Prologue

Eons ago, there was a time when the high culture of humanity stood in near transcendence to their creator and lived side by side with him. That creator made it his mission to protect humankind and show them the virtues of life. But those power-hungry kings and rulers betrayed their creator when they tried to kill him and take his place in the universe. Out of burning hatred and disappointment towards his creation, the creator decided to ban humanity from his paradise. All souls were replaced in a new world where monsters and mythical creatures roamed the place called Earth. Those people with vicious souls turned into deformed monsters, and because of their evil nature and origins, they were called Kuraiko.

"Ku...raiko?"

Never before had I heard such a strange word. But before I could even have the chance to ask, my father gave me my answers as he could see right through me.

"Yes, exactly, Kuraiko. According to Eastern lore, it means something like child of darkness."

"Scary stories from past times? Didn't I tell you such tales and legends are not for our daughter? Can we have a word? Now!"

Great... Curtain up for another night of arguing. At least they left my room, so I didn't have to listen to their educational drama anymore. My name is Amelia Violetta Redmond, and I am second in line to the throne of the Redmond royal family. Since my big brother has declined the throne, it will be up to me to take up the duties of a princess of the Royal House to secure my country's diplomatic future. In other words, I have to get married in a few years.

"Don't worry, my darling, this is just a legend, nothing more, nothing less."

"Humanity is dying... and all you can think about is to lie to our children that the world is rosy and perfect!"

"She's only 10, Roland! She shouldn't be frightened any more than she already is by her reverie..."

"I'm sorry, darling. From the moment she was born, we knew she was special... But I couldn't ever look her in the eye if she discovered the truth about how broken our world has become. We must tell her these stories and tales are not just legends before it's too late."

"You're right... But I want to protect her. This world, as well as her nightmares, are poison for her. We'll tell her when she's older. I swear it to you."

"Happy Birthday, Amelia!"

That's right. Today is my birthday. My 16th birthday, to be precise.

"Thank you, mother, and also you, little brother."

"Darling, come on, please. You know full well that there will be a lot of guests today to wish you a happy birthday, so please hurry up."

And there it is again. She can only think about getting me married, even though I don't want to be.

"Amelia darling, are you alright?

"Come on, sis. Mother and I chose a beautiful dress. You have to see this."

My brothers may not be the brightest, but they are smart enough to know when Mom and I are about to fight. At least Damian wasn't wrong. The dress is so gorgeous and graceful that I can take my eyes off them. It is a red dress with white decor and reddish floral ornaments. But now that I can finally see it on myself after hours, the massive neckline in which my breasts seem even more emphasized bothers me immensely. I can already feel the peeking jerks.

"Oh darling, how graceful you look. I...wish your father could see you and walk you hand in hand to the party."

Even though our relationship went downhill after my father's death, I cannot hate my mother. Because despite her hardest tries for a fake smile, anyone could tell how immense my mother's despair had grown. The loss of my father still seems to weigh heavily on her.

"Come on now. The guests have arrived and are waiting for you. Please remember to make an effort. I know it's not easy for you."

The closer we got to the ballroom, the louder and clearer I could hear the festive music. And even though I've walked down this aisle so many times, I feel more and more helpless and lost with every step.

"And now, dear guests, lords, and madams, the star of tonight. Princess Amelia Violetta Redmond."

The large wooden doors to the ballroom opened before me as I stepped closer. I can feel the atmosphere changing in the raging applause and start to notice some lustful noblemen peeking already. Worst things worse, I can also feel the piercing stares from the female attendants, their desire to beat me up until I'm a moveless wreck is outstanding. It's even worse than I could ever have imagined. But what is that? That cold aura...

"May I ask for this dance, princess?"

That tap on my shoulder and that voice... They snapped me out of my thoughts immediately. But this voice, can it be? Was I so deep in my thoughts that I didn't realize I went standing in the middle of the hall?!

"Big brother! How nice to see you."

I knew it. As soon as I turned around, I saw him. Albert. It had been long since he abdicated the throne and gave me that burden.

"Hello, little sister. I'm sorry for my late arrival. But I have a gift to make up for it. Happy Birthday."

He gave me a small package and inside was a small wooden box. No, a music box! It was beautifully decorated, and you could see that it was a high-quality product. When I opened it, it played the song from our childhood. Memories came up.

"Oh, brother... She is beautiful. Thank you, but why are you here? I thought you had duties as an officer instructor on the western continent?"

"Oh yes, you know how it is. Nothing beats family."

Family? Albert had never been interested in it before. He didn't even show up for his father's funeral. So why does he come here in times of war? Just to congratulate me? Now that I think about it... Albert never had a thing for such firmness either... but before I could even finish that thought, the big door of the hall swung open. A bloodied soldier jumped in. The entire hall fell into suffocating silence.

"Run! They're here! You have to get out of here..."

"Oh man, you guys really could have taken your time. I didn't even have the chance to have a little fun!"

What was that? Albert was standing next to me, and now he's suddenly at the other end of the room, holding the soldier's lifeless body, covered in blood, in his hands.

"Who are you?"

"Not who, princess. You better be wondering what."

What the hell? This pain... where is this stabbing pain coming from? When I looked down, I realized why. Albert... no, that thing that imitated him stabbed its entire arm through my back and smiled at me with glowing red eyes while deformed monsters invaded the ballroom through the windows and entrances. Both mother and Damian lay motionless on the floor right next to me. How did everything end up like that? I wanted to scream, but I didn't have the strength. Everything around me fades and goes black. Father... I'm sorry.

"Princess? Are you alright? Shall we stop the carriage?"

"Carriage? I don't understand. Where am I?"