Before me stood the ruins of that kingdom that was once prosperous. The streets, once full of life, were now stained red; the blood of knights and villagers covered every stone on the path, saturating the air with the stench of death.
Amid that desolate landscape, only two souls remained: mine and that of the conqueror. I saw him raise his sword, still dripping with my father's blood, and, without a trace of remorse, his eyes met mine.
It was a cold gaze, ready to erase my face from his memory as if I were nothing more than a pebble in his path.
But in that moment, I swore I would not be the forgotten one. Filling my lungs with air, I exhaled.
Life in the kingdom of Narnest was incredible, though I knew I didn't belong in that world. Sometimes, I felt I belonged even less to the world where I was born.
N/A: This first volume explores Marl's past, providing the essential context to understand his history, motivations, and the evolution of his character. If you prefer to skip straight to the main action, you may start from Volume Two. However, we warn you that this volume establishes the emotional and narrative foundations that give depth to the plot and protagonist. We recommend reading it to fully enjoy the story.
Three years earlier. In a prosperous city called Home, filled with buildings so tall they touched the clouds. And a modernity that bordered on innovation.
In a silent room, where only the irregular sound of my breathing filled the air, I lay asleep. My pastel-pink hair sprawled across the pillow, and sleep wrapped me in a calm I rarely found. But suddenly, the peaceful atmosphere was shattered by the relentless sound of a fist pounding on the door. I jolted awake, my heart hammering in my chest.
—Marl! Marl! Wake up! Mom and Dad are coming today —I heard my sister's voice on the other side of the door.
With a creak of hinges, the door swung open abruptly. I sat up slowly, rubbing my eyes and letting out a yawn. Rinn stood there, smiling brightly.
—Oh, right, you're turning ten today. —I yawned again, stretching my arms to loosen my muscles. — You've waited all year for this, huh? —I said, trying to sound cheerful.
—Yes! That's why we can't waste time! —she exclaimed, bouncing with excitement.
I smiled gently, running my fingers softly through her hair. The soft strands under my touch reminded me how young she still was.
—Relax, I know they wouldn't miss it for the world —I said, trying to calm her.
I pulled my hand away from her soft pink hair and stepped past her.
—I'm going to take a shower.
—Okay, but don't take too long! —she shouted as I closed the door behind me.
Entering the bathroom, I turned on the hot water. The sound of running water soothed me slightly, but instead of stepping into the shower, I collapsed onto the floor. I pressed a hand to my face, feeling the weight of the lie I carried.
—This year… how will I hide it from her? —I muttered to myself, the soft, steady sound of water barely masking the tremor in my voice.
I stood up. Staring at myself in the mirror, I tried to force a smile, attempting to return to normalcy. But the steam from the hot water fogged the glass, obscuring my reflection, making it impossible to keep practicing.
I sighed. The pressure in my chest was unbearable. But like every year before, I ignored it.
I stepped into the shower. The hot water helped me relax a little, but the tension didn't fade. After showering, I returned to my room. My hair, still damp, dripped softly as I searched for clean clothes in a worn-out drawer. I dressed slowly, adjusting each piece carefully. Finally, I picked up a simple but meaningful necklace from the Threedial religion—a gift from Rinn—and fastened it around my neck.
I paused in front of the mirror. My reflection stared back coldly. It was as if the self-hatred I carried made it impossible to look at myself. I tried to smile, but the expression felt forced, almost painful. My restless eyes darted away, unable to hold my own gaze. I sighed deeply, releasing some of the burden inside. With a fake smile, I left the room.
—Guess what, Rinn? Dad called and said he'd be here by eight tonight —I said, trying to surprise her.
Rinn jumped off the couch, her eyes shining like stars.
—Really!? Can I talk to him? —she asked, tugging at the hem of my shirt, eager for details.
I crouched slightly to meet her height and gave her a calm smile.
—He told me right before they boarded their flight. They should be arriving soon.
Her eyes began to glisten.
—But I—I… —her breathing grew uneven.
—Don't be sad. You'll meet them very soon.
Rinn's eyes, brimming with hope, blinked rapidly as she fought back tears.
—Yes —she said, her smile so radiant it felt like an invisible hand clenched around my heart, making it hard to breathe.
Tenderly, I ruffled her hair.
—I'm going to see Mian. I'll be back soon.
Rinn frowned slightly, confused.
—But why?
I smirked playfully and raised a hand, making a teasing gesture.
—It's a surprise.
