The oppressive silence was suddenly broken by footsteps. Alex turned around, preparing to defend herself. She drew her swords and braced herself. The steps echoed from the darkness, and she tensed, ready for a fight. In the stillness, it was easy to detect outsiders, but the twilight concealed the identity of the approaching figure. The footsteps leisurely approached the rift. Who were these visitors to the Borderlands?

Finally, the figure drew closer and stepped out of the shadows. Alex saw a tall and slender young man. She observed his captivating and attractive figure, yet at the same time, she felt a certain arrogance and coldness emanating from his gaze.

The man appeared to be around 20 years old and possessed striking beauty. His ink-black hair, resembling a raven's wing, contrasted with his fair skin. Expressive blue eyes seemed capable of penetrating the depths of one's soul. His face was focused, as if prepared to confront an impending danger. He looked strong and proud, with his head held high, a determined chin, and a smoothly shaved face. Only on his cheeks could one notice a barely visible dark streak of hair. His tall stature and broad shoulders, clad in warrior attire, added to his masculinity. His combat form accentuated his broad chest. In his hands, the mage held a bow, and a quiver filled with arrows could be seen slung over his back.

Alex felt an unfamiliar excitement stirring within her as their gazes met. At fifteen years old, the young duchess rarely encountered men. Elderly servants, Sam, and her father were the only men she had come across on her journey. The stranger's cold and piercing gaze made her flustered and lowered her weapons. His presence was magnetic, exuding a sense of mystery and allure. She couldn't take her eyes off his expressive icy blue eyes. The fringe falling on his forehead and covering one eye added to his enigmatic and daring aura. The smile on his lips was mischievous, as if he held a secret and played with that knowledge. Straight white teeth gave his face a flawless and defined appearance.

Alex felt that this young warrior possessed not only physical strength but also magic. His presence was full of mysteries, and she experienced a mixture of fear and attraction towards the young man.

Shaking her head to dispel the fascination, she tried to stop staring at him, examining his strong arms and letting her gaze wander over his toned figure.

With a hint of distrust and curiosity, Alex addressed the stranger with the questions swirling in her mind. "Who are you? Why have you appeared here?" she asked, trying to infuse her voice with strength and confidence, suppressing her internal confusion.

The stranger looked at Alex with an expression of arrogance and interest. He also studied the Guardian, meeting her gaze. As he approached, he softened his expression, giving it a friendlier look, and smiled slightly, attempting to alleviate her concerns.

"Greetings, milady. I am Prince Sebastian de Forest, son of the King of the Woods. My father sent me to assess the situation with the rift and meet the Guardian. News of atypical magic has reached the de Forests, and the king is concerned," the prince observed the girl attentively, somewhat perplexed as he took in her Guardian attire.

Alex was taken aback. The prince himself, from the de Forest family – rumors spread quickly indeed. She found it hard to believe that echoes had reached de Forest Castle, as it was too far away.

"Greetings, Your Highness," Alex slightly curtsied, and the prince's smile widened. "I am Alessandra de Savoyar, and I am the Guardian of the rift," the girl confidently stated.

The prince raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Is that so, Alex? Can such a young girl be a Guardian? Forgive my astonishment, but you don't look like a typical warrior-guardian. Moreover, isn't it Duke Roger de Savoyar who is the Guardian of the rift?" Sebastian remarked with a hint of mockery in his voice. In his mind, he couldn't picture a young girl barely reaching his shoulder as the Guardian. The Guardian attire on her looked more comical than warrior-like.

Alex felt a pang of offense at the prince's arrogant tone and the way he was scrutinizing her, as if she were an amusing creature. She put on a polite smile and said, "Appearance can be deceiving, Prince Sebastian. The duty of the Guardian does not depend on age or outward appearance. I am ready to defend these lands and control the rift, just like my predecessors. My father has temporarily stepped back from his responsibilities and entrusted this mission to me."

