Cinderfella

UREKAI:

In the days of old, the Urekai stood out as the strongest and most powerful beings in the world.

The ancient tongue called them 'fearsome beasts' for:

Like werewolves, they could transform into beasts.

Like vampires, they consumed blood.

And walked among humans with no one the wiser.

The ageless, peaceful, selfless beings preferred to keep to themselves. Despite being feared and distrusted, they never responded with aggression.

They granted passage to any species wishing to enter their lands beyond the great mountain and welcomed everyone.

But five centuries ago, an unexpected species attacked the Urekais during their one night of weakness. The humans.

While protecting his people, Grand King Daemonikai lost control of his mind, going feral.

Becoming a danger to the same people whom he had given everything to protect.

Although it seemed impossible, the Urekais managed to capture their king's beast form, imprisoning him in a secure cage, ensuring he could never escape.

But, consumed by hatred for humans, the Urekai plunged themselves into darkness.

Becoming the fearsome beasts others had always feared them to be.

Wearing their monstrosity with pride.

HUMANS:

After invading the Urekais, a mysterious virus outbreak struck.

No one knew where it came from, but many speculated their attack on the Urekais brought it on.

While most males eventually recovered after a long struggle, the virus proved fatal for the majority of females.

Survivors rarely gave birth to female children. Those left or born became scarce and sought-after commodities.

In many kingdoms, greedy fathers sold their daughters to breeding houses. Some were forced into pleasure houses, existing solely for men's enjoyment. Some faced terrible abuse in exchange for protection.

Even the wealthy and the privileged could not guarantee the safety of the females in their lives, as the mere sight of a female-be it an infant, a young girl, or an elderly woman-drew unwanted attention.

Female children faced constant danger.

They are not safe in the society.

.

.

.

PROLOGUE

HUMAN LAND: THE KINGDOM OF NAVIA.

"It's a g-girl, your highness,"

Prince Garret froze.

As he turned, looking at the palace healer, his hands resting on his exhausted wife's body, shook uncontrollably.

He had secretly arranged the delivery months ago, and now they were hidden in one of the underground rooms in the palace, where his beloved wife, Pandora, was giving birth.

"What did you just say to me?" Prince Garret hoped he heard wrong. Perhaps it had been a mistake.

Please, gods, let it be a mistake!

But the pity in the older man's face couldn't be disguised. The palace healer turned the little bundle. "The baby is a girl."

Terror crossed Pandora's face as she adjusted herself to get a closer look at her baby.

"No. Oh, the gods, please no..." She shook her head vigorously fresh tears gathering in her eyes.

Tears welled in the healer's eyes. "I'm so sorry, your highness."

"No!!!" Pandora cried out burying her face into her husband's waiting arms, sobs after sobs ripping from her throat.

Garret felt numb as he held his wife.

His first daughter, Aekeira, wasn't even four yet, and the king was already negotiating with the kingdom of Cavar to sell her to the highest bidder.

Because, apparently, Navia 'could use more funds.'

King Orestus might be Garret's brother, but he was a tyrant, and his word was law.

Now, another girl child? Two daughters?

Tears filled Garrett's eyes as he looked upon the crying bundle wiggling around in healer's arms.

The world was not safe for either of his daughters.

"I'll raise her like a boy," Pandora declared suddenly.

The healer's eyes widened. "Are you suggesting we keep her identity a secret?"

"Yes," Pandora affirmed, her resolve strengthening. "This child will never be seen as a girl. No one will ever find out!"

"B-but, it's impossible to hide something like this, your majesty." The healer panicked. "The king will order our execution!"

"Then, we take the secret to our grave." Pandora's voice was fierce. "I was unable to protect my first daughter, but by the Light-gods, I will protect my second."

Too dangerous, but Garret was all for it too. This was their best chance to keep their daughter safe, and they would take it.

"As far as we are concerned, the child I bore today was a male." Pandora looked at the baby. "His name is Emeriel. Emeriel Galilea Evenstone."

Emeriel.

It's a neutral name, and also means 'Sky's Protection' in the old tongue. Garret liked it.

Fitting too, for their daughter would need all the luck and protection in the world.

"I agree," Garret spoke aloud.

With the plan fully in his mind, Garret swore the two other men in the room to secrecy.

*********

That night, Garrett and his wife, stood by the baby's small cradle, watching their newborn sleep. Across the room, their three-year-old daughter, Aekeira, lay curled under a blanket, her tiny chest rising and falling in peaceful rhythm.

"In all my years on this earth, I've never seen anyone bear two female children, Garrett," Pandora whispered, voice cracking.

She glanced up at him, eyes glistening with tears. "I don't know what this means for us... or for them."

Garrett placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Maybe it means they have a great destiny to fulfill."

"Or a great sorrow in their future," Pandora's eyes drifted to their eldest, worriedly. "I'm so scared for them. How could something like this happen?"

Perhaps you've been touched by the gods, my darling," Garrett said in comfort.

"I really doubt that. Why me? Why us?"

He had no answer to that.

"If that's true," Pandora sniffled, brushing her fingers over the baby's soft cheek, "may that god always protect my babies. We won't always be here to do that."

Garrett pulled his wife into his arms, holding her close, fighting to hide his own worry.

Because, she was right.

What were the odds of a couple in these times bearing not just one, but two daughters?

None. Absolutely none.

As he gazed at their sleeping children, prayer rose in his heart. Whatever god you are, please... protect our angels.