The first thing I notice is dirt under my fingernails and a sharp pain in my ribs that suggests I didn't land gracefully when I fell. Not some magical palace, not floating furniture – just plain, ordinary earth and the metallic taste of blood where I've bitten the inside of my cheek. My head pounds like I've gone ten rounds with a drill sergeant, each heartbeat sending fresh waves of nausea through my skull, and my mouth tastes like I've been gargling sand.

  Minor Injuries Detected:

  ? Bruised Ribs (Recovery Time: 2 hours)

  ? Mild Concussion (Status Effect: -10% Accuracy)

  ? Multiple Abrasions (No Combat Impact)

  "I got drugged by my own supposed sister! That backstabbing, powder-throwing..." I push myself up, wincing as my scraped palms press against the rough ground, tiny pebbles embedding themselves in the raw skin.

  A tactical-looking backpack sits nearby, its material matching my clothing – definitely not standard REI gear. I check its contents: water bottles with an odd sheen, packages of what might be food (though the writing looks like scattered stars having a seizure), basic medical supplies, and what appears to be a compass emanating a soft glow.

  Accessing first Inventory item.

  Basic Survival Pack (Fae-Enhanced) detected.

  Initiating power calibration...

  The words appear in my vision like a heads-up display, golden and clear. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me." I blink hard, but the text remains. "Either I'm having the mother of all hallucinations, or..."

  Calibration complete.

  Current Power Level: 2

  Available Skills:

  ? Basic Magic Manipulation (Locked)

  ? Enhanced Physical Capabilities (Active)

  ? Elemental Affinity (Locked)

  "Right. Because being a supposed fairy princess wasn't enough – now I'm living in a video game." I stand up, testing my balance. Despite the situation, my body feels... good. Better than good. Like I've been upgraded from economy to first class.

  Enhanced Physical Capabilities activated.

  Current bonuses:

  ? Strength +20%

  ? Agility +15%

  ? Stamina +25%

  A twig snaps in the distance, and my heightened senses pick up movement about fifty yards out. Something massive is moving through the underbrush, and it's definitely not a deer.

  Danger detected.

  Combat Tutorial initiated.

  "Tutorial? Now?" I whisper-hiss at the air. "How about we skip to the 'not dying' part?"

  The bushes part, revealing a wolf the size of a horse, with strange markings pulsing through its fur. Its eyes meet mine, showing an intelligence that makes my skin crawl.

  First Combat Encounter detected.

  Enemy: Fade Wolf (Level 5)

  Recommendation: Run.

  "Yeah, no kidding," I mutter, scanning my surroundings. Combat training kicks in as I assess the terrain. Large tree to my left – cover. Loose branches everywhere – weapons. The wolf's head tilts, studying me, before its muzzle pulls back to reveal teeth like black daggers.

  The wolf lunges, and muscle memory takes over. I dive and roll, the impact sending jolts through my already tender ribs. Rough bark scrapes against my forearms as I grab a thick branch while moving. Fresh scratches bloom across my skin, but the adrenaline dulls the sting. Rising to my feet, I grip the makeshift staff with practiced confidence, ignoring the warm trickle of blood from my scraped knuckles.

  Combat Damage Sustained:

  ? Surface Lacerations (Arms)

  ? Bruising Intensified (Ribs)

  ? Stamina -15%

  "Alright, big guy," I mutter, using the tree as cover, my breathing ragged and sharp in my chest, "let's see if those fancy markings help with basic physics."

  It attacks again, but I'm ready. I dodge its snapping jaws and strike its nose hard – a weak point on any canine. The beast yelps, more startled than injured, but it's enough to create distance.

  I sprint away, vaulting over a fallen log. The wolf follows, falling right into my trap. I grab loose dirt and wait until it rounds the corner. As it lunges, I spin and throw the dirt into its gleaming eyes.

  The wolf snarls, but its stance shifts – showing caution where there was only hunger before. It's no longer facing prey, but a fighter. I keep my branch ready, maintaining the perfect distance for staff combat. "Not so fun when your dinner fights back, huh?"

  Surprisingly, the wolf seems to consider this. Those intelligent eyes study me before it does something unexpected – it bows its massive head and retreats, vanishing into the forest like smoke.

