Year 1523
In the fairy realm, night had fallen.
Angry villagers marched toward a small house near the mountainside, fire torches burning in their hands.
"Oakley… you have to leave with Ophelia," Oakley whispered, gently brushing a tear off Elara's cheek.
She held a tiny baby wrapped tightly in her arms, her hands trembling. Tears streamed down her face.
"No… I can't leave you here, Oakley," Elara cried.
They had never expected this moment to come. How did the villagers find out? They had lived in secret for years.
Their love was forbidden, she was a witch, and he was a fairy. They had hidden deep in the forest, away from everyone.
She had given birth just the day before, alone, and now the underworld creatures and villagers had found them.
"You have to go without me," Oakley said softly.
"I promise I'll be fine. I'll find a way to explain everything to my mother… and then I'll come back for you."
He touched his daughter's cheek. She slept peacefully, unaware of the danger creeping closer.
"You promise?" Elara whispered.
The villagers' angry shouts grew louder.
"I promise," Oakley said, and he kissed her.
Elara sniffed, forced herself to turn away, and slipped out through the back door.
Before leaving, she looked at Oakley one last time through tear-blurred eyes… then she ran.
She sprinted into the forest with Ophelia in her arms, but her foot caught on a stone.
She fell, rolling down the slope, shielding the baby with her own body.
Her back slammed into a tree, stopping her fall.
Cuts covered her face and arms, blood dripping slowly.
Still, she forced herself up.
She looked back… and saw smoke rising in the distance.
Her heart broke instantly.
She began running again until she reached the far edge of the village, where only a few small houses stood.
She approached the nearest hut, warm light glowing through the small window. Inside, she saw a couple talking quietly.
Elara kissed Ophelia's cheek.
The baby was now awake, her large green eyes, just like Elara's, staring innocently up at her mother.
"I'm so sorry, Ophelia…" she whispered.
She placed the baby gently on the doorstep, knocked hard on the wooden door, then hid behind a tree.
The couple opened the door and gasped when they saw the baby wrapped in white.
"Who would leave a child at our doorstep?" the man asked in shock.
"Maybe it's a blessing from Goddess Aureliane," the woman whispered, smiling as she lifted Ophelia.
The baby giggled softly at the man, making his expression soften.
"It's a girl," he said quietly.
Elara's heart ached at the sight.
I hope you take care of my daughter… she thought before turning and running back toward the mountain.
She had only one plan, she was going back for Oakley.
Then suddenly, the air shimmered with magic.
A glowing portal opened in front of her.
Three beautiful women stepped out, dressed in dark, elegant royal gowns.
The one in the middle was older, her long raven curls streaked with white.
Elara froze in shock.
"Oh… hello, Elara," the older woman said with a smirk.