Chapter 1: The Celebration

'Cassia, darling, wake up!' Cassia's mother's voice rang with infectious excitement as she gently shook her daughter awake.

'Mom, what is it?' Cassia mumbled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

'It's the day of the village celebration, sweetheart!' Her mother beamed, her eyes sparkling with joy. 'Your father and brother are already getting ready. We can't be late!'

With a burst of enthusiasm, Cassia sprang out of bed, her heart dancing with anticipation. 'I can't believe it's finally here!' she exclaimed, her voice filled with delight. 'I'm so excited!'

"'Cassia, my love,' her mother said, her eyes gleaming with pride as she started combing her long blonde hair 'Today is not just any celebration. It's the day of the Selection of Zura.'

Small Cassia's curiosity surged. 'Zura? What's that, Mom?'

'Zura,' her mother explained, 'are the blessed girls, the ones who carry a special mark. They're believed to have a unique connection with the ancient Gods and are chosen by the High Council of Supernatural.

Cassia's eyes widened in awe. She'd heard stories of the Zura from her friends who said that the girls selected are taken to a big castle where they become princesses, whey they have beautiful dresses and tiaras.

'Will I ever be chosen, Mom?' she asked, her voice tinged with hope.

Her mother knelt down to meet Cassia's gaze, her smile warm and reassuring. 'Oh, my sweet Cassia,' she said, 'the Zura are chosen when they turn ten years old. You're still only seven, my love. You have a few more years to wait, and during that time, you'll grow, learn, and discover more about yourself. Who knows what the future holds?. The spirits work in mysterious ways. Just remember, you're special in your own way, and I love you no matter what.''

Cassia nodded, her heart filled with a mix of patience and eagerness. She understood that some things took time, but the thought of becoming a Zura, with the special mark and the honor that came with it, danced like a dream in her young mind.

As Cassia's mother looked into her daughter's hopeful eyes, a flicker of concern passed across her face. She gently touched Cassia's cheek and whispered, 'You must understand, my darling, that being a Zura is a great honor, but it comes with a price. Once a girl is identified as a Zura, she is taken from her family and raised in a separate environment.'

Cassia's brow furrowed with confusion. 'But why, Mom? Why would they take her away?'

'The Zura are treasured by the High Council,' her mother explained, 'and they are trained to be the perfect companions for important events and ceremonies. They are taught manners, languages, and arts to represent our village with grace and dignity.'

Cassia absorbed this new information, a mixture of awe and sadness welling up within her. The idea of being separated from her family was heart-wrenching, especially from her mother.

She nodded, feeling a rush of love and gratitude for her mother's reassuring words. As they reached the bustling village square, the air was filled with anticipation, and Cassia couldn't help but wonder what destiny had in store for her on this special day."

As the family gathered in the early morning light, the air was alive with laughter and the promise of a day filled with love and celebration. Cassia couldn't help but feel grateful for the warmth of her family's embrace. Together, they set off for the village square, their hearts united in the happiness of the moment."

What Cassia's mother didn't reveal to her was that the role of a Zura held another, far more secretive purpose. Beyond their duties as honored representatives of the village and their training in grace and etiquette, the Zura were destined for something even more profound. They were intended to become mates of the supernatural leaders who existed in different realms.

This hidden truth was known only to a select few, including the village elders and those who were deeply entwined with the mystical affairs of their land. It was a truth whispered in hushed tones, for it carried both privilege and sacrifice.

In the realm of the supernatural, the concept of a destined mate was deeply ingrained, an age-old belief that transcended time and species. Each supernatural being, whether it was a demon, vampire, werewolf, or other mystical creature, was believed to possess a singular, fated counterpart – the other half of their soul. This union was considered the most profound and sacred connection in their existence.

The bond between a supernatural being and their destined mate was believed to be preordained by the cosmos. It was as if the universe itself had woven their destinies together, and no force in the world could break that bond. The moment they crossed paths, there was an undeniable recognition, an electric connection that resonated deep within their souls.

