Impending

As Laiza calmed down, her breathing steadying, the realization that her powers had returned brought a wave of relief—but also memories she had long buried. Slowly, fragments of her past resurfaced, each one sharper and more painful than the last.

Once, magic had come naturally to her. As a member of one of the Three Great Houses of Lotus City, it was expected—no, inevitable—that she would wield immense magical talent. But that all changed on one fateful night.

Her mother had been attacked, and Laiza had been protected by her mother that night. Despite her efforts, her mother was gravely injured and eventually succumbed. The memory of her mother's final moments haunted her—the guilt of being unable to save her, the sound of her voice echoing in her ears.