girl opened her mouth to speak, "Hella..." but at that moment, she was clouded by a light beam and she vanished.

He stood up but his eyes never left the spot where she once stood.

"My Lord," he heard a surprised voice coming from the cave's entrance and his gaze moved to the one who had called to him.

"You are set free, My Lord." Another voice said. Slowly, shadows emerged and surrounded him, falling on their knees in reverence of him.

"Welcome back, My Lord," they said in unison.