Her mother lies dying from an unknown illness. Melos' powers of divination suggest the cure can be found with a demon in the Jade Stone Forest and she will get it, by force if necessary. As an heir to the Empire, however, Knight Protector Gaia is not letting Melos go anywhere so dangerous by herself. As Melos watches the people she loves slip between her fingers, she must dig deep to find the power within to save them. Power that terrifies everyone. Everyone, but the Knight Protector. ~~ This short story features characters from a novel I've written! It was a real joy to write this completely separate story and explore Melos' younger days with such intimate detail. Thank you for reading.