"An interesting situation indeed. An experienced Guardian stepping back and handing over the position to a young girl. This will definitely pique the king's interest. Well, let's suppose," he took a deep breath and looked around. "I heard about the energy surge near the rift and came to assess the situation. What happened here? How can I be of assistance?" the prince asked, still observing the girl with interest.

The young Guardian became serious and responded with confidence, "It was just an energy surge, nothing serious. Thank you, Your Highness, but natural mages are not of much help at the rift," she might have been a bit too curt with the prince, but the way he was looking at her compelled her to hide her own embarrassment in such a manner.

The gaze and the words with which the girl appraised Sebastian made the mage smirk. "Milady, do you think that a girl who is almost half my size, likely wearing the Guardian attire for the first time, is more effective in battling monsters than the most powerful fire mage in all the kingdoms?" he deliberately added a mocking tone to his voice.

The presence of the prince unsettled the girl. Having extensive experience in dealing with women, it was not difficult for him to notice. The prince wanted to toy with this young Guardian and provoke her emotions, only to later take control of the situation with the rift. His father would be pleased with such a turn of events.

After hearing the prince's words, Alex felt her anger rising. Sebastian's skepticism seemed to seep under her skin, fueling her own fears. She understood that her lack of practical experience and young age could raise doubts in others. However, she had no intention of allowing anyone to blatantly humiliate her, especially not this arrogant prince who regarded her as a foolish child.

She lifted her chin with determination and defiance, locking eyes with the arrogant mage. "Prince Sebastian, fire magic, when wielded properly, is indeed powerful. But when it comes to battling monsters that feed on such power, it is more likely to harm than help. My abilities as a Guardian not only allow me to neutralize the monsters but also to banish them altogether. Unlike elemental mages, I can handle threats even from those who drain magic. I have been prepared for this role since childhood, and I am more than capable of handling it on my own," Alex maintained her gaze on the prince's cold and mocking eyes, infusing each word with her unwavering resolve.

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"Bold words, milady. You openly called the heir to the throne not only useless but also a nuisance," Sebastian smirked slightly, appreciating Alex's boldness and persistence. It was a reaction he did not expect from the young woman. But the prince had no intention of backing down.

He approached the Guardian, looming over her. Alex's eyes widened in surprise, but she stood her ground. Such a reaction surprised and somewhat amused the man.

With a sly smile, noticing the quickened breath of the girl standing too close, Sebastian remarked, "Hmm, you're serious, aren't you? And I must admit, seeing such determination in such a young face is quite rare. You're not like other girls your age."

Alex nodded. "That's right, I'm not like the others. While other girls learn etiquette and prepare for social events, I study combat techniques and practice with weapons. I am ready to take on the responsibility and protect these lands."

Sebastian smiled, this time without mockery. "Well, little Guardian, you intrigue me. Remarkable self-assurance and a daring nature. I must say, I am almost intrigued. But I will be watching you, evaluating your actions. Time will tell who was right." He leaned even closer to the girl's face and whispered almost in her ear, "Remember, little Guardian, I am ready to lend a hand if needed."

Alex flinched slightly at the unexpected proximity of the unfamiliar man, but she refused to show any weakness before the self-assured prince who deliberately tried to unsettle her.

She held her head higher, meeting his mocking yet cold gaze, and said softly but firmly, "Rest assured, Prince Sebastian, you will see that my strength is not determined by age. I can handle this without the assistance of other mages. The rift is calm now, and you can safely return to De Forest."

For a brief moment, Sebastian studied something in the girl's eyes, then exhaled and stepped back. The mirth drained from him as if it were a mask. His gaze burned with coldness, and his face assumed a detached expression.

"I will inform the king that the incident at the rift has been resolved and all is calm. As for the rest, time will tell, little Guardian. The king will be curious to learn about the new Guardian. I believe we will meet again soon," the prince theatrically bowed and walked away.

When Sebastian was out of sight, Alex breathed a sigh of relief. Why did he try to unsettle her? She had no doubt that the prince did it deliberately.

