Chapter 0: The Woman in the Flame
Before the stars were named, there was only silence. Before the gods could love, she taught them how.
They tell her story in temple whispers and cradle songs.
A woman of no nation, who bore no sword, and wore no crown—yet all creation bowed to her. Not through war, nor wealth, nor prophecy—but love.
Some say she was mortal, once. A scholar exiled for asking too many sacred questions. Others say she was born from the heart of the world itself, a spark of longing so fierce it kindled divinity. Most simply call her Kaelyra.
And in every tale, she is surrounded by goddesses.
The Goddess of Love who wept starlight when she first touched Kaelyra's cheek.
The Goddess of War who laid down her blade, not in surrender, but in admiration.
The Goddess of Secrets who dared speak her name aloud for the first time.
The Goddess of Death who wrote poems on Kaelyra's pulse.
The Goddess of Fate who once knew all ends—and unlearned them for her.
They did not crown her Empress. She did not ask to rule. She simply loved them. And they, in return, loved her beyond their natures.
Some temples claim she became immortal, burning forever beside her wives in a palace of twilight. Others say she aged, and died, and that every falling star is a memory of her final breath.
But this, all agree on:
The heavens still wear her name.
And in every myth, she is never