Prologue

Gawain Astra opened his emerald-like eyes. His legs were broken and torn apart, an axe was lodged in his back, claw marks across his arms oozed blood, slowly crawling on the red-covered snow as he continued to feel the overwhelming pain. Around him were countless lifeless bodies on the ground as the village burned to ashes. More blood began to pour from all over his body with every movement. In a few moments, he would undoubtedly be dead. He could only stare in despair and agony, repressing all other thoughts as his pain was more significant than anything else.

And then, it appeared.

A bright, white light appeared before him. Cutting through the ruin and smoke. Out emerged a beautiful, young-looking girl. Her short hair was a magnificent dark magenta, eyes soft and lovely like amber. She wore a simple white dress, the fabric swaying with the slight breeze, guarded only by a piece of leather armor on her chest. She looked like grace incarnate, a vision impossible amid the chaos.

 She was an angel, Gawain thought faintly. He wanted to praise her, but nothing would come out of his mouth as smoke and blood partly filled his lungs. The young-looking girl raised her hand towards him before he could close his eyes and accept his fate. He did not know who she was, yet he did not hesitate; even though his pain was tremendous, he forced his arm up to reach for hers.

 Was this salvation? he could only wonder.

 She took his hand as gently as she could.

"Don't give up, Gawain. You are the light, the hope that will radiate in this world. You are my salvation."

Like a story from a fairy tale, she declared. The rays of sunlight that seemed to emanate from her presence made their way into Gawain, quieting his pain. Kindling the fragile flame in the depths of his despair.

Still holding his hand, she smiled.

"From this moment on, I belong to you. It's a pleasure to meet you, Gawain."

Those soothing words reached Gawain. At that moment, he surrendered himself to her completely.

"My name is…Loreley."

This began a new era in this cursed, riddled world.