Flashback
The palace halls were quiet, but not in the peaceful, comforting way—more like the "something big is about to go down" kind of quiet. A lone figure glided through the grand corridors, her steps light yet echoing with purpose. She looked like she belonged in a painting hung in the heavens' own gallery: divine, graceful, and just a little intimidating—like the kind of woman who could bless your crops and smite your enemies before breakfast.
Her hair flowed behind her like a river of starlight, the kind of white that made snow look grey. Her fair skin had a soft glow, as if the moon decided to make a cameo and said, "This is the standard now." But it was her eyes that truly caught people off guard—swirls of orange and pink like a sunrise and sunset fell in love and had a child. They held warmth, but also a look that screamed: I will love you unconditionally, but I'll also throw hands if you test me.
Just as she rounded a corner, a palace attendant practically jumped out of a shadow, eyes wide and hands shaking like they were about to deliver a message to a ticking bomb.
"Your Highness, Her Majesty is requesting your presence in the throne room."
"I'll be right there," Aria replied with a calm smile.
Her voice was gentle, but there was something in it—like if silk and steel had a baby and taught it public speaking. Every word was clear, confident, the kind of voice that people just listened to.
As Aria made her way toward the throne room, the air seemed to shimmer slightly, like the palace itself was aware of her presence and straightening its posture. The corridor opened into a majestic hall—ceiling high enough to make even dragons feel small, and walls adorned with divine murals that subtly moved when no one was looking. Golden vines twisted up marble pillars, and celestial light filtered in from no visible source, bathing everything in a soft glow. Classic divine real estate.
As the enormous double doors to the throne room creaked open (with just enough drama), Aria was hit with the scent of blooming jasmine and spring water. Inside sat her mother—Queen Elara, the goddess of Earth, looking like she'd stepped straight out of a myth and into reality. Her gown shimmered like sunlight filtering through an enchanted forest, and her hair, brown and kissed with flowers, flowed like a living waterfall. Her emerald eyes sparkled, equal parts regal and warm—like she could ground you with a look, and also ground you with a look.
As soon as Aria stepped inside, the attending maids and guards bowed so low they nearly face-planted, then scurried out like silent ghosts. It was mom-daughter time, and even the palace knew better than to interrupt.
Aria knelt at the base of the dais. "Mother."
Queen Elara stepped down and wrapped her daughter in a hug that melted every worry Aria didn't even know she had.
"My precious Aria," she whispered. "It's been far too long."
"I've missed you too, Mother," Aria said, her voice muffled against her mother's shoulder. For a moment, she felt like a little girl again—except with more existential responsibilities and way fewer snacks.
Elara drew back and cupped her daughter's face, inspecting her like a rare treasure. "You've grown even stronger. And even more stubborn, I hear."
Aria blinked. "That's... probably accurate."
They sat together on a plush seating area that looked like a divine garden picnic—flowers blooming midair, fountains quietly gossiping, and cushions so soft they probably whispered motivational affirmations when no one was listening.
But the soft, sparkling atmosphere was cut by a serious shift in tone.
Elara took a deep breath. "There's something you need to know. It's about your father's realm—Beastworld."
Aria tilted her head. "Oh? Did he finally run out of sarcastic comebacks for the council?"
"I wish," Elara sighed. "This is bigger. In your father's realm—the Beastworld—there once lay a sacred artifact, the Heart of the Forest. It was not merely an object. It was a living core of life magic, created in ancient times by the union of the five primal gods: Sky, Sea, Earth, Fire, and Beast. It sustained balance in Beastworld, nurturing the lands, stabilizing male mana, and most critically… supporting the birth of females."
Aria's eyes widened. "That's why female births are so rare now."
"Exactly," Elara confirmed. "Centuries ago, the heart was shattered during a war between the tribes. It wasn't destroyed—just broken. The fragments scattered, hidden in places where only those attuned to the heart's magic can sense them. That's why your father struck a deal with the god of Earth. In exchange for emeralds—vital to restoring Earth's balance—Earth would send females capable of sensing the heart."
"Let me guess," Aria muttered. "The chosen ones got distracted."
"Yes," Elara said with a patient smile, "The longer the heart remains broken, the more fragile Beastworld becomes. The tribes grow restless. Males without powers turn feral. Forests decay. Birth rates drop. And a shadow stirs in the forgotten lands. Something ancient and malevolent that once feared the heart's power is awakening."
Aria's breath caught. "So it's not just about balance. It's about survival."
"Exactly," Elara said gravely. "Your mission is not just to find the pieces, Aria. You must earn the trust of the tribes guarding them. Each fragment is now protected by trials, guardians, or cursed lands. And some of the tribes—" her voice faltered, "—will not be eager to relinquish them.
"Do they even know what they're holding onto?"
"Some do," Elara said. "Some have forgotten. Others have twisted it for their own power. You will need wisdom, strength, compassion—and perhaps, the help of those who truly see you."
Aria looked down at her hands, then up at her mother. "And if I find them all… what then?"
"Then," Elara said softly, "you must place them in the Grove of Origins—the heart's resting place. But it will only awaken if the one restoring it is fully accepted by the forest… and by the beasts. You must be chosen by them, not just sent."
"Chosen…" Aria echoed, the weight of it sinking in.
"The progress has been slow. Painfully so. Beastworld is suffering—birth rates have plummeted, the balance is off, and if I have to listen to your father rant one more time about irresponsible reincarnated humans, I will turn him into a tree."
"So," Aria said, crossing her arms. "You want me to go. Fix the mess. Restore the heart."
Elara smiled, proud and a little mischievous. "Exactly. You've always been exceptional. Divine blood, empathy, a good sense of sarcasm—you're perfect for this."
Aria hesitated. "And my responsibilities here?"
"Your brother will handle them. Poor thing is bored out of his mind anyway. Besides, his job was to protect the other reincarnated females and, well… you don't need protecting."
Aria smirked. "That's true. I'd probably end up protecting him."
"So, will you do it?" Elara asked softly.
There was a long pause. Then Aria straightened her shoulders, her eyes glowing with purpose. "Yes. I'll go to Beastworld. I'll find the pieces of the heart, fix what others couldn't, and save the realm."
Elara beamed, her eyes misty. "I knew you'd say that. You're our best hope."
Aria hugged her mother tightly, heart pounding. "Don't worry. I've got this."
And somewhere, in the corner of the throne room, a flower bloomed early. Perhaps out of joy. Perhaps out of fear for whatever chaos Aria was about to walk into.
...
And that's the end of the second chapter—time for a little family bonding, Beastworld style. If you've been wondering what's really going on with Aria and her mysterious new life, this chapter is a small step toward understanding the bigger picture.
This one was all about diving a bit deeper into Aria's backstory, her relationship with her mother, and, of course, setting up her mission—no big deal, just saving an entire world and putting things back in balance. No pressure, right? 😅
I wanted to give you a taste of the dynamics between Aria and Queen Elara. It's not all tension and world-saving just yet—there's still a lot of heart in their moments together. I really enjoy writing these two, especially how their connection is so rooted in both affection and the weight of what's to come. The groundwork is being laid, but we've still got some time before things really start moving.
As always, I'm not a professional (so, if you spot any mistakes, just know I'll do my best to keep them to a minimum!). Thanks for reading, and I hope you're enjoying the ride so far. More to come, so stay tuned!