"The crystal kingdom sleeps under moonlight — until fire rises on the horizon. As alarms echo through the frozen walls, Leila awakens to a power she cannot understand. The Abyssal Kingdom is coming, and this time, there's no escape."
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CICIA KINGDOM. DEEP NIGHT.
The Kingdom of Cicia was sleeping, but it was a very cold sleep. In the middle of this frozen land stood a huge, beautiful castle — made entirely of pure, white crystal and ice. It glowed under the moonlight, its tall walls rising like sharp frozen crowns into the dark sky, reflecting the stars like tiny, bright jewels.
These crystal walls circled the whole kingdom. Very tall and thick, they gleamed with a soft inner light, making the kingdom feel both protected and isolated.
Inside, the streets were silent. A thin frost covered every surface. At the corners, iron stands held burning wood, their orange flames crackling and hissing. Their light danced across ice and glass, creating warm shadows in the cold night. The air smelled of smoke and fresh snow.
Guards moved quietly, wearing dark, high-necked coats with long sleeves — uniforms that looked both noble and strong. Their shiny swords reflected the flames, and they stood still at their posts like stone statues.
At the main gate, a group of fifteen guards stood watch. Four of them huddled slightly apart, whispering.
"Did you hear?" one asked. "It's done. Tonight." "The princess?" a younger one asked, startled. "On her wedding day?"
An older guard nodded. "Yes. Quietly. No big display. Just like she deserves."
"She was worse than a sickness," another said with cold anger. "She brought our people low for generations. Empty storehouses, cold winters, and hunger. This is justice."
"Her death will clean this land," one agreed. "And riches will return." "It's all thanks to Princess Leila," said one.
"Queen Leila now," another corrected proudly.
"Yes, our Queen. She built these walls with her magic. She strengthens them every day, protects the kingdom."
They murmured in agreement. "All hail Queen Leila," one whispered. Above them, patrolling guards scanned the horizon from the wall. Their boots crunched softly on the ice.
Suddenly, one guard pointed into the distance. "Look!" he whispered. A faint, strange orange glow shimmered far away.
More guards gathered, murmuring. "Commander Takeshi!" a voice called out.
The tall commander arrived quickly, and the guard pointed to the light. "Commander, do you sense that?"
Takeshi narrowed his eyes and closed them, sensing deeply. After a pause, he opened them in horror.
"The Abyssal Kingdom," he said in a whisper. "They are coming." Gasps echoed. One young guard grabbed him. "Are you serious?! Here?!"
Takeshi nodded slowly. "I felt their power. Many are approaching." The orange glow grew — no longer a flicker, but a trail of fire.
Another guard shouted, "It's them! It's the Abyssal Kingdom!" Swords were drawn. Panic spread. "Who's leading them?" a voice asked.
The watching guard squinted. "Kururugi... Kururugi Tohka!" The name sent fear through them all. Down below, the guards who had been celebrating Sara's capture heard the cries.
"Kururugi Suzaku?! Is he with them?" one shouted.."No!" came the answer from the wall.
Relief spread for a moment — until one said quietly, "It doesn't matter. Tohka does all the work. Suzaku is only a name."
Silence followed. Then, soldiers began rushing inside the kingdom to take positions.."If the Abyssal Kingdom is attacking," one soldier said, "then Prince Takahito must have failed to abduct Yamagoto Sara!"
"Maybe Kudo Kiyoka rescued her!" someone added. "Enough!" Takeshi's voice cut through. "Defend the kingdom!"
Suddenly, a huge bell rang from the tallest crystal tower. Its deep sound, BWOOONG, echoed through the walls and across the land. It was the alarm — a cry that war had come.
Lights flickered in homes. Confused citizens stepped out, holding candles. "Evacuate!" shouted soldiers. "The kingdom is under attack!" "The Abyssal Kingdom?!" a woman cried.
The name spread fear like fire. Children were pulled close. Some dropped their candles. People panicked.
In the center of the crystal castle, a young woman — seventeen, with long blonde hair — slept peacefully.
The alarm bell shattered the silence. Her eyes fluttered open — crystal-blue, shining, almost unreal. She sat up slowly, pressing her forehead, a strange throb rising inside her. Then, a single tear slid down her cheek.
'Why am I crying?' she wondered. 'I don't feel sad.' The door burst open.
"Leila-sama!" cried Yui, a woman dressed in jewelry and heavy makeup, far too fancy for the middle of the night. Yui rushed forward, shaking her. "Wake up! You must act! The Abyssal Kingdom is attacking!"
Leila only blinked, then whispered, "Let me sleep," as if none of it mattered. Yui gasped. "You cannot just lie here! The kingdom is in danger!"
Leila turned away — then paused. Her wrist was glowing. She slowly raised her right hand. A soft white light pulsed from it — pure, magical. Her breath caught. Her face twisted in horror.
Yui panicked. "Leila-sama! What's wrong?!"
Leila pointed at her wrist, her voice shaking. "What is this?!" Yui sighed. "You know what it is. It always happens. Your right wrist... and your back."
Leila froze. She touched her back. And there, she felt it. A crystal castle mark, cold and sharp. She gasped in terror. Then, her body went limp.
She collapsed back onto the bed, unconscious. "Leila-sama!" Yui screamed. "Someone help!" Haruki rushed in. "What happened?!" Yui, sobbing, said, "She passed out! I don't know why!"
Haruki's eyes widened.
"Leila-sama…"
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AUTHOR'S NOTE:
First off, I owe you all an apology for the long wait 🙏 — it's been over a month since the last update, and I'm truly grateful for your patience. Thank you for sticking with me and this story despite the gap. 💙
This chapter shifts the stage again — from quiet dreams to full-scale chaos. 🔥 The crystal kingdom, once peaceful and untouchable, is suddenly thrown into panic as the Abyssal Kingdom makes its move. And in the middle of it all, Leila's secret begins to surface...
We're diving deeper now into war, power, and the truth behind Leila's glowing mark. ✨ What she fears, what she hides, and what she really is will matter more than ever.
Thank you, as always, for reading, supporting, and breathing life into this world with me. Every comment, every reaction keeps me going. 🙏
Next chapter: Can Leila face what's inside her, or will the Abyssal Kingdom tear it all down first? 👑⚔️
– With gratitude (and thanks for your patience),
Sakura Shinomiya
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