Gathering her thoughts, Alex decided to take another look at the rift and feel the energy flowing within it. Fears still churned in her heart, but she wouldn't let them overpower her. The prince was just the first of many who would treat her with disdain. The fact that she was a girl and her young age would cast doubt on her ability to maintain safety in the Borderlands. But Alex couldn't envision how to influence the situation. She would have to inform the Duke about her encounter with the prince, and together they would come up with a plan.

Alex returns to Savoyar Castle, suppressing her disappointment from the unsuccessful rift inspection. Finding nothing new, she immerses herself in her daily routine, which has become an integral part of her life. The days pass monotonously, but each one is filled with intense training sessions that Alex conducts with her father.

Her relationship with her father has grown even closer and more trusting. They spend a lot of time together, exchanging experiences and knowledge. Her father helps Alex improve her combat skills, teaching her tactics and strategies necessary for successful combat against the threats lurking beyond the rift.

While Alex trains diligently, her mother watches every step of her daughter with great concern. She experiences fear and worry for Alex's safety. If it were up to Celeste, her daughter would shine at balls in the capital, rejecting noble suitors, instead of constant training and trials. However, her husband mostly disregards her opinions, and they have never managed to reconcile with Roger, neither after their wedding nor after Alex's birth, although they made every effort to hide their true relationship from their daughter.

In addition to her training, Alex tirelessly studies the rift. She examines ancient records, studies maps, and deeply analyzes information about past Guardians. She strives to understand the secrets of the rift and its potential threats. But all these records have not revealed anything new to her that could explain the magic surge.

Days pass by as usual, until during a visit to the rift, Alex discovers something strange happening. The portal that was once bright and full of energy now appears to be falling asleep. It becomes dull and ceases to flicker, as if it has lost its energy. Both the Duke and his daughter are concerned about this behavior of the rift. Such a powerful source cannot simply and suddenly become depleted. Unknown processes are occurring, and magic, as if intentionally, is closing itself off from Roger, confirming their suspicions.

Alex continues to observe and study the rift, trying to unravel the mystery of its condition. She senses that something important and dangerous is hiding in the shadows of the slumbering rift, and she will have to confront this threat to protect her world and those she loves.

___________________________________________________________

A year has passed since the last monster attack through the rift, and throughout this period, Alex has continued to tirelessly explore and study its mysteries. Days and nights have been filled with constant training, studying ancient texts, and searching for answers.

And now, the long-awaited day has arrived - Alex's 16th birthday. It is a significant moment in her life, symbolizing her transition from a girl to a young woman.

But on this special day, something unexpected happens. The rift that has occupied her thoughts for so long and become a part of her existence closes. The portal falls asleep, devoid of its previous activity and strength.

As Alex approaches the rift, she freezes and comes to a halt, her gaze clouded with shock and bewilderment. The once flickering rift has dimmed and become a lifeless spot in the middle of the clearing. Alex senses that her connection to the rift has transformed from a thick rope to a fragile thread. This frightens the guardian and puts her on edge. The Duke is also disturbed by the news but can offer no assistance.

Unexpected news arrives a week later from the capital of the Sea Kingdom, from His Majesty, Christoph de Seen, who has finally achieved what he had sought since his coronation all those years ago. The opportunity to officially annex the Borderlands to his kingdom.

Roger de Savoyar, Alex's father, receives an official letter and a decree from the King, stating that Alessandra is no longer the Guardian of the rift due to its dormancy. This decision comes as a surprise and disappointment to the entire family.

As Alex listens to her father's announcement, she feels a deep despair and helplessness wash over her. Without her status and role as the Guardian, she cannot envision her life. It was her calling, her purpose, and it was taken away so easily with a mere piece of paper, shattering everything she had prepared for her whole life.

She gazes at the letter lying before her on the table, feeling her heart constrict with bitterness. She struggles with inner conflict, feeling disillusioned and deceived by the circumstances.