"Some storms bring us rain. Some storms bring us light. Some storms are damaging but they leave us with insight."

- Annonymous

The storm was exploding like a tamed cat gone crazy. Livid black clouds reared up like a cobra readying itself to attack. They spat lightning onto the pitiful scene beneath, cutting through the sky unlike burning venom.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The acrid smell of stale gunpowder enveloped her nasal cavities. The war has grudged continuously for 7 months now. Their sanity was on the brink of extinction; perhaps it were a good cause. At the very least, they could leave this nightmarish antiutopia. Now, all that lay in a field of thousands years of peace cold corpses and still the weapons are fired without stop, without a single living soul to tell the tale.

These machines rumbled on and it's owners lost sight of their fiends and friends. They became blind. Upon this theater of battles, Veils have draped their hearts and they have confined in fear from their thoughts. Bullets razed through the air and straight through their hearts. There was just no stop.

Lightning lite the skies in brilliant streaks. Fog embraced every tree, every square centimeter of of the ground; trees writhing and flailing, their pain carried away by the wind. Thunder declared itself as some rock star upon a stage. Sheets of rain revived the grass, resounding and rippling without frontier.

She sat rightfully and victoriously upon the throne; Her majestic crown proudly positioned itself on her light brown forest in acknowledgement. Her blood stained ceremonious robe prostrated to the floor respectfully.

The ensanguined court with the blood of battle yielded compliant and grovelled at her once foresaken mercy.

The wind did not howl, it screamed mercy; it screamed like a banshee, uprooting weeds and shrubs in a fit of ever-consuming rage. The rain did not fall, it was driven mad; rain hammered the ground, an impenetrable salvo of bullets. The trees did not sway, they creaked, bend and moaned as their fine limbs were ripped away and their autumnal leaves become not confetti, but ammunition in the gale.

That long and mysterious night was her claim of the throne. The beginning of her reign. She was the ultimate sovereign.

"I have won this war." Her domineering voice controlled the atmosphere, to the thoughts of the people and the training ropes of nature. Such was her power. Such was her reign.

"probably you did, possibly you did not." A confused voice echoed throughout the stained pillars of the room.

There stood a man of well build and tall frame. His features could not be seen, but surely it could be distinguished he was one to last a century.

She knew. She knew him. From her heart and her soul. Her heart began to sank the moment she caught whiff of his presence. Strangely enough, she was joyous; she could hear the sweet songs, and the chanting hymns that the wind sung and the memories it brought.

Without realising, the strange man was now approximately inches a way from her. They locked their intense gaze upon each other and the surroundings fazed. As though they were the only two standing in the entire universe.

He pulled her into a strong hug and she willingly wrapped her arms around him. They both knew what was coming. But they both would not regret the aftermath; or perhaps so was what they thought.

"heuk! Ahh! heuk!" She grimaced at the staggering agony and absolute defeat, that one stab of dagger brought upon her.

Her hands automatically reached for her wound and protected it. Her body beautifully and slowly curled up in his sheltered embrace as she fell to the ground.

Her full red lips formated a bitterly sweet smile, "we star crossed-lovers, heartbreak and regret, when I look into your eyes I wish we had never met." Her tone sadly exchanged these regretful emotions. "I may have - heuk! Lost som- one...that never....ahhh.....loved me but you have lost someone.....that tru-ly loved you....heuk!" With that final goodbye, her soft slender hands dropped dramatically to the floor.

This was the man that had shamelessly stolen her heart.

"No. Like always, you are wrong today as well. I truly loved you. You and you only." His speech endowed justification. Regret. Hatred.

His eyes pricked with ruby crystals and threatened to roll down his cheeks. It was as though he were weeping tears of blood, such, a rare sight it were for him to cry. And for a women.

This was the woman that had arrogantly stolen his heart.

just as when the red wavelengths began breaking through the atmosphere and the moon bid it's farewell. The sun came into sight. He looked at her for a brief moment before formulating a sad expression, he burnt a little more and again he left her to mourn till dawn.

Perhaps, the real war had only just began.

- "Victory in hatred,

defeat in love.

Victory in love,

defeat to life."

-S.C Swiss

This project is

brought to you by LightDreamer

Hey my fellow MangaTooners, My brand new novel!