  Combat Assessment:

  ? Tactical thinking demonstrated

  ? Creative resource utilization

  ? Combat Rating: B+

  I eye the interface warily, my breath still coming in short bursts. "You could have mentioned the whole giant wolf thing earlier." The text shifts and ripples, almost like it's responding to my tone. Something about its eagerness to help makes me pause – I've dealt with enough AI systems back home to know they're rarely as simple as they seem.

  Combat encounter survived.

  Experience gained. New tactical options available

  I slump against the tree, muscles burning from the fight. Blood trickles down my forearm where the wolf's claws had caught me, three parallel gashes that sting like hell whenever I move. My ribs scream in protest with each breath – probably bruised from that tackle. The broken branch clatters to the ground beside me, splattered with dark wolf blood and bits of fur.

  Would you like a tutorial on advanced combat techniques?

  Your performance suggests readiness for—

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  "Hold up." I slowly stand, using the tree to help me up, trying to ignore my protesting ribs while I think this through. Where am I? Why do I have some kind of advanced AI system in my head? And most importantly... What does it want? The interface's golden text dims slightly at my interruption, which is interesting – it seems to have emotional responses programmed in. That could be useful information... or dangerous, depending on its purpose.

  System designed to assist and protect—

  "Look," I say, keeping my voice neutral but firm. "I appreciate the help with the wolf. Really. But I need to understand what's happening here." I tap my temple thoughtfully. "You're clearly advanced tech – or maybe not tech at all, given the whole magic situation. Either way, I need to know more about you before we get too... collaborative."

  The interface flickers, and I find myself studying its reactions carefully. Is that genuine disappointment in how the text dims? And if it is, was it programmed to manipulate me, or is there something more complex going on here? Focus, Kali. First priority: figure out where you are. Then worry about the possibly sentient computer in your head.

  Parameters understood.

  Maintaining standard monitoring protocols.

  Awaiting further input.

  "That works for now." I shoulder my pack, wincing as my various scrapes and bruises remind me they exist. My mind races with questions: Where did this system come from? Is it connected to my sister? To whatever she threw at me? One thing at a time. "First, let's find out where we are. Then maybe we can work on... getting to know each other better."

  "So," I snarl at the empty forest, wincing as I probe a swelling lump on my jaw, "this is what sister dear meant by 'bringing me home.' Dump me in monster-infested woods and wait to see if I survive? Real classy, sis." The cool water soothes my parched throat, though I can still taste copper from my split lip. "Message received, sis. Game on."

  STATUS UPDATE - Post Wolf Encounter

  Level: 3

  Experience: 1,200/2,100

  Notable Achievements:

  ? First combat victory

  ? Basic Magic Manipulation unlocked

  ? Enhanced Physical Capabilities discovered

  Current Mission: Survive the Wyldwood

  Note: Initial powers still heavily restricted

  Combat efficiency improving.

  New skill unlocked: Tactical Analysis

  Quest Updated: Survive and Thrive

  Current Objectives:

  ? Master your combat skills

  ? Navigate the Wyldwood

  ? Optional: Figure out why your sister is being so sketchy

  "At least the interface has a sense of humor," I growl, biting back a curse as I push myself upright. Every muscle protests the movement, and I'm pretty sure I've got splinters in places splinters were never meant to be. The alien sun hangs low on the horizon, bleeding impossible colors across the sky – because of course even the sunset has to be extra in this nightmare realm. Night's coming, and my gut tells me that wolf was just a taste of what these woods hold.

  I adjust my backpack straps, fighting with the buckle that seems determined to catch on my torn shirt. The compass's steady pulse casts a warm glow, pointing to what I hope is north – if that even means anything in this realm, which, given my luck so far, it probably doesn't.

  Navigation System activated.

  Tracking enabled.

  Warning: Multiple hostile entities detected in area.

  "Oh, fantastic. Just fantastic." I set off, keeping my newfound magic ready just beneath my skin, though it crackles irritably like static electricity gone wrong. "Just another day in the life of Sergeant – sorry, Princess – Kali Santos. Survive basic training? Check. Handle endless paperwork? Check. Get kidnapped by a fairy sister, drugged, dumped in magical woods, and forced to level up like some RPG character? Sure, why not? Add it to the ever-growing list of ways the universe likes to mess with me."

