Rites of the Starling

The five kingdoms of Calandra are teetering on the brink of ruin. The crux migration is imminent, and following a catastrophic assault, I find myself separated from the man I deeply care for. I am feeling lost, scared, homesick, relentlessly pursued by creatures, utterly exhausted, and taken captive by a formidable priest. The only thing giving me the strength to carry on is the responsibility of protecting a young girl who relies on me for her safety. Now, it is my moment to step into the role of Guardian. Our destinies take a dramatic turn one pivotal evening—a night marked by death, monsters, and revelations. It is during this night that I come to understand what true fear is and recognize the extent of my inner resilience. There are those around me trying to mold me into something I am not—a queen, a spy, a sacrifice. Yet, what if I choose to embrace my role as a queen? What if the truths I unravel have the power to rescue our kingdom? What if my ultimate sacrifice brings redemption to the man I cherish? I have been haunted for too long by the monsters we create. It is time to explore the beast within myself.