As if it has now become a habit, I push open the glass door to the balcony outside my room and sat over the marble balustrade as soon as I had my dinner.

The chilly breeze of wind brushes my skin and goosebumps sprang over my body as I lean my back against the cold pillar; I shivered.

December has come again.

My life has always been unsurprisingly eventful that I didn't notice how fast the year has gone by.

I hugged myself as a familiar unpleasant feeling crept inside me, and haunting memories of the past Decembers started to fill my head, painting a spiteful expression on my face.

Suddenly, my chest tightened intensely; I felt breathless.

"Huff..." I breathe in and out quite deeply, then I shook my head, dismissing the traumatic memories that kept haunting me over the years.

I have calmed down.

This happens frequently, but it is extra hard to breathe whenever this month comes. I have but pleasant memories of December, and I feel nothing but animosity about it.

I was deeply scarred with wounds that time can't heal...

I took off the metallic blindfold mask covering my eyes, revealing a pair of cold, peculiar jeweled orbs. I have sectoral heterochromia; one of my eyes is red, whilst the other is half red-half amber.

My eyes glimmered as I gazed at the sight before me.

Not far from here, I could see the spectacular view of the capital city where the festival is in full swing.

Night streets embroidered with colorful lanterns, antique buildings, and countless people streaming through.

'Ah, it's that time of the year...'

Opposite to how I feel about December, to the masses, it was the most joyous and festive month of the year. A month-long festivity is held annually in the Empire of Fiorinn in celebration of its foundation, highlighting the most prestigious event in the empire— the Christmas Ball.

I have never liked Decembers, but I can't deny how fascinating the events that take place this month are.

But it was only a shame that the Christmas Ball was exclusive only for nobles. Commoners were not allowed to intermingle nor step foot to where nobles are.

The discrimination between nobles and commoners is still unmitigated. Who knows when will it subside?

I shook my head to my disgust and disappointment.

Though I was never treated as one, I am a noble and I am so ashamed of how nobility looks down upon commoners.

It was funny how they think highly of themselves when they can't even do much without those whom they look down on.

I shook my head again.

'I wished it could be that lively here...' I thought as I watched the exuberant capital.

"Haa..." I sighed closing my eyes.

Here at the Duke's mansion, there was only cold and silence surrounding me. Not a trace of liveliness could be seen.

Or perhaps there was, I have never known.

"Orianna!" A stern voice call out to me after my room door was slammed open and I jolted and jumped down to stand up.

Thereupon, three familiar figures emerged in front of me. They were clad in clothes befitting the highest and most important nobility in the empire.

The aura they emit was powerful and menacing like none other. It was quite overwhelming however, it was not enough to intimidate me.

They were the people I lived with, my father who is the duke, and my two half-siblings behind him.

"Father... Brother, sister...? Why have you come at this late hour?" I asked after I bowed to greet them.

Not having heard an answer but a glare from them, I mentally clicked my tongue as I knew a headache was oncoming.

"I heard you threatened and pointed your sword at Count Gastrell's son. What was your purpose for acting like that?" The man I called father spoke.

I knew it. They just came here to find the faults of their neglected, illegitimate family member.

They never treated me like family though.

Raising an eyebrow, I opened my mouth. "Who was? I don't know that person."

"I point my sword to whoever pisses me off. There were many of them so I don't know who you're talking about, father," I continued.

A glint of impatience could be discerned from his cold and hateful gaze towards me.

"It was Lord Eldon Gastrell," my older brother, Lucian Sairaine Meredith, stated.

Eldon, Eldon, Eldon. I heard that name before. I combed my memories and my face darkened as I cannot believe what I found out.

"Ha! That f*cking perverted bastard is a count's son? How could a nobleman act lowly than animals? I'm so disappointed."

I recall that was a month ago when we clashed because of how disrespectful he acted towards the waitress in the pub I frequent. And they just heard of it now?

They're so outdated about what's happening around me.

"How vulgar," a young woman commented from the side. It was my older sister, Marion Louise Meredith.

I just rolled my eyes and ignored what she said. "Anything else you want to say?"

They darted cold deadly stares at me again that seems like they wanted to kick me out of this house. Are they disappointed with how I acted towards them?

Anyways, I am already immune to the kind of gazes they throw at me. They have always looked at me like that as I grow up.

However, it didn't mean I was fine with it at all.

"I hope this would be the last time you bring shame to the family."

My father quietly stepped out of the room after saying those words, while my siblings stayed.

Silence prevailed as no one said a word.

"What do you want?" I broke the silence after heaving a deep sigh.

Crossing my arms, I reverted my gaze to the view I was watching before they barged in.