Without waiting for more questions, I turned and closed the door behind me. I leaned against it, feeling my chest tighten. Pressing a hand to my chest, I tried to steady my breathing.
Through the door, I could hear her singing an innocent song about meeting our parents. It only sank me deeper.
I pulled out my phone and quickly texted Mian.
"Meet me at the plaza."
Without waiting for a reply, I pocketed my phone and headed toward our meeting spot.
When I arrived, the plaza was bustling with life. Bright signs glowed overhead, and open shops competed for attention with flashy advertisements and deals. The air was thick with the scent of freshly cooked food—sweets, grilled meats, and more. I spotted Mian in a corner, sitting at an outdoor table with a bowl of fried chicken in front of her. Her relaxed posture and careless chewing made it clear she'd been waiting for me.
I walked over, pulled out the chair across from her, and sat down, exhaling slightly before speaking.
—Mian… do you think a cake will be enough? —I asked, my voice tinged with doubt as my fingers fidgeted.
Mian looked up, studying me carefully. She swallowed the bite she'd been chewing and set the bowl aside, leaning forward.
—Stop lying to yourself. —the words felt like a direct attack. — Marl. At some point, you'll have to tell her.
Her tone was firm, almost a whisper, but heavy with meaning. I looked away, unable to meet her eyes.
—What… what do you mean? —I asked, my throat tightening.
—You know exactly what I mean. You can't hide it from her forever.
—Of course I can. —I retorted, trying to defend myself.
—She's ten now. Do you plan to keep hiding it until they die?
I fell silent. My jaw clenched as my fingers gripped the fabric of my pants. Finally, I spoke in a low, hesitant voice.
—If it's for her happiness… Yes.
Mian sighed, her eyes reflecting a mix of pity and resignation.
—I get it. If that's your decision… I'll support you.
I looked up, surprised.
—Thanks… —I murmured with a weak smile. Then, clearing my throat, I tried to change the subject. —A few days ago, she said she wanted a new game. It's in this plaza. Let's go get it.
Mian smirked, leaning back in her chair.
—Sure. And while we're at it, you're treating me.
I couldn't help but chuckle softly.
—Fine, fine. Let's go.
We both stood, leaving behind Mian's empty bowl. As we walked, the tension between us seemed to fade slightly, though the weight of my decision still hung in the air.
Meanwhile, back at my apartment, the sound of an engine rumbled outside. A sleek black limousine, polished like ebony, parked right in front of the building. Its presence stood out among the ordinary cars, drawing curious glances from passersby.
Inside the apartment, Rinn sat on the couch, hugging a pillow as she watched the news. The screen showed footage of a hero in action, clad in an imposing suit with a cape billowing behind him.
"The great hero Ergos has saved us once again. The villain known as Eggface was apprehended this morning after attempting to use a giant mechanical drill to rob the city's most exclusive wine cellar. According to witnesses, Ergos shouted, 'It was for wine, and now it's gone!' before Eggface was arrested. Fortunately, there were no casualties, all thanks to Ergos' swift intervention."
Rinn lay on the couch, giggling.
—Hahaha! Ergos is amazing. He always knows what to say.
Before she could change the channel, a loud knock at the door shattered the moment. The sound echoed through the small apartment, startling her.
—They're here already? —she muttered, setting the pillow aside.
With hurried steps, she went to the door. Her heart pounded with excitement—finally, she'd see her parents. Her trembling hands turned the knob, unaware that what awaited her would change everything.
It was already six in the evening.
—That was a great date —Mian said before kissing my cheek— I hope Rinn likes that cake. Save me a slice.
—Thanks, Mian. I had fun too. Say hi to your brother Lee when you get home.
—Sure. Take care, Marl. And save a slice for him too.
We parted ways.
I walked down the street, carefully holding a red-ribboned box containing a tres leches cake topped with chocolate-dipped strawberries. I'd chosen it carefully, remembering how much Rinn loved strawberries and the smooth taste of chocolate. The sweet aroma seeped through the box, mixing with the evening air.
As I turned the corner near my building, something unusual caught my eye. A black limousine, imposing and gleaming, was parked right at the entrance. I stopped, squinting as I assessed the situation. A knot formed in my chest as I tightened my grip on the cake box. A tall, distinguished-looking man in a pristine suit stood by the vehicle, smoking a cigarette.
—How are you, young Marl? —the man said with a polite yet condescending smile—. Did you have fun with my daughter?