-I am currently working on new ways to make my writing more enjoyable and not so boring-(I do hope u like them though)

-if you guys find any mistakes in my writing please do not hesitate to comment, it will definitely help me. I will be back to edit this prologue though.

-Tell me what you think of our two protagonists.

-What is their love story?

-What is happening in this scene?

Do not be shy to share your thoughts and whatever you think - but I would appreciate kind comments😄

"Those who fly alone have the strongest wings."

-Strugglesala. com

Yet another dawn has come but I remain stood to this prison. The chains have embraced themselves possessively around me but I shall continue to fight, till the day I no longer can.

Winter has been summoned upon. The pure snowflakes fall from the heavens onto this sinful land; and so it's fate is only to be trampled upon.

I have put my faith in you God, so give me hope to redeem my desperation of freedom.

"Ma'am."

"You're Mother wishes to speak to you."

"Mother....alright. "

The maid moved towards me, handing me the phone as I turned away from the window.

"Good morning mother. I hope you have been well since our last conversation." I respectfully greeted her.

"Good morning. I have, indeed, been well. But now I am even more ecstatic. Hahaha!" She curtly replied through the phone.

"How so, mother?"

"Aryen. Congratulations. You will be coming home two days later!"

"Home? Mother I don-"

"Yes, I know your debut was supposed to be at your 18th birthday however your father decided it to happen this year." She answered my confusion. My initial reaction was bewilderment and then I was perplexed. Home? Would I finally be able to fly my wings broad?

Me eyes closed shut and my body landed softly onto the queen sized bed. That night I had many beautiful dreams and many nightmares. It was a long and deep night.

Two days later-

"Ma'am, Everything has been prepared." One of many of my serving maids said. I am no stranger to the materialistic luxurious of this world. Everything I ever wished or dreamed of was placed before my feet at my discretion even when I was still growing inside my mother's womb. And to be honest, I liked it; I was not afraid to use or flaunt because this is my birthright.

Before flighting onto the limousine I took a deep breath to show myself of the reality. Today onwards, I will be free.

The journey was justly long and quiet, but when I looked at the windows I saw a world different, unusual than mine. These people were smiling and laughing. Their souls were happy. Something I never had, and never will.

My fate is already decided.

Before my sight stood a magnificent work of architecture. Ivey and ferns grew through the crevices of the astounding winding stone path, which led directly to the colossal structure. The mansion loomed proudly behind youthful gold-lined iron gates, flanked by rows of skeletal crowned in white, swaying gently to the winter wind. At it's threshold stood the delicate marble fountain, the soft gurgling of the clear water melodic as it resonated in the surrounded silence.

I have been here many times but each time I see it takes away my breath.(1)

Servants began to line up respectfully, welcoming my comeback. This was only a matter of course, since I am the only child and a contender for the next capo.

This treatment wis only normal to me, nothing grandeur.

"Mi'lady! Welcome back." Vladimir, the man who taught me how to walk; pick up a pen and write, read, fight. He is what you would call a nanny but for me he is just so much more. A second father - like figure. My motivator. Inspirator.

"Yes.Thank you." I replied with a faint smile.

Where was mother?

"Mi'lady, Matriarch wasn't able to come due to some reasons." He always was able to read what was going on in my mind. Like some telepathic powers.

I nodded my head lightly to show my understanding however I was quiet disappointed.

The interior was blinding. The walls were painted a pale iron upon which hung huge photo frames of previous wise and dignified capos of the Russian Mafia. This was to remind us of our duties and show our pride full lineage. Lay in the center a grand staircase that split grudgingly into two destinations, it was adorned with a deep red carpet. The ceiling corners were arrested by a golden colour and in the intermediate was a grand chandelier. It dripped with perfectly cut diamonds and was white gold.

I returned to my room to rest for the night after the exhausting tour of employees greeting me. This was necessary, to mark my status. Because I am not the only contender. And tomorrow.......

'Ugh, forget this and let's just sleep.'

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Young miss."

I heard my attending maid knocking thrice and calling my name once. That were the rules. And nobody was going to break them.

I chuckled mischievously, 'Let's give her a hard time.'

hahaha! The poor soul had been standing at the door for a whole hour whilst I was lazily watching the scenery from the garden. ' I've calmed down.'

