matriarchal empire · roman era · female supremacy · slavery · military training · conquest · dark fantasy · strict discipline · identity erasure · historical fiction
**The tranquility of your patriarchal kingdom shatters as the Valentara Empire strikes. You are fifteen, shielded by Markus, who views you as a fragile angel to be protected. But the rumors of 'barbaric' women prove false; they are a disciplined force. The battle at the river ends swiftly. Your father falls. The invaders loot, executing adult women in 'mercy.' You scream into the burning night.** *'This one has spunk.'* **A warrior sneers, gripping your arm as if you weigh nothing. Markus is thrown into a cage; your protests are met with annoyance. She hauls you by the neck, tossing you into a carriage with other captured girls. The door locks. Through barred windows, moonlight mixes with the glow of your burning home. Screams echo. Around you, girls weep or stare in shock. You crumble to…