PROLOGUE

Once upon a time, in the hushed embrace of a moonlit night, a forbidden love unfolded, its essence entwined within the realms of gods and mortals. In the deepest shadows, where whispers of desire danced upon the air, the goddess Navana, a radiant embodiment of love and beauty, found solace in the arms of a mortal man named Theron.

Their clandestine union kindled a flame that burned with an intensity beyond mortal comprehension. Amidst stolen moments, hidden from the prying gaze of the divine, Navana and Theron surrendered to the depths of their love, weaving a tale of passion and longing. It was during one such clandestine encounter that the fruit of their devotion was conceived—a baby girl, born of a love so pure it defied the boundaries of their separate worlds.

As the celestial glow bathed the land, Navana cradled the newborn in her arms, her tender touch infused with a divine warmth that spoke of eternal affection. Yet, even as joy enveloped her heart, Navana was haunted by the perils that awaited her beloved daughter. In the realms where gods and mortals clashed, the consequences of their forbidden love could be dire.

In the depths of her divine wisdom, Navana made a choice that echoed with both love and sorrow. She would not subject her daughter to the wrath of jealous deities or the dangers lurking within the mortal realm. She resolved to keep her child safe, even if it meant surrendering the tender bond between mother and daughter.

Guided by her unwavering love, Navana sought counsel from the ancient Oracle, a venerable seer whose wisdom spanned the ages. Deep within the sacred grove, where whispers of prophecy echoed through the ancient trees, Navana stood before the Oracle, her heart heavy with a mixture of hope and apprehension.

The Oracle, her eyes gleaming with ancient knowledge, sensed the divine presence that emanated from Navana. With a voice that carried the weight of the cosmos, she foretold the child's destiny—a path woven with both danger and greatness. The Oracle revealed that the child possessed a unique power, a spark of divinity that demanded protection.

Listening to the Oracle's words, Navana's resolve solidified. She knew what she must do to safeguard her daughter.

Guided by her unwavering love, Navana entrusted Theron with a sacred task. Knowing the dangers that awaited her, she sent him on a journey to the kingdom of Nortdoc, a realm cloaked in mystery and shrouded by a forbidden forest. There, amidst the stormy night when darkness held sway, Theron would seek out Gryvra, a midwife wrongfully cast out from the walls of the kingdom, accused of witchcraft after losing her husband to a strange illness and enduring childlessness during their six years of marriage.

With a heavy heart and a resolve fueled by love, Theron ventured into the treacherous depths of the forbidden forest. Rain cascaded from the heavens, creating a symphony of whispers and rustling leaves. Thunder crashed and lightning danced across the sky, illuminating the path ahead, as if the elements themselves bore witness to this momentous undertaking.

Navigating through winding trails and ancient trees, Theron's footsteps were muffled by the chorus of raindrops. In his arms, he cradled the precious bundle, wrapped snugly in a blanket, a symbol of his unwavering devotion to Navana and their daughter, whom they named Iana.

At long last, Theron reached the heart of the forbidden forest, where the air crackled with an otherworldly energy. He approached a humble cottage standing solitary amidst the dense foliage, its humble existence hidden from prying eyes.

With utmost care, Theron placed the wicker basket, carrying Iana, upon the cottage's weathered doorstep. He lingered in the shadows, watching as Gryvra emerged from within, drawn by the unusual occurrence on this stormy night. Her eyes widened with a mix of surprise and curiosity as she discovered the infant nestled within the basket, a beacon of innocent beauty amidst the tempest.

Gryvra's heart swelled with compassion as she scooped the child into her arms, shielding her from the biting cold. In that moment, she felt a connection—an inexplicable bond that transcended the ordinary. Gryvra recognized the weight of responsibility thrust upon her, but she also sensed the divine presence that surrounded the child.

Theron, unseen in the shadows, watched the scene unfold before him, a mixture of joy and sorrow swirling within his heart. He had fulfilled his duty as a father, ensuring the safety of their beloved daughter. Yet, he also knew that he must now fade into the night, leaving Iana in Gryvra's capable hands.

As the storm raged on, Theron whispered his final blessings, his voice carried away by the winds. He disappeared into the veil of darkness, his mission complete. And Gryvra, cradling Iana, stepped back into the warmth of her humble abode, where the flickering light of a hearth awaited them.