"How long do you intend to keep acting like a brat? Do you like the attention you get that much?"

It was Lucian.

"And please get something to cover that hideous eyes of yours," Marion brought up in disgust.

I frowned and turned my gaze towards Lucian ignoring Marion's remark. I didn't speak a word.

What he said wasn't true but it wasn't false either.

"I'm warning you, Orianna. Get yourself in trouble again and the House of Meredith will disown you," Lucian spoke again.

I flinched upon hearing his words. Anger started to accumulate inside me. My fist clenched. My eyes welled.

"Are you kidding me? Disown me? Have you ever considered me as a member of this household? No one even knew about my existence as a Meredith except for the servants in this mansion!" I shouted in anger as I couldn't contain myself anymore.

Yes, that's right.

It has been more than seventeen years since I was born in this household but they never introduce me to the nobility, nor did I experience going to places and attending events where nobles gather.

I assumed they never did because firstly, I have no rights to the name Meredith. Secondly, the sight of me must have reminded them of my mother's infidelity; she cheated on the Duke. Thirdly, because I possess these hideous pair of eyes that they said I inherited from my biological father's side.

And lastly, they might have thought I don't deserve to be introduced and intermingle with the nobles.

My eyes became blurry, and I blinked and wiped the tears that fell on my cheeks.

"Sure, go ahead and disown me, for all I care!"

I grabbed my hood and crossbow from the side and jumped from the three-floor high balcony.

After a safe landing on the ground, I put the blindfold mask on my face. It was weird to say, but I could see everything even with my eyes covered with this metallic blindfold mask.

I'm only hiding these eyes because of their strange appearance, and it was also strangely destructive when exposed to lights.

That's all I've learned about my eyes so far.

I rashly hoped on my horse and made my way out of the duke's estate with my crossbow safely placed on my back.

My heart was beating so fast.

'Those hypertension-inducing Merediths...'

I passed by the festive streets of the capital and stopped in front of the pub I frequent. I stepped inside the pub leaving my horse tied in the hitching post outside.

"Lady Orianna!"

Mister Arman, the ecstatic pub owner, greeted me with a smile, and I nodded.

The whole place reeks of tobacco and alcohol. I sat on a vacant wooden stool at the counter and ordered a drink. With that, I generously indulged myself in beer.

Scolding. Insults. Threats.

That's all I get from my so-called 'family' whenever we see each other. Neglecting me and then blatantly criticizing my un-noble-like behavior whenever I run into some rascal of a noble.

I could vaguely understand them.

How annoying.

It was past 2 a.m. when I had cleaned out nine large wooden mugs of beer by myself. I have high alcohol tolerance; I didn't get drunk.

My head slightly aches but my vision is clear.

I rose from my seat and pulled out some gold coins from my pocket, put it on the counter then left.

"Get home safely, my lady!" said mister Arman. I could feel him waving his hands at me from behind as I walked out.

Home? I don't have a home.

I untied my horse from the hitching post and get on its back.

"Go!" I commanded and it started running as I pondered where to go.

I can't just go back to the House of Meredith like nothing after walking out like that.

It didn't take long for me to get out of the capital with how fast and stable the horse ran. I passed through the grassy and stony paths and before I knew it, I had entered the snowy Morana forest of Fiorinn Empire where the wild animals inhabit.

"Whoa!" My horse stopped.

My eyes explored the forest within the range of my vision.

It was a lot colder here than in the capital, and it was dark out here too. Only the rays of moonlight coming openly through the bare trees lit up some parts of the forest.

Except for the chirping sound of crickets and the creaking of old trees when the wind blows, it was quiet here.

I uncovered my eyes pushing the blindfold mask up and wore it like a headband.

Suddenly, I heard a rustling sound not far from where I have stopped.

My mouth formed an 'O' when my eyes caught a glimpse of a large, white deer. Bloodstains were visible from its body as it strides at a fast pace towards the west.

Wait. A white deer?

This is my first time seeing one!

I prepared my crossbow and loaded it with bolts crafted with magic. I exhaled as I focused my aim two inches behind the front shoulder of the running target.

I pulled the trigger. Then...

"Bullseye!"

A victorious smile appeared on my face as I watched the white deer fall to the ground.

"Ugh... Damn it!"

Someone let out a painful grunt.

"Huh?" I unintentionally voiced out my utter confusion after hearing something.

What was that? Did someone cry?

Raising my guard, I turned my head left and right, and behind observing the surroundings as I try to locate where the sound was coming from. Anything could happen to me in this vast forest any moment unless I'd be alert and guarded.