My stomach twisted as I swallowed hard. I stared at the ground before answering.
—Mr. Yerner… What brings you here? —I asked, struggling to stay calm.
Yerner chuckled, exhaling gray smoke.
—We just wanted to surprise Rinn. I hope you have a nice gift for her too —he said, glancing at my hands—. Though, looking at that cake, I wonder if she'll even get to enjoy it.
I frowned.
—What do you mean? It's her favorite.
Yerner smiled wider, as if relishing my discomfort.
—Alright, kid. We have to go now —he replied, stepping toward the limo.
I stopped him, forcing gratitude into my voice.
—Mr. Yerner, thank you for this month's money.
He smirked.
—Don't mention it, kid. Your stepfather was one of my best friends. And his daughter meant everything to him. —he flicked cigarette ash onto my hair—. Though it doesn't matter if trash like you gets to leech off it too. —he dropped the cigarette on my shoe, laughing silently—. Sometimes I'm just too generous.
I looked down at my shoe, feeling the power Yerner held over me.
—Yes… Thank you for your generosity.
Yerner got into the limo, and the car drove off, leaving me standing there with a crushing sense of inferiority. I shook the ash from my hair, looked down at the cake, and took a deep breath before heading inside.
When I reached the apartment, I opened the door carefully, as if afraid to disturb something.
—Hey, Rinn, Dad said they'd be late, but I brought you a cake… —I said with a smile, lifting the box slightly.
I froze when I saw her. Rinn sat hunched on the couch, trembling hands clutching a stack of papers. Silent tears streaked down her cheeks, staining the documents. She looked broken.
—Rinn… What's wrong? —I asked softly, setting the cake down and approaching cautiously.
When I touched her shoulder, she flinched violently.
—Don't touch me, liar! —she screamed, shoving me with all her strength. I stumbled back, falling hard.
Before I could react, she threw the papers at my face. They slid into my lap as she bolted from the apartment, her sobs echoing like a shattered heart.
Confused and aching, I picked up the papers. My eyes raced over the printed lines:
"Mr. Stimson died of cancer."
"Mrs. Stimson died during childbirth."
"Mr. Tial died in a family accident. Fortunately, his two children survived."
Each word stabbed my mind like needles as my breathing grew erratic. I looked up at the open door where Rinn had fled, an unbearable weight crushing my chest.
I dropped the papers and, shaking, pulled out my phone. My fingers barely functioned as I typed a quick message.
"Mian, Lee, I need help. Come now."
Without waiting, I called the police, stammering through the situation. As I hung up, my mind reeled: How did she find out? Then, Yerner's words echoed: "We just wanted to surprise Rinn," "your stepfather was one of my best friends."
The apartment's silence was suffocating, heavy with repressed emotions and the ghost of Rinn's tears. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, knowing what came next wouldn't be easy—but I couldn't stop now.
I rushed out, nearly tripping in my haste to find Rinn. But after just a few steps down the hall, a chill shot through me, my skin prickling instantly. The pressure was crushing, as if an invisible force pinned me in place.
—What… is this? —I whispered, my breath ragged.
I pressed a hand to my face, dizziness threatening to overwhelm me. Leaning against the wall for support, I tried to process the sensation. Then, as suddenly as it came, the pressure vanished—leaving only a lingering sense of danger, something otherworldly.
—Doesn't matter… Keep going… —I muttered, shaking my head, though my legs still trembled.
I hurried downstairs and outside, scanning desperately for Rinn. But as I moved to cross the street, a firm hand gripped my arm.
—Stop, sir. You can't go through.
I looked up at a police officer, his grave expression confirming something was terribly wrong.
—What's happening? —I asked, trying to pull free.
—The villain Eggface has escaped. It's too dangerous. Return home. The hero Argón will handle it.
My heart sank, but my worry for Rinn pushed me to plead.
—Officer, my sister's out there. I don't know where she is—I need to find her.
He shook his head, firm but sympathetic.
—I'm sorry, but we can't risk more lives. Trust Argón. Go home and stay safe.
I clenched my fists, frustration and helplessness consuming me. Staring at the ground, I whispered:
—Tomorrow… everything will be fine…
With heavy steps, I turned back. Each movement felt like defeat. Closing the apartment door behind me, I leaned against it and stared at the ceiling, as if answers hid in the shadows.
—Please, Rinn… Wherever you are, stay safe… —I whispered, before the cake toppled from the table.
The night closed in, leaving only a hollow ache in my chest.