Chapter 1

The damp smell lingers in the air despite the sun shining brightly which means it's a start of a new day in the capital city of Gerulta: Silva. Named after the Goddess Silvana, goddess of the blazing sun. They said during war of the gods, not only did the Goddess Silvana grace the mortal people with her presence of elegance and motherly love but also with power and strength as she stood to protect the humans from extinction against the other Gods. The story says and that among the Gods, she stood without fear and lead the battle to victory wearing her golden armor. She feared no other Gods, yet the gods feared her. Among the Gods, mortals, despite lack of power to fight still stood together with Silvana. Some of the Gods of old believe that it's time for the realm of men to end as they see no benefit of it nor excitement. It was the same cycle of cruelty and gentleness, love and hate. The Gods were bored.

The mortal realm of men faced the Gods with no fears and doubts. And because of their bravery, the Goddess herself bestow upon them the blessing of magic. Not just Silvana but some other gods who stood by the goddess did as well. Opening their worldly perception of the world, they were able to tap into the realm of magic. Among these men stood four great warriors that the Goddess loved and blessed the most. These four were given greater power and understanding of the world. They were also the key instruments of the victory that the realm of men embraced. The Gods have seen these men and women of the Great War and could not help but admire the tenacity and bravery. Yes, thousands were lost but never their faith and hope for freedom. So the Gods decided to give men a chance to survive as they were intrigued of how the new world will change. Human kind's loyalty and bravery, viciousness and cunningness seemed like a good entertainment for them. Magic. That's what changed. That what made mortals pleasing in the eyes of gods. How will their values be affected? Will cruelty be rampant? Or will justice prevail now that mankind is given a new dawn to embrace. Thus the start of the Era of magic.

Gerulta was known as the Kingdom of Gods. It was in this part of the continent where the battle happened and where the mortal men proved their worth. Amidst this kingdom is the city of magic and progress. Silva. Magic as the source of life and living became an instrument for the economic and political boost of the city. Though proclaimed as a Kingdom, Gerulta is actually ruled by a council spearheaded by the four founding family. Argent, Mercer, Fleur, and Salvator.

These families are descendants of the the four Great warriors. Generation after generation, these families never failed to produce outstanding members with talents beyond the commons. The families are born of great talent, weapon mastery, entrepreneurship, and politics. The four families have a tacit understanding to stand on equal grounds. Thus the council is made to keep the balance of power abiding the law made based on the will and values of the goddess herself.

Silva, where the four great families reside, is as lively as always. Today was the harvest festival of the year. Blessed with abundance, the streets of the city is filled with life. Vendors selling their goods. From food stalls to trinkets, weapons and magic scrolls. The streets have it all. Merchants from across the continents travel across the continent to partake in these festival, giving thanks to the Goddess.

In the far east of the city, an estate stood with black walls embedded with moonstones, a gate with an intricate design of a S with a sword piercing it downswards. The Salvator Family residence.

A little girl of four years of age, black hair and and golden eyes, was slowly creeping her way out from the second floor avoiding the maidservants and guards around the estate.

"Make sure that there are enough guards for the family, the festival this year seems a little too crowded" A woman with long black hair, was busy reading through the documents as she said this. Lifting her head up with her distinctive golden eyes and sharp jawlines. A feature that sets the Salvators among the rest. The woman was on her 40's but her beauty was still on her prime. Strong and powerful. An epitome of Beauty ageing gracefully.

Her green eyes rested on young girl on her teens, same black hair and golden eyes. "Yes Mother, I've made the preparations already. It seems like representatives from other countries have arrived as well. Kalva sent their prince and princess, and the Dovania's third prince came as well. If I may ask mother, what is different with this year's festival? It's seems like other countries are paying more attention to it."

"So you've noticed?"

"At first, I thought it was normal that we have an influx of merchants coming into the city, but it seems like even the royal families across the continent are paying us a visit."

"Tell me my dear daughter, did you sense anything when you woke up this morning."

"Apart from the Ether which seems to be a lot denser…. But I thought it could be just the amount of people coming in…"

"Is it?"

"So they are here for that. People hope for the great blessing from from the Goddess as our family was blessed that day."

"Yes, some of the people believe that the four families have been on our seat for too long. They hoped for the Gods and Goddess of old to grant them greater power more than they already have."

"We did not ask to be in this position, and people are already blessed with magic no matter how weak or strong they are."

"Power my child is a temptation. Greed is man's nature, man could never be contented. For some it could be their salvation, for others, it is the hunger to be on top. Maybe they hope to receive something greater from the Goddess, and who knows she might grant them their wish."

Ether is what they call the essence of the world. Without Essence there's no magic, if one cannot feel or sense Ether, then they could not practice Magic. A person at early age of 11 starts to feel the Ether around them then would study the basics. But this is different for the Four great families. The descendants of these families are said to manifest their powers as early as the age of 5. Even the Royal families does not have the said talents which became the root of the envy.

The little girl who was meant to make her way heard this conversation of her mother and 15 year old eldest sister. For her such matters are trivial, a boring adult conversation. So she slowly tiptoed avoiding to make a noise in front of her mother's study.

"That aside, it seems like your sister, is trying to run away again."

This alerted the teenager, having sense her younger sibling behind the door. The toddler was about to make a dash for it when suddenly she was grabbed from behind.

"And do you really think you can make a run for it?! I don't know how you do it, but you nearly got away from me this time. After assigning that plenty of guards for you. "

"No. Let me go!! Mama… help! Sister! Monster!"

"Who are you calling a monster?!"

Seraphine now holding her younger sibling up in both arms while the little one struggles to break free.

"You! You won't let me play!"

"Play?! After burning the whole stable to the ground! Do you think I intend to leave you on your own!"

"Okay that's enough" said the older woman making her way to her children giggling at the scene in front of her.

"Mama, not funnnnny" said the little Daniela.

"You look kinda funny little one." She took her youngest child into her arms giving her a peck on the cheeks.

"Ewww mama …. " wiping her cheeks as she complained.

"I surely was not this handful when I was young."

"No, Sera. You're worse." Said the mother as she made her way downstairs with little Daniela followed by her eldest daughter.

Author's note:

This is my first novel. Sorry for the grammatical error. English is not first my first language. Please leave a review or comment. I'm happy to accept critisms in order to write a better plot for all. I hope you enjoy the book.