"Aila, who's puppy is that?" I asked whilst she was preparing my bedroom breakfast. I had wanted to eat in absolute serenity since I was completely worn out from all the tension yesterday.

"Hump! How would I know and even if I do, I am going to tell you!" She exclaimed annoyingly.

"oh! come on, it was only a harmless prank."

"Of course, Miss Aryen D'mitreyev, it was only a harmless prank for you! But it wasn't for me. I have hundreds of things to do." She brought forth my breakfast tray and I sat on a chair.

"Oh! Remember that time when you and the whole class decided to put that fart blower thing on Mrs Williams chair in the assembly hall, everyone had a great time, but someone had to take the blame and everyone pointed to me, i was just the perfect bait, because you all knew I wouldn't get punished. Even when I tried to explain, she didn't listen and picked on me in every class. Do you know I was living hell at the time. And you! You would simply pull an apologetic face." I glared at her. I was really wronged at that time.

Aila Lebedev has been my best friend and most loyal confidante since I was born. We have pulled pranks on each other and others; we have blamed each other but also resolutely stood out for each other. We've been punished and rewarded and we were together when we graduating university. And now she is my right hand, in order to succeed her family name she is supporting me as the new head of the Russian main crime family.

She scratched the back of her neck awkwardly and replied, " Well you know...hahaha hahaha hahaha..... Right you reminded me. That was so funny. And every time she'd pick on you, we girls had so much to talk about at lunchtime because she'd make you do classroom duty with the excuse that you not become lazy....hahhahahahaah..."

When she realised she had been unnecessarily blabbering on and spoke some truths unintentionally, she slowly took down her finger that was pointing at me in attempt not to tense the atmosphere more and ran her eyes around the room gawkily. She veiled a big smile on her face with her eyes closed.

While I was just spectating her funny expressions and sat with my arms crossed.

Just as when I was about to stand up and....

The door creaked open and a fairly older woman entered, "Young Madam!"

Who is this rude woman that dared to enter my room without the proper procedures.

\*

"A good friend knows all your best and worst stories, but a best friend has lived them with you."

-Unknown

"You never get a second chance to make a first impression."

-Unknown

* * ♢ * *

-Previously- On The Masked Queen-

"Your coming home tomorrow. "

Before me stood a majestic piece of architecture. The servants bowed and greeted me.

The door creaked open, "Mi'lady?"

-To be continued.....

♢

Aryen's POV-

A dignified and elegant elderly woman was standing by the door with two maids at either side of her. Her smile was kind and bright.

I remembered mother telling me someone will be visiting me.

She took the liberty and entered. "Young Miss, I hope you've not forgotten but your mother must've told you about a certain Sofia Vasques."

I nodded my head and asked for the maids to prepare refreshments. "Yes. May I know what the purpose of your visit, however?" Mother never told me why she'd be here.

She was stunned for a while before answering, " Miss Aryen, please let us sit down we have quite a lot to talk about." And now we were the only two left.

"Miss, please, slow down. I cannot run as fast!" An exasperating voice was shouting out after a girl sprinting ahead that seemed to be chasing something or perhaps someone.

"Well, Masa, you can try to catch up to me while I catch this little naughty puppy." It was Aryen's voice.

The cute puppy yelped and we all stopped when the puppy hid behind protectively someone's legs. My sight traveled to the figure and I remained silent.

'Ah! I remember.....How long has it been...since.'

'Was it that time when a party was being held to celebrate my joining of the Youth Summoners? I was perhaps 9 when my celebration party turned into chaos because fathers illegitimate son had come as the successor the family and business. Everyone was shocked and confused, I was too. Because I knew no matter how much estranged mother and father were, father placed family above everything else and so naturally he respected the boundaries of marriage. This was purely impossible. But this lost boy, some years older than me, looked so much like father and so nobody questioned his origins. However, no illegitimate had been produced as the head of a family of such great importance and his ranking was lower even if he was a boy. I was backed by my mother and my own talents, even father allowed me to compete. Else someone from a branch family would be chosen to become the head.'

I had only ever met him twice after the party. Once, because I wanted to see this interesting new brother of mine, we only looked at each other for god knows how long and didn't say a word. That day mother had come to know of this and she coldly replied, "Listen, Aryen, you will understand my words deeply today. That bastard is not your brother and should you ever dream of having a affectionate sibling relationship with him! How could he possibly compare to a true and legitimate child such as you! You....you are the next successor of the D'mitreyev family."

