Muskan_umata

When amateur archaeologist Lila unearths an ancient amulet in the scorching desert, she thinks she’s found the key to saving her people from ruin. But the moment she touches it, the ground collapses beneath her, and she wakes up in a world she doesn’t recognize—with a face that isn’t hers. 

Now, trapped in the body of Queen Aurora a legendary ruler whose downfall cursed an entire kingdom, Lila is thrust into a world of political intrigue, ancient magic, and a prophecy she doesn’t understand. According to a fiery phoenix that emerges from the amulet, she must **restore the seven flames—a task that will unite the warring Phoenix and Dragon Kingdoms and heal a rift that has plagued the land for centuries.

But Lila is no queen. She’s a reluctant adventurer with a sharp tongue and a knack for getting into trouble. As she navigates courtly schemes, battles with shadowy enemies, and the growing power of the amulet, she begins to uncover the truth about Queen Aurora’s past—and the dark forces that led to her downfall. 

With time running out and the amulet’s power growing stronger, Lila must decide: will she embrace her new identity as the Phoenix Queen and fulfill the prophecy, or will she fight to return to her old life—even if it means dooming the kingdoms to eternal strife?

Crown of the seven flames

When I opened my eyes, I was no longer in the cave. I was lying on a soft bed, the room around me dimly lit by flickering candles. The air was warm and smelled of herbs, and the faint sound of crackling fire reached my ears.

I sat up, my head throbbing, and looked around. The room was small but cozy, its walls lined with shelves filled with jars of herbs and potions. A fire burned in the hearth, its light casting long shadows across the room.

I turned to see Sey standing in the doorway, a tray of food in his hands. He set it down on the table beside the bed and crossed his arms, his expression unreadable.

"Where am I?" I asked, my voice hoarse.

"Safe," he replied simply. "For now."

"The cave collapsed," he said, his tone matter-of-fact. "I managed to get us out, but it was close."

I stared at him, my mind racing. "Why did you save me?"

Sey hesitated, his expression flickering with something I couldn't quite place. "Let's just say I have my reasons."

I didn't press further, but the question lingered in my mind. What were Sey's true motives? And why had he saved me?

As I ate, Sey filled me in on what had happened. The cave had been a trap, designed to protect the Flame of Eternal Pkif from those who sought to misuse it. The collapse had been triggered by our presence, and we had barely escaped with our lives.

"The flame is safe," Sey said, his voice calm. "For now."

"But we still need it," I said, my voice tense. "If we don't find the Seven Flames, my kingdom—and yours—will fall."

Sey's expression darkened. "There's more at stake here than just our kingdoms, Aurora. The flames are tied to an ancient prophecy—one that could change the fate of the world."

Before I could respond, the door burst open, and Kaela stormed in, her expression furious. "What are you doing here?" she demanded, her gaze flicking between Sey and me.

"I could ask you the same question," Sey replied, his tone cool.

Kaela ignored him, turning to me. "We need to go. Now."

"What's going on?" I asked, my voice tense.

"There's no time to explain," Kaela said, her voice urgent. "But if we don't leave now, we're all dead."

I hesitated, my mind racing. What was Kaela hiding? And why was she so desperate to leave?

Before I could decide, the ground beneath us began to tremble. The walls of the room shook, and the candles flickered, their light dimming as the air grew colder.

"We need to go," Kaela said, her voice urgent. "Now."

But it was too late. The door burst open, and a group of armed men stormed in, their weapons drawn. I recognized their uniforms—they were from the Dragon Kingdom.

"Well, well," their leader said, a cruel smile on his lips. "Looks like we've caught ourselves a queen."

Seys true motives