Read part 1: The New Guard 1 A dark fantasy illustration of Madrina , the heartless princess, walking through a grand obsidian hall. Behind her, the powerful Patron sits on a throne of jagged black glass. Shifting shadows, demons, and spirits bow in fear as she passes, capturing the eerie and supernatural atmosphere of 'The New Guard' story. The Mortal Daughter She had everyone, minor demon or spirit, jumping out of the way as she walked toward the obsidian hall. She is furious, and every demon that saw her knew their life is at an end if they don't clear the way immediately. She is not known as the heartless daughter for nothing; her cruelty and ecstatic delight in the suffering of others is well known. The demons called her a sadist—not to her hearing, of course. She usually sent them to get her mortals that she used to play and watch as the demon tormented them. Her name is Madrina , and she is just twenty-five years old. She walked on, hissing at an old spirit that...
The Crown King Dylan ruled with an iron fist. Feared by all, he conquered neighboring lands with reckless zeal. His people obeyed his every whim—not out of love, but survival. Yet they prospered. The kingdom of Justicia overflowed with riches: fertile fields, gold mines, and skilled artisans. To them, Dylan’s cruelty was the price of strength. He had two children. Prince Maxwell , the heir, was nothing like his father. Where Dylan demanded discipline, Maxwell chased wine and women. He refused the sword, preferring brothels to battlements. The king had tried—drills, tutors, threats—but gave up. There is a kingdom to rule when I’m gone, Dylan thought, and my son is a drunk. Princess Margaret , however, burned with ambition. She trained daily with sword and bow, becoming the finest archer in Justicia. She craved war councils, border patrols, danger. “I will protect our people,” she vowed, “even if it kills me.” Far from the palace, Jordan cared for none of it. A commoner, he kept ...