Since then I'd try hard to avoid him and concentrate on my studies however it did not go so well when I bumped into him because I was chasing a dog that had peed on my shoes deliberately. That dog was his, and that day was long because we played thoughtlessly and foolishly with the dog. As nice as it was spending time with him, I was sent to the boarding school and never came back to this house like I am standing today.

He smiled reminiscently and the following words naturally escaped his mouth, "This little puppy is that dogs sixth baby..."

'Wow! Cute, nothing like it's mother'

perhaps I had been to indulged in the remembering the past that I had not noticed a fully grown man in his early twenties, stating at me intently. He looked rather masculine and his aura was gentle but domineering.

I turned around to return, I did not want to bump into them...

"Ah! Aryen! Where are you going?"

"Pardon my bluntness, however.....Mr Callius D'mitreyev, I don't remember we are close enough for you...to call me directly by my name." I had stopped in my footsteps and now confronting him.

There was silence. "Have a good day."

Callius's POV-

I sighed and return back to my former position. 'She used to be more cuter.'

"She seemed to be in a hurry, huh?" Lorenzo spat with sarcasm.

"She's always been shy and....like that.."

"No! It isn't shyness. She was clearly looking down on you, like you weren't worth her time.

But it's quiet expected." Anger and irritation was dripping from his words.

I pondered for a while and smirked before teasing him to direct the conversation differently, "Hump! You were ogling at her, beautiful, is she not?"

"Yes. She is indeed beautiful. However no matter how beautiful a diamond is, it's still unfeeling." Lorenzo seemed to truly dislike her.

My head was low to the table we were sitting on and I sheepishly mumbled, "Ouch! That hurts, who knows you might fall for her."

"What?!" His onyx green eyes widened in shock. Seriously, even though he is always around women.......

"What I meant to say was, 'Don't lose a dimaond, precious and rare, for a stone that can be found everywhere." His face was totally worth seeing.

"Since when did you become poet?"

"hahahhahah, I've always been one." I winked playfully when his face pulled a serious expression. Right the aftermath analysis....

"You know your really working hard. Harder than possible. Why....."

He's always questioned why I work so hard and what for. To be honest a part of me knows whilst the other is plain black and empty.

"I feigned a wronged smile and replied, " Well I'm not like the both of you, born geniuses. So, I guess I can only work hard....."

"Sorry, what? Both?"

"Wait, you mean your half - sister? " Realisation suddenly hit him.

"What? Don't tell me you didn't know she is a-"

"of course, I know. Just don't compare me to the her."

I looked at him in disbelief. He has never acted this way before...

"What, do you hate her?"

"No, I just am- I don't know, forget it" He jumped from the chair and handed me brown document up in which 'Confidential' was written upon.

Before walking out he turned around for the last time and said, "I think I know why you might want to become the next head."

The reason why I wanted to win this title?

Because I want to change what was never or might never be changed, something Aryen might never realise in her entire life. That girl.... she is innocent and easily manipulated...If she wants this title, she needs to open her eyes.

Lorenzo's POV-

My mind wondered to when she appeared accidentally in front of us.

At the time I thought....

*Her playful antics of chasing a puppy seemed cute and loveable. Who is she? Her creamy pale skin bathed in the sunlight and radiated even brighter. She looked simply beautiful. Her long platinum hair was floating in the air gracefully whilst her rosy lips was lost for words. How could anyone be so perfect....I was truly mesmerised by this beauty. Who would not be?

But when Cal revealed her identity, I was shocked. I had heard of the only daughter of the D'mitreyev family: 'Her beauty is one to last a century', 'her talents know no bounds'...But I was completely caught off guard. I was not meant to be. Her unpredictable appearance somehow obstructed my flawless plan... Something changed within me when I setted my eyes on her; The world seemed to vanish. You shook my heart violently and my strong resolution was withering away. It's frightening. I don't like people who do that....I seemed to dislike

that attribute about her; her identity and* she......

Perhaps, I lost my destination midway when I chanced upon to see the one I vowed to never meet...

'....... Aryen...'

To be continued-

♢

"Arrogance doesn't let you know the fragrance of love."

-Srinivas