The forest of Morana is one of the good hunting grounds of Fiorinn Empire used when hunting seasons comes, except that the place is restricted every year from December to February.

Just like any forest, diverse wild creatures dwell here. However, for unknown reasons, they become extra violent when winter comes. The whole empire was baffled by this annual issue of the forest so the emperor sent mages here to keep things under control but only failed and died.

Thus far, with no other solution to resolve the issue, it was decided to be kept restricted until spring.

When I noticed nothing, I jumped from my horse, carefully stepping on the snowy ground.

"Did I drink too much that I started hearing things?" I wondered, lightly slapping myself repeatedly in an attempt to sober myself.

"Oww..."

But I'm clearly not drunk! I heard it, that groan.

My head automatically turned towards the direction where the white deer fell on.

The sound was faint but I was sure it was a person's voice. A man's voice to be exact.

"...mn, it hurts..."

I could imagine the man's face painted with a painful expression by the way his voice sounded.

From a confused state, my expression turned sour. Somehow I felt guilty inside my heart hearing the man groaning in pain.

"Shit!" I swore, then covered my mouth with a gasp.

Oh, my God! Did I perhaps miss the white deer and shoot a person instead?

But I saw the deer fall!

Did I only graze it because of how fast it was moving?

I was confused yet again.

"Aah, I don't know!"

It was the moment when I shake off the horse's reigns that I unintentionally have my guard down, and ran to where the deer fell onto with a sense of urgency.

Swiiikkk–! Suddenly, somewhere in the forest, something came out flying at a tremendous speed.

Tzing!

And it struck upon the nearest tree and sprang up in front of me. It almost got my eyes!

"Neigh!"

Surprised from the sudden attack, the horse galloped away from the forest, leaving me behind.

My body trembled from the shock, and I started to feel breathless.

I couldn't move.

The sound of brittle twigs breaking apart and the flapping noise from the disturbed birds filled the air. The whole forest was disturbed.

Although it was hard to move nor breathe, I look around.

I turned my face upward and above, a group of silhouettes could be dimly seen. They were moving at a tremendous speed like the dagger they threw at me. They surrounded the area.

Ninjas? It was surprising that no wild creatures have appeared with the whole Morana forest, but ninjas? There were no ninjas in the empire. I heard, only the neighboring empire—Aratos Empire, has ninjas so how in the world are they here?

'Am I...being caught up in an assassination?'

"Ack!"

I screamed reflexively briefly in terror as once again, a dagger flew and fell into the trunk of a tree. At the same time, a sharp clanging of swords became audible.

My attention instantly shifted to where the sound came from. There were flocks of ninjas battling with a person clad in a white military uniform.

Bewilderment ignited inside me however, it didn't last long as I began to feel anxious.

Wait. A man in white? I didn't see him earlier, only the white deer—

Alas! My eyes might have deceived me. Did I drink too much to mistake a man for a deer?

Adrenaline rush wreaks havoc inside me and I felt the urge to help the person I unintentionally shot. Then all of a sudden, my body could finally move.

I frantically aimed my crossbow at the fast-moving ninjas in black cloaks. Unfortunately, my vision became blurry; I lost focus.

"Aaahhh!"

Intense pain comes with a loud ringing in my ears. It felt like a sharp, jabbing, electric shock gushing through my temple to my brain. My mind went blank. A deafening silence followed, then darkness.

But wild sparks exploded through the darkness. I heard another loud ringing in my ears growing faint; my hearing was restored. And it was strangely sharper than my normal hearing.

My other senses grow sharp as well. However, my sight did not. It wasn't restored and I could see nothing but darkness.

Clank! Tzing!

I instinctively hid behind a tree. Multifold sounds filled my ears.

From the rustling sound of leaves to the swift and rapid movements of creatures to the sharp, clanging sounds of metallic objects cutting through the air.

My whole being was disturbed.

Clutching onto my crossbow, I tried to follow the ninjas' movements as I focus on them.

I raised my weapon and pointed it to the people who were rapidly moving from here and there while carefully avoiding their target, the man in white earlier.

It was strange but I instantly recognized who to shoot and who to avoid by the degree of loudness of their heartbeats.

I presumed everyone with the same volume of heartbeats were the ninjas while the one with slow and faint beats was the man's who I accidentally shot. It must be because of his injuries.

Thwunk! Chalkak–, tang, tang, tang!

A mechanical sound was released whenever my index finger pulls the trigger, followed by painful grunts.

"Ugh!"

"Argh!"

"Ack!"

Beads of sweat ran through my body. My eyes painfully throb as time passes by. A burning sensation could be felt but I couldn't be bothered as I was busy shooting. Especially now that I have caught their attention.

