Deviating from the original plot

Chapter twenty-two

Once upon a time, a once-revered deity whose descent into darkness shattered the harmony of the Celestial Realm as he caused chaos and sowed confusion, and as punishment, the High Deity stripped him of his divine status, casting him down as a spirit.

The other deities, still hopeful, believed that through this demotion he might reflect and change his ways. But instead, the spirit grew resentful.

Bound by divine laws, the deities are forbidden from directly interfering with mortal affairs. They may grant blessings from afar but are never to reveal themselves or form attachments. However, the vengeful spirit, no longer bound by such laws, began his plan, capturing the minds of mortals.

Slowly, mortals turned their backs on the deities after their minds were being corrupted. He continued to spread his dark influence, offering forbidden power to those willing to serve him. His followers, who became holders of dark magic, used their magic to steal the souls of others and feed them to their master. Each soul consumed made the spirit stronger, and soon, he realised that by devouring enough mortal souls, he would be able to ascend and become a deity again.

The mortal world plunged into despair. No one was safe. Those whose souls were taken became hollow shells, empty and lifeless. Everyone lived in fear.

The deities, having watched long enough, knew they could not stand idle any longer. Though they could not intervene directly, they convened in urgency. At the centre of their debate, a decision was made.

They would create a mortal imbued with potent magic and the divine blessings of the celestial deities. A champion to deal with the spirit.

Thus, the soul was forged, made into a human form.

She was not born into wealth or nobility. Instead, she came into the world as the daughter of a struggling family in a small village. Her early life was humble, ordinary... until strange things began to happen.

Sudden bursts of magic. Shadow beasts that were once harmless animals but are now turned into monsters by dark magic began to hunt her, drawn to the light within her.

Then one day, a dying priest arrived at the village gates—his robes torn, his body weak, but his eyes filled with purpose. He was one of the last faithful servants of the deities, tasked with a final mission:

To awaken the Chosen One.

The priest collapsed at the entrance of her home. Her parents brought him in and tended to him, but it was clear he had little time left. That night, he called the girl to his side.

"You are not ordinary," he whispered. "You carry within you the last hope of humanity."

She didn't understand.

"You were created for a purpose," he continued. "The dark forces grow stronger. But you, child, were made to stop him."

With trembling fingers, he drew ancient markings on her hand; the symbol glowed, awakening her powers fully, her eyes glowed, and magic surged through her body.

He smiled weakly. "Find the Temple of Light. There, your journey will begin. There... the gods will speak."

And with that, he breathed his last.

Shaken and afraid, but unwilling to ignore it, she left the village the next morning. With only a satchel of supplies and the mark on her hand, she set off toward her fate.

✦ ✦

Evelyn slowly turned the page, completely absorbed in the book. She hadn't even realised how much time had passed.

A knock at the door broke her focus.

"My lady, dinner is ready," her maid, Emily, called gently as she stepped inside.

Evelyn sighed, closing the book and resting it on her lap.
"Dinner already?"

Emily smiled. "The book must be very interesting, my lady."

Evelyn nodded, rising to her feet and following her maid out of the room.

When she entered the dining room, her parents and younger brother were already seated at the long table.

"Evelyn," her mother greeted warmly.

"Good evening, Mother and Father."

Her little brother, a boy of about seven, gave an exaggerated pout. "What about me?"

Evelyn laughed softly and sat beside him, placing a kiss on his forehead. He giggled with delight.

"The servants mentioned you spent most of the day in your room," her father said, setting down his glass. "Is everything alright?"

"I'm fine," she replied, picking up her utensils. "I was just reading."

"Oh, we received another bundle of letters today," her mother said with a pleased expression. "Many from your admirers—some asking for your hand in marriage, and a few hoping your father might arrange a meeting."

Evelyn's expression darkened slightly as she turned to her father.
"I hope you didn't agree to anything?"

"Of course not," he replied calmly. "I wouldn't do that without your consent."

"But really, is there even a need to consider anyone else?" Her mother added, beaming. "You've already caught the attention of the Crown Prince."

Evelyn's grip on her knife tightened. "Mother, it's just a rumour. I don't even know the Crown Prince."

"What do you mean? What about the letters he sent to the estate, addressed to you?" her mother said, clearly delighted. "You didn't think we wouldn't find out, did you? There's no need to be shy, dear."

Evelyn's voice grew cold. "I am not involved with the Crown Prince. He started this mess, and frankly, I resent him for it. Please... drop the subject."

The mood at the table grew tense. Her mother frowned, taken aback by her tone.

Her father cleared his throat to shift the mood. "You mentioned something about a garden party or some sorts. Will you still be attending?"

"Yes," Evelyn said, relaxing a bit. "My friends and I will be going to Lythmore. We'll be staying there for the weekend."

"Be safe out there, alright?" Her father said with a firm but gentle tone.

"I will, Father," Evelyn nodded.

After dinner, she returned to her room and curled back up with her book. She read for a while, letting the story draw her in again, until eventually, sleep quietly claimed her.

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