Nana arrived at the city's border with her white horse, Yoon-ah, only to witness a horrifying sight - the people of Yeongnam being mercilessly slaughtered by the Yans.
With trembling hands but a heart full of courage, she dismounted and ran into the chaos, shouting at the top of her voice.
> "Paaa! Paaa!!"
Her cries were swallowed by the clash of swords and the screams of dying soldiers. Suddenly, she heard the sharp hiss of an arrow cutting through the air. Before she could turn, someone shielded her - her father.
> "Paaa!!" Nana screamed as Commander Kim Dong-in fell heavily into her arms, the arrow buried deep in his chest.
> "Run!" her father gasped, pushing her away.
But before Nana could react, two Gyeongdong soldiers struck him again.
> "Nooo! Paaaa!!!" she wailed, her cries piercing through the battlefield.
From a distant hill, the King of Gyeongdong and his son Prince Gyeongwon watched the massacre unfold. When Nana's teary gaze met theirs, something inside her snapped.
> "That's enough!!!" she screamed.
With fierce determination, she picked up her father's fallen bow and arrow. Her hands trembled, but her aim did not - she released it straight at the prince.
> "Jae-yang!!" the King shouted, catching his wounded son as he collapsed unconscious.
> "After her!" he roared.
Nana ran as fast as her legs could carry her. The sound of thundering hooves echoed behind her, but she refused to stop. She had to survive - for her father, for Yeongnam, and for vengeance.
When she reached the edge of a steep cliff, she turned around - surrounded.
An arrow pierced her shoulder. Pain exploded through her body as she fell backward into the mist below.
---
A NEW BEGINNING
Days passed.
Weeks turned into months.
Years slipped away.
---
The Cheng Residence
> "How could she still be sleeping at this hour? Does she think she's a princess?"
Ms. Wang, the senior maid, stormed into Cheng Mi's small room, her face tight with annoyance. Without hesitation, she poured a bucket of cold water over her.
> "Ms. Wang!" Cheng Mi gasped, sitting up in shock.
> "Get up! You're nothing but a stray the Chengs took in. Don't forget your place!" Ms. Wang snapped before walking out.
Cheng Mi lowered her head.
> "Yes, ma'am."
She quietly took her bath and dressed. Standing before her mirror, her gaze fell upon the mysterious star-shaped scar on her left shoulder.
> "When will I ever learn the truth behind this scar?" she whispered, tracing it gently before covering it and leaving for her duties.
Outside, her cousin Cheng Lin spotted her.
> "Where have you been? The two young ladies are waiting. Go serve them - now."
Cheng Mi nodded silently and went.
Inside, Cheng Hee and Cheng Ji, the Chengs' daughters, sat elegantly as Cheng Mi served tea. Their eyes burned with silent resentment - not because of anything Cheng Mi had done, but because their father always showed her kindness.
> "You're late again," Cheng Ji said coldly.
> "Ji, it's too early to be harsh," Cheng Hee murmured.
> "You always defend her, Sister. One day, she'll bring ruin to us all. Better to deal with her now than regret it later!" Cheng Ji retorted.
> "Enough!" a deep voice thundered.
All three turned immediately - Mr. Cheng stood at the doorway.
> "Father," the two sisters greeted, bowing low.
"Uncle," Cheng Mi said softly.
> "How many times must I tell you to treat her kindly? She is your elder cousin - show her respect."
> "Paaa!" Cheng Ji whined, pretending to cry.
Mr. Cheng sighed.
> "I didn't come to argue. I came to tell you the prince of Gyeongdong will arrive today with his betrothal gifts. Prepare yourselves - this alliance will strengthen our family."
> "Really?!" Cheng Ji exclaimed with joy.
> "I'll see to the arrangements," Mr. Cheng said and left.
> "Sister, we'll finally enter the palace as royals!" Cheng Ji said, hugging her sister.
Then, she turned to Cheng Mi.
> "As for you - stay out of the way. Go to the market and buy groceries for the kitchen. Don't come back too soon."
Cheng Mi bowed silently and left. As she walked toward the market, a strange unease filled her heart.
> "Why does the name Gyeongdong make my chest ache?" she murmured.