Seventeen years had passed since I was born into a quiet farming family in the countryside of Voldis Kingdom. My mother, Durga, and my father, Darvish, cared for me deeply. I was their only son, and they made sure I had everything I needed. Then there was Parvati, my older sister in all but blood—always kind, protective, and looking out for me.

But lately, I had this strange feeling. It was hard to explain like I’d forgotten something important.

“Why does everything look so familiar?” I muttered to myself.

Parvati heard me and grinned. “What looks so familiar, Manu, my little brother?"

“Oh, nothing.” I tried to play it off, but I knew she didn’t believe me.

She tilted her head and gave me a teasing look. “You’ve been acting weird lately."

“Weird? Me? Never!” I forced a laugh, hoping she’d drop it.

Her eyes narrowed in playful suspicion. “Sure, sure. Then explain why you gave away your whole dinner to a stray dog yesterday."

I froze, remembering. She was right. The day before, a skinny dog had wandered up to me, wagging its tail with desperate eyes. Without thinking, I gave it my plate. Watching it eat filled me with a strange warmth like I’d done this before—like it was the right thing to do.

“It just felt right,” I admitted softly.

Parvati gave me a small smile and patted my shoulder. “You’re such a soft-hearted fool. But that’s why we love you, Manu."

Her words should’ve comforted me, but I couldn’t shake the feeling. That dog, its eyes, the way I reacted—it all felt oddly familiar. Like I’d been in its place once, waiting for someone’s kindness.

---

A few days later, I saw Mom feeding that same dog.

“Mom, you’re feeding him too?” I asked, trying not to smile.

She glanced at me, pretending to be annoyed. “Why not? You think you’re the only one allowed to care for him?"

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

I chuckled. “So Parvati told you, huh?"

“Of course she did,” Mom said, laughing. “Sit down and eat, Manu. There’s enough for everyone. We’re farmers—we can afford to share."

As I sat beside her, I couldn’t help but ask, “But I thought you didn’t like dogs?"

Mom’s expression changed, her smile fading slightly. “There was a time I didn’t,” she admitted. “But that was before... well before you were born."

“Before I was born?” I repeated, leaning closer.

She hesitated, her eyes clouded with old memories. “Back then, a stray dog used to come around. We were so poor, but I always gave him little food. Your father didn’t like it, but he never stopped me. Not until... something happened."

“What happened?” I asked, and my curiosity piqued.

Mom shook her head, smiling again, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “It’s nothing. Just an old story."

But I couldn’t shake the feeling. Her words, the dog, the strange warmth in my chest—it all felt connected somehow. Like a part of my past was trying to surface, but I couldn’t grasp it.

-----------------------------------------

In the royal palace of Alveria, Princess Mary trained with her loyal knight, Rudra the Destroyer. He was the strongest fighter in the kingdom, a master of the ancient martial art called Kalari. They clashed swords and shields in the training arena, their movements sharp and precise.

“You’ve improved a lot these past 17 years, Princess,” Rudra said, stepping back with a grin.

Mary shook her head. “Not enough. I’m still nowhere near that bastard Victor."

“Victor is the strongest fighter in Voldis,” Rudra reminded her. “If not for Benji’s sacrifice, we would’ve lost you that day."

Mary’s eyes hardened at the mention of her old friend. “That’s why I’ll kill Victor—just like he killed Benji. I’ll avenge him."

Rudra nodded solemnly. “Then I’ll help you, Princess. You just need to match Victor’s strength to defeat him. Keep Training"

Before Rudra could explain, a sly voice interrupted. “Not Required, Sir Rudra."

They turned to see Rubik, Alveria’s chief strategist, smirking as he stepped forward. Known for his cunning mind, Rubik was a man who believed brains always triumphed over brawn.

“What evil scheme are you plotting now, Rubik?” Rudra asked with a scowl.

Rubik shrugged, unfazed. “Evil? Oh no, I’m just here to offer my brilliant ideas. After all, strength may win battles, but cleverness wins wars."

“Enough,” Mary said, stepping between them before they could start arguing. “Rubik, what’s your plan?"

Rubik’s smirk widened. “We’ll break him, Princess. Not with swords or strength—but with emotional damage."

Mary frowned, confused. “Emotional damage?"

Before Rubik could explain, Queen Maria entered the training hall, her presence commanding respect.

“Mother?” Mary asked, surprised.

Maria smiled gently. “Mary, you want revenge on Victor, don’t you?"

“Yes, I do,” Mary said firmly. “He killed Benji. I’ll never forgive him."

Maria’s expression turned sad. “You’ve trained hard for 17 years, but even now, you don’t have the strength to defeat him. That’s why we must outsmart him. Listen to Rubik’s plan, my daughter."

Mary clenched her fists but nodded. “Fine. Rubik, tell me everything."

Rubik’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “Oh, I will, Princess. This will be my masterpiece. Victor's greatest weakness..."