Chapter 1

Back in the seventeenth century during the Maga War between Duskwick and Dimwharf, witches were perceived as dangerous creatures and living dead. Anyone displaying even the slightest sign of magical possession faced death by fire. Any being, human or otherwise, was considered a hominid or a living soul. Fearing the extinction of their kind would bring benefit to both cities, there was no mercy for witches.

On a rainy night in September tenth, sixteen hundred and four, I was born into the wealthy and renowned Lyle family, whose name had thrived for over seven centuries. Following my birth, I was swiftly taken to a nearby city by my father, where I spent my life until sixteen hundred and nineteen.

Though I was aware of my origins and spent considerable time with my parents, Margot Annette Lyle and Loren Flynn Lyle, I had only heard warlock stories since childhood and never encountered one. Growing up in Oxfall town, I received an exceptional education alongside boys, enjoying special attention. However, this didn't hinder the joy I found among my companions.

On my fifteenth birthday in sixteen nineteen, I received news of my biological father's death due to a heart failure, prompting my return to Duskwick for the second time. Despite knowing my parents and their love for me, I had never been to my original house since birth, and his death led me there first.

Surprisingly, at the burial, no one but my mother recognized me, and I was introduced as Tara Marinda from Oxfall town. The large villa, painted in faint black on the outside and bright white inside, housed the prosperous Lyle family. Despite the war, their life was secure, having lasted over fifteen years.

Most villages had fallen, with Goldpost, Crowcall, and Magehill from Dimwharf overtaken by Duskwick. Conversely, Frosthaven town and Smallhaven succumbed to Dimwharf's conquest, leaving Oxfall as their next target. The war stories reached Duskwick through royal informants, guiding King Joseph Duskwick III in commanding the army.

I was six years away from joining the army, and the anticipation was overwhelming. After my father's burial, I received a letter asking me to stay in Duskwick with my grieving mother, who could no longer manage the Lyle business. Flynn Lyle, my father, dealt in gold mining, owning extensive mining areas around Oxfall, Newgrasp, and Frosthaven. The business faced challenges due to the conquest of Frosthaven and the loss of its holder.

During my initial weeks in the Lyle villa, the workers were unwelcoming, perhaps fearing I would exploit the family's vast properties. Weeks later, my mother fell ill and passed away five months after her death. Exactly three days later, the guild caretaker called in Mathew Lodoff to read the Lyle will.

Lodoff, a tall and slim gentleman with a distinctive appearance, commenced the reading on a promising night in February sixteen hundred twenty. Two envelopes held beige-colored papers, one larger and one smaller. The larger envelope contained the will of Loren Flynn Marinda Lyle, declaring that all his properties would pass to my mother, Margot Annette Lyle, and then to me when I turned twenty-one.

As Lodoff read the will, his attention turned to me, confirming my identity as Tara Marinda Lyle. The contents of the smaller envelope remained unopened, holding an air of mystery and anticipation.