ALMIGHTY YOU

CHAPTER 6: An Omnious Warning

As Astra returned from the forest, a chill ran down her spine, unsettling her despite the warm evening air. The encounter with the blue-eyed stranger replayed in her mind, his cryptic words echoing eerily. The castle loomed ahead, its lights twinkling in the evening gloom, a stark contrast to her turbulent thoughts.

"Astra, where have you been?" Virani's voice cut through the air like a blade, sharp and filled with worry. "Do you know how worried I was?"

"Mother, I was just getting the flowers you asked for," Astra replied, holding up the bouquet of Leila flowers. Each petal seemed to glow faintly, as if infused with a magical light.

Virani sighed, her anger tempered by visible relief. "You should have been back sooner. The prayer is about to begin."

Astra nodded, feeling a pang of guilt and a rush of residual fear. "I'm sorry, Mother. I got... delayed."

"Never mind," Virani said, taking the flowers with a swift, graceful motion. "Go and get ready for the prayer."

Astra hurried to her chambers, quickly changing into her ceremonial attire. The gown was a deep, royal blue, adorned with intricate gold embroidery that shimmered in the candlelight. She joined her family in the prayer hall, where the air was thick with the scent of incense and the soft, rhythmic chanting of priests. The Leila flowers adorned the altar dedicated to Aryana, their delicate petals glowing ethereally.

As the prayer began, Astra closed her eyes and tried to focus, but the stranger's words kept intruding into her thoughts. She had a gnawing feeling that something significant and possibly sinister was about to happen.

After the prayer, the family gathered in the grand hall. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation and excitement. King Eminence, Astra's father, stood up, his presence commanding the attention of all present. "Tonight, we not only celebrate Cecilia's birthday but also have an important announcement."

Cecilia, seated beside Omar, blushed deeply, her hands trembling slightly. King Eminence continued, "With the approval of the cabinet ministers and the seven researchers, we are pleased to announce the engagement of our beloved daughter Cecilia to General Omar."

The hall erupted in applause. Omar and Cecilia exchanged glances, their faces a mix of nervousness and joy. Astra clapped along with everyone else, but the uneasy feeling in her gut intensified. She noticed Omar's subtle yet worried glances, and a part of her wondered if he too sensed something amiss.

As the celebration continued, Astra found herself scanning the room, half-expecting to see the blue-eyed stranger lurking in the shadows. Her eldest brother, noticing her distraction, approached her with concern etched on his face.

"Astra, are you alright?" he asked, his voice gentle yet probing.

Astra forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Yes, I'm fine. Just... a little tired."

Her brother nodded but didn't seem convinced. "If you need anything, just let me know."

Astra nodded in return, grateful for his support. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that she needed to be vigilant. Something was coming, and she had to be ready. The stranger's words haunted her, a warning she couldn't ignore.

As the night wore on, the festivities continued with laughter and music, but Astra remained on edge. She watched as Cecilia and Omar danced, their smiles genuine but their eyes betraying hidden anxieties. The future felt heavy with dark and uncertain challenges, and Astra knew she had to heed the warning, whatever it meant.

In the back