36

PRESENT SCENE

INT. KINGDOM CELESTRIA - VILLAGE - DAY

The sun had barely begun its ascent, casting a weak and pallid light across the humble village of Celestria. Amid the cobblestone streets and thatched cottages, a moved with quiet determination. She was a young woman of grace and resilience, her eyes carrying a weight far beyond her years. Her tattered clothing clung to her form, bearing witness to the countless hours of labor she endured.

Her mornings began long before the village awoke. She was the daughter of a commoner named Gideon

Lucia's hands trembled slightly as she carefully carried the heavy bucket of milk from the barn to the cottage. Her heart pounded with the weight of responsibility, knowing that any mishap would only add to her parents' frustration. The morning sun cast long shadows across the path as she moved slowly, determined not to make a single mistake.

However, just as she was nearing the cottage door, a loose stone on the path caused her foot to slip. In an