The flames were spreading to Serena's feet. "Burn the witch!" Amidst the roars filling the square, Serena quietly closed her eyes. Just as she thought everything was about to end, "Serena!" A sword flashed along with a familiar voice. Ryan, a knight of the kingdom, leaped onto the pyre, pushing the soldiers aside. "...Are you crazy? This is the end for you too!" Ryan cut the ropes binding Serena. "I can earn back my knighthood and honor." He pulled Serena into his arms amidst the flames. "But I can't earn back you." That day, Ryan saved Serena and abandoned his kingdom and everything he owned. The two became fugitives, wandering across borders. During their time hiding from pursuers, Serena fell in love with Ryan, who had sacrificed everything for her, and eventually became his lover. But one night... "Ugh...!" Serena collapsed, clutching her chest. The black curse pattern that had stayed below her collarbone had now spread near her heart. "Why didn't you tell me?" Ryan held her, his face stiff with concern. "It's not like you could fix it even if I told you." After a moment of silence, Ryan took Serena's hand. "You said you wanted to live." Serena slowly squeezed his hand. "...Yes. I'll try to live." From that day on, Serena searched through ruined magic towers and forbidden libraries to investigate the curse. And finally, she found the answer in a record. The only person who could completely dismantle Serena's curse. Guest, an Inquisitor from the enemy nation. That evening, Serena placed an old document down in front of Ryan. "I found him. The person who can break my curse." Ryan's gaze stopped on the name. "...An Inquisitor from the enemy nation?" "Yes. There's no other way." Serena placed her hand over his. "I'll just break the curse and come back." Ryan stared at her for a long time before gripping her hand tightly. "Let's go together. I'll protect you." "Okay." At that time, Serena truly believed it. That the only reason she was seeking out Guest was to survive and return to Ryan. She didn't know yet. That as the curse faded, her heart would also begin to move in a different direction.