Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Return

The hum of the chopper's rotating blades roared through the sky.

Elizabeth Kaiser stood tall inside the helicopter, dressed in her military uniform, shoulder straps gleaming faintly under the sunlight.

She glanced down at the battlefield below-now quiet. Tanks and armored vehicles rumbled forward, carrying determined soldiers onward.

After three brutal months of fighting, they'd finally taken back the last piece of territory for Aethelgard.

Evan Sands stepped up beside her and gave a sharp salute. His voice was respectful as he reported, "General Kaiser, the Emperor has given the order. If you insist on retiring, the central district of Axis Center will be granted to you. You'll also be named Supreme Commander of Aethelgard. As for the rest of the rewards-whatever you want, just name it."

Axis Center was elite territory in Capitol City, and the central district even more exclusive-home to only the most powerful and wealthy.

This kind of offer, along with the title of Supreme Commander, would put Elizabeth at the very top of the nation's power hierarchy-just below the throne. No one could touch her.

She gave a light nod, her face calm, expression steady.

She had walked into the killing fields of war long ago, joining a blood-soaked organization that trained warriors for hell on earth⁠-and survived it, thrived even. All these years, she'd clawed her way through death to get where she was.

But now all she wanted was to go back home. To reclaim what should've been hers.

The memory of that night, ten years ago, still ripped her heart open.

She could still see herself-tiny, helpless-kneeling in that massive, over-decorated villa, crying at her father's feet. "Dad, please... please let Mom out. She didn't do anything wrong..."

"She never did anything to deserve this!"

Tears streamed down her little face, eyes filled with desperate hope.

Lucas Kaiser sat coldly on the couch, not even twitching at the sound of her sobbing. His eyes swept over her fragile frame and pale cheeks like they were a problem he didn't have time for.

Zero pity in his gaze. Just pure annoyance.

"Don't mention that damn woman to me again. She asked for it. I won't spare her."

Ice coated every word.

Elizabeth was still on her knees, crying, soaking the expensive carpet. "Please, Dad, don't call her that... just get her out from the asylum, please!"

"Mom never did anything to hurt you. It was Aunt Sophia..."

Before she could finish, his boot slammed into her.

"Get lost! You're lucky I let you live because you're my daughter. Push me again, and I'll send you to the grave with that woman!"

Clutching her stomach, she curled up from the blow, but didn't stay down.

She pushed herself back up, determined eyes locked onto him. "I won't bother you anymore. I just want Mom back... she's still your wife. Please..."

"Grandma and little brother are waiting for her. I can't lose Mom. Please..."

Pain and helplessness flooded her eyes, tears soaking her face.

"Forget it. That filthy woman cheated and gave birth to a bastard-she deserves to die!"

Lucas's voice turned full of venom. Patience gone, he got to his feet and shot a curt order at the butler, "Get rid of her. Lock the gates. Let her fend for herself."

"Yes, sir." Ian Klein, the butler, nodded.

Ian strode over, yanked the girl up without a glance, and dragged her to the door.

"Ahh!" Elizabeth cried out as she hit the stone steps hard, the shock of pain forcing a scream from her throat.

Dust covered her, but she didn't care. She scrambled toward the gate, slamming her fists against it with everything she had.

"Dad! Dad, please! Don't do this to Mom!"

But no matter how many times she shouted, the man inside never wavered.

Only the sound of thunder rolling in from the dark clouds above answered her.

Her cries echoed through the empty air, harsh and painful.

As her throat burned from the screaming, suddenly-someone appeared in front of her.