  The branches creak overhead, and a howl echoes through the darkness – deeper, hungrier than my previous opponent. This is going to be a long night.

  Quest Status: In Progress

  Current Power Level: 3

  Health: 85%

  Status Effect: Slightly Sassy

  "Oh, shut up," I tell the HUD, but I can't help smirking. If this is my crash course in magical heritage, I might as well lean into it. Besides, what's the worst that could happen?

  The shadows between the trees seem to thicken, as if rising to the challenge.

  Game on, indeed.

  áine POV

  áine burst into Kalina's chambers, her heart thundering against her ribs like a war drum. "Kali, I'm so sorry about the sleeping spell, I—"

  The words died in her throat as she took in the empty bed, its silk covers thrown back as if in haste, still holding the warmth of her sister's presence. The scent of summer roses – Kalina's natural aura – lingered in the air, mixing with something darker, more ancient.

  "No," she whispered, her voice carrying none of its usual musical lilt. Instead, it cracked like ice in spring thaw. "No, no, no."

  She whirled toward the doorway where two of her most trusted guards stood at attention, their armor gleaming with the enchanted light of the eternal summer court. "Where is Princess Kalina?" The question came out sharp as winter frost, making both guards flinch. The temperature in the room plummeted, delicate patterns of ice crystallizing on the windowpanes.

  "Your Highness," the first guard stepped forward, confusion evident in her crystalline eyes, "the only person we've seen enter or leave this room was yourself." The guard's hand rested nervously on her sword hilt, fingers tapping an anxious rhythm against the moonsilver pommel.

  "What?" áine's fingers curled into fists, frost crystallizing in the air around them like suspended stars. "That's impossible. Search the castle, every corner, every shadow. Alert the Shadowhound patrols. Find her!"

  As the guards rushed to obey, their footsteps echoing down the marble corridors, áine turned back to the empty chamber. Something wasn't right. The air held a lingering trace of magic – not the familiar signature of the castle's protective wards, but something else. Something forbidden. Something that made the ancient magic in her bones recoil and sing at the same time.

  She approached the bed, her fingers hovering over the rumpled sheets. There – like a whisper of smoke in still air – she felt it. Teleportation magic, but not the crude spells used by common mages. This was old magic, royal magic, woven with an expertise that spoke of centuries of practice.

  "Impossible," she breathed, her eyes widening as the familiar energy signature wrapped around her senses. The castle's defensive enchantments were woven from the very essence of Tír na nóg itself, strengthened by generations of Summer Court magic. No one could teleport in or out without royal blood and...

  The realization hit her like a physical blow. Royal blood. áine's hand clenched around the bedpost, frost spreading across the ornate wood in jagged patterns that mimicked ancient battle runes. Her breath caught – there was something hauntingly familiar about the signature, something that made her ancient heart stutter. It felt like... but no, that was impossible. Her older sister had fallen in the War of Burning Crowns. She'd watched her fall, seen her body consumed by the dark flames of the Unseelie Court's most deadly weapons.

  Yet the magical residue pulsed with that same fierce protectiveness, that wild streak of defiance that had been Maeve's trademark. The same magic that had once turned an entire battlefield into a crater of destruction when áine had been wounded. The magic that had made Maeve both beloved and feared throughout the realm.

  áine's fingers traced the air where the teleportation spell had torn reality, following the familiar patterns she'd seen her sister weave a thousand times before. The magic responded to her touch, sparking with recognition – recognition that shouldn't be possible if this truly was just someone mimicking her sister's techniques.

  "Oh, little flame," she whispered to the empty room, her voice thick with worry and a desperate, dangerous hope, "what have they done with you? And why does their magic feel like our sister's?" The last word came out choked, heavy with three centuries of grief and questions.

  Behind her, the ice continued to spread, turning Kalina's chambers into a glittering replica of the Winter Court's halls. If Maeve was truly alive, if she had taken their youngest sister... The temperature dropped another ten degrees as áine's power responded to her turbulent emotions. She needed answers, and she needed them now.