Strays

UREKAI:

In the days of old, the Urekai stood out as the strongest and most powerful beings in the world. 

The ancient tongue called them 'fearsome beasts' for:

Like werewolves, they could transform into beasts. 

Like vampires, they consumed blood.

And walked among humans with no one the wiser.

The ageless, peaceful, selfless beings preferred to keep to themselves. Despite being feared and distrusted, they never responded with aggression. 

They granted passage to any species wishing to enter their lands beyond the great mountain and welcomed everyone. 

But five centuries ago, an unexpected species attacked the Urekais during their one night of weakness. The humans.

While protecting his people, Grand King Daemonikai lost control of his mind, going feral. 

Becoming a danger to the same people whom he had given everything to protect. 

Although it seemed impossible, the Urekais managed to capture their king's beast form, imprisoning him in a secure cage, ensuring he could never escape.

But, consumed by hatred for humans, the Urekai plunged themselves into darkness.

Becoming the fearsome beasts others had always feared them to be. 

Wearing their monstrosity with pride.

HUMANS:

After invading the Urekais, a mysterious virus outbreak struck. 

No one knew where it came from, but many speculated their attack on the Urekais brought it on.

While most males eventually recovered after a long struggle, the virus proved fatal for the majority of females. 

Survivors rarely gave birth to female children. Those left or born became scarce and sought-after commodities.

In many kingdoms, greedy fathers sold their daughters to breeding houses. Some were forced into pleasure houses, existing solely for men's enjoyment. Some faced terrible abuse in exchange for protection.

Even the wealthy and the privileged could not guarantee the safety of the females in their lives, as the mere sight of a female-be it an infant, a young girl, or an elderly woman-drew unwanted attention. 

Female children faced constant danger.

They are not safe in the society.

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PROLOGUE

HUMAN LAND: THE KINGDOM OF NAVIA.

"It's a g-girl, your highness," 

Prince Garret froze. 

As he turned, looking at the palace healer, his hands resting on his exhausted wife's body, shook uncontrollably. 

He had secretly arranged the delivery months ago, and now they were hidden in one of the underground rooms in the palace, where his beloved wife, Pandora, was giving birth.

"What did you just say to me?" Prince Garret hoped he heard wrong. Perhaps it had been a mistake. 

Please, gods, let it be a mistake!

But the pity in the older man's face couldn't be disguised. The palace healer turned the little bundle. "The baby is a girl."