As the sun shined on one part of the Earth, on another part, it was complete darkness. The air was cold and layers of ice covered everything. Deep under the earth, around the molten core, there was a city. Half the city had a canal of lava threading through it while other half had large ice gardens. 

In the center of the city was a large castle with lava filled moat and ice crystals on its minarets. On the eastern section of the castle, two servant girls were quickly walking into a room. There postures straight, their eyes showing devotions as they landed on the woman sitting on a golden throne. Her beautiful eyes were close. Her long black hairs had a white shine which was unnatural. 

Sensing the presence of the maids, she slowly opened her eyes. The eyes were mesmerizing and captivating. Her wheat coloured skin was blemish free.Her soft red lips held an earthiness which made the opposite gender lose their calm. '' Is it done?'' She asked softly from the girls. 

The maids nodded,'' Yes, Princess.'' 

One of the maid held out a small scroll to her.

The girl smiled and slowly got up. Her hand waved in air and a box materialized in her hand,'' This is your reward.'' she sent the box towards the maids as she pulled the scroll toward herself using the air. 

The maids were jubilant. One of them grabbed the box and then, quickly bowing they left the chamber. 

The girl opened the scroll quickly and started to read but with a swoosh the scroll closed and raced out of her hands toward the balcony. 

The girl looked toward the balcony and then, quickly fell to her knees in obedience. '' My queen.'' She said with respect. 

A woman was suddenly visible standing on the balcony holding the scroll. She looked the mirror image of the girl lying on her knees. But she was much older.

The woman sighed as she looked at her stubborn daughter,'' Hritika. Raise yourself.''

Hritika slowly got up. Not looking up at the woman.

The woman walked closer and said,'' Look at me, my child.'' Her voice held a rare affection. It was not common for Viveka women to bear children. They were considered too proud and too cold to lower themselves to such barbaric tasks.  Yet, she had born this girl. 

Hritika raised her eyes. She was very young. Only five thousand years old but she was wise beyond her years. However, she was very stubborn. Once, she decided something. It was hard to budge her. ''My queen. I can explain.''

Devaki smiled. It was a rare smile reserved for only her little daughter. The people who had seen her ever smile can be counted on fingers. '' Its pointless.''

Hritika felt an iciness invade her heart as she heard her words.

Devaki,'' You are too young to participate in the seven cycle trial.''

Hritika,'' May I argue?''

Devaki looked at the determined look in her daughter's eyes and sighed,'' Yes.''

Hritika,'' That's what you have been saying for past three trials. I am old enough. All those my age have already faced the trial and have moved on. I want to do it. I am strong enough to face it.''

Devaki had no doubt about it. Her daughter was powerful. But she was a mother. She remembered the hardness of those cycles. she wanted her child, to remain a child for little longer. But her next words made her change her mind.

Hritika,'' Everyone calls me a weakling.''  Her voice was devoid of any hurt. ''I am a princess and these are my people. I cannot appear weak to them. I am their future queen.''

Devaki had never considered this point. '' Who said it?''

Hritika's eyes showed a coldness which was reflected in her mother's personality,''I have taken care of them.''

Devaki felt pride at her daughter. Even she ,the queen, had heard no rumour. Her daughter knew how to handle these matters. Maybe, she was worrying for no reason.  '' Make your queen proud.'' she said as she sent the scroll toward Hritika and then, she teleported. 

Hritika held the scroll and slowly opened the scroll with the information about seven cycle trial. Nobody ever talked about what they faced once they came out of the trial.

Hritika slowly  started reading the scroll

''The seven life cycle trial; A trial which tests an immortal through seven mortal lives. 

The trial events are different for each individual. It is rare for two immortals to face the same trial. If they do, then it bodes calamity for them. 

The immortal will remember everything which will happen in each life. They are forbidden to go back to meet the mortals, they met during the trial. If they do, their whole clan will be forever removed from participating in the trial. 

Each clan can send only three participants during each trial. However, if someone stops without completing the seven cycles, then another immortal can take place of the first immortal. 

During the time of the trial, the immortal must not seek help from any other clan member. The immortal must take a life binding oath to not discuss their trial with another individual ....''