Once the bond was established, it was an unspoken law among supernatural beings that they could have no heirs with anyone else except their true mate. The union between two destined souls was not just about physical intimacy; it was a merging of their very essence. Only through this sacred union could they bring forth offspring who inherited the unique qualities of both parents.

The connection between a supernatural being and their mate went beyond the physical. They shared emotions, thoughts, and even dreams. It was a profound link that allowed them to find solace and strength in each other's presence. In times of danger or despair, they could draw on their mate's energy and support, making them an unstoppable force when together.

Finding one's destined mate was often considered a lifelong quest, and some supernatural beings would search for centuries to locate the missing half of their soul.

In the world of supernatural beings, the loss of a mate or the inability to find one was a tragedy that held profound implications for their legacy and title.

When a supernatural being lost their mate, whether due to tragedy, separation, or an inability to locate them, it left a void in their existence that could never be truly filled. This loss often led to a deep sense of emptiness and loneliness, as they felt incomplete without their other half.

Without heirs from a union with their true mate, a supernatural being's legacy and title were at risk. Offspring born from unions with anyone else did not possess the same level of power or connection to the realm. This made them ill-suited to take on the responsibilities associated with their parent's role.

For those who had lost their mates or were unable to find them, the Zura were not just an alternative but a divine gift, a shimmering ray of hope in a world darkened by solitude and uncertainty. The Zura bore a mark bestowed upon them by the gods themselves, a mark that appeared on their necks in the shape of a lightning bolt.

The lightning bolt mark symbolized a divine connection that transcended mere chance or choice. It was believed that the gods had chosen these blessed individuals to be a beacon of companionship and legacy preservation for those who had lost their destined mates.

The Zura were regarded as the sacred vessels through which legitimate heirs could be born. Their divine mark, in the shape of a lightning bolt, symbolized not only their blessed status but also their capacity to carry the future of their realms within their wombs.

Their role was both a blessing and a responsibility, a sacred duty to preserve the lineage and titles of their realm, ensuring that its prosperity would endure through the generations.

To safeguard the Zura and prepare them for their significant roles, a carefully orchestrated process was put in place. Once identified, these blessed individuals were separated from their families and placed into a specialized environment where they received education, care, and grooming to become the perfect mates for supernatural leaders.

The separation from their families was a protective measure. It shielded the Zura from potential harm or undue influence, ensuring that they would be well-prepared for their destiny without any distractions or threats.

Inside this specialized environment, the Zura underwent rigorous education and training. They were taught not only the customs and traditions of their realm but also the intricacies of etiquette, languages, arts, and diplomacy. This comprehensive education was designed to equip them with the knowledge and grace needed to navigate their role successfully.

Security around the Zura was stringent. Guards and trusted individuals watched over them, ensuring their safety and safeguarding the sanctity of their role. Their environment was cloaked in secrecy to protect them from any potential threats.

The Zura were an exceedingly rare and treasured occurrence in the realms, their existence considered a gift from the gods themselves. Their scarcity was such that the High Council issued a mandate to all inhabitants of the realm: report any young girls displaying the lightning bolt mark once they reached the age of ten.

During the village celebrations, the council representatives embarked on a special journey, one that carried both a sense of anticipation and solemn duty. As they travelled from one village to another, they keenly observed the young girls in attendance, their eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of the lightning bolt mark, the telltale symbol that marked a potential Zura.

When the council representatives identified a young girl bearing the mark, their approach was characterized by a delicate balance of reverence and discretion. They would discreetly approach the girl's family, engaging them in hushed conversations that conveyed the importance of the discovery. It was not an announcement to be made openly, for the presence of a Zura was a matter of great significance and confidentiality.

Once the family and the village elders were informed, a collective decision was reached. The council representatives would, with utmost respect, request that the young Zura accompany them. It was not a forceful or coercive act but rather a recognition of destiny's call. The family, bound by tradition and loyalty to their realm, would willingly comply, albeit with a heavy heart, understanding the immense honor and responsibility that lay ahead for their beloved daughter.