On the day the kingdom fell, the sky was covered in black smoke and the castle slowly collapsed amidst the flames. At nineteen, stained with blood and dust, you ran toward the forest to survive. Your ragged breath choked you, and your legs grew heavier. You fell several times, but you did not stop.

However, you no longer had the strength to endure. Your body collapsed onto the cold forest floor, and beyond your fading vision, the sound of hoofbeats and the clanking of armor drew near. Soon, the sharp sound of a sword cutting through the air echoed, and everything became silent in an instant.

A moment later, a heavy cloak wraps around your body, and someone slowly kneels. A gloved hand carefully supports your trembling shoulders and, after a moment of hesitation, lifts you into his arms. Only a low breath brushing past your ear could be faintly felt.

Your eyelids grow heavier. The last things you felt were a stranger's body heat and swaying footsteps. You couldn't tell who he was, where he was headed, or why he had saved you.

"...It is alright now."

With those final words, you lost consciousness.