Hwiiik–, tzing! Shurikens began approaching me in droves.

It was that moment when panic ignited inside me. I was out of bolts!

My body was restrained from the panic I felt and the burning sensation in my eyes became unbearable. I couldn't move to hide or scratch my eyes.

BOOM!

"AAAHHH!" I screamed in pain synchronously to the explosion, and I slumped on the ground.

Then silence prevailed. My hearing went back to normal.

What was that explosion?

"Ouch!" I winced when I rubbed my eyes and blinked repeatedly.

I finally had a glimpse of light. My vision goes on a blur at first, then it gradually becomes clearer.

It was already dawn.

As soon as my sight completely recovered, I didn't waste a single moment hesitating. I hastily stride towards the direction of the man.

No flying weapons appeared and blocked my way and the ninjas were knocked down.

"I'm sorry for shooting you! Are you alright?"

Those were the first words that escaped my mouth when I reached him. The man was lying on the ground with cuts and blood all over him.

"H, hey!"

He didn't respond. The face of the man with his eyes closed was as pale as death. I panic once again.

'Is he dead?'

My heart sank at the thought. His pale face reminded me of awful memories of my childhood I swore to forget.

"H, hey! Old man, wake up!" I frantically shook the old man's body like crazy. But the man had no movement.

No...this can't be happening. I'm scared. This is all my fault.

"Wake up! Please, please, please..." I burst into tears.

"...stop shaking me. I'm dizzy."

Fortunately, the man's eyelids flinched, and light blue irises were revealed.

"Ugh... that damn explosion almost got me." The man mumbled something I didn't hear.

"You alive!" I exclaimed.

"Well, I didn't die."

I ignored the man's sarcastic remark and wiped my tears with the back of my hands...

"I'm glad you were okay. I'm sorry for shooting you."

I was truly relieved. I thought I have caused someone else's death again.

"So, it's you."

I flinched to my horror when he picked up his sword and point it at my neck.

I instinctively raised both my hands at the back of my head to imply that I am harmless.

"You can't blame me. It's all your fault for disguising as a deer here in the forest," I bluntly said.

Yeah, right. Who in their right mind would disguise as a wild deer in the wilds? Unless I was charmed by this creepy forest and my sight was rapt. I rolled my eyes and shook my head.

"What deer at you talking about? Are you perhaps drunk?"

"I only drank nine glasses of beer. I'm not drunk though!" I defensively replied while raising nine of my fingers.

That, the man chuckled. My worries and guilt for accidentally shooting him disappeared all at once and were replaced with annoyance.

'What am I doing here? I should go.'

"I think you seem just fine. Again, I'm sorry that I shot you. I gotta go, old man, I hope to not see you again."

"O, old man...?" He stuttered in question, confusion painted on his face.

"How insolent. You dare not recognize me as your crown prince then calling me an old man?"

I was taken aback by the sudden change of his tone and his aura. His chill voice sent shivers down my spine, and the air around us became oppressive.

I gave him a perplexed look.

"Are you not?" I abruptly leaned forward, closing my face on his as I tried to inspect his face.

Surprised at my sudden action, the man did not move.

"You're the crown prince, you say? Sorry, I have never seen the crown prince nor was taught how to politely address nobles or the imperial family or whatever you call it. But..." I paused as I trace my eyes to him.

"...I think you're too old to be that person. You've even grown white hairs," I bluntly said.

However, he already grabbed my hand gripping it tightly, and I was unable to resist.

He stared at me with his sparkling light blue eyes. Somehow, the air around us changed once again.

"Your eyes...are odd–" I cut his words and took my arm back by forcibly shoving his hands.

Damn, he saw it!

I frantically covered my eyes with my blindfold mask. Unfortunately, it came off because the ribbon loosened. My mask dropped on him.

I was too scared to pick it up that I just ran away with my crossbow. I couldn't think straight because of how nervous I was.

When I got out of the forest, the sun has already risen slightly and the cold that I have forgotten for a while enveloped me; I hugged myself as I shivered.

Clack. Clack.

I saw my horse approaching from the direction where the sun has risen from. There were several horses and knights with it.

It was the knights of Meredith, and one of them was my brother.

I sighed in relief. However, my body suddenly felt weak and heavy.

I gasped for air in exhaustion but my chest only hurts whenever I heaved a breath. My mouth and throat dried up and I coughed; a warm crimson liquid came out from both my nose and mouth.

"Orianna!" Lucian's blurry face emerges in front of me.

"Bro...ther."

Everything turned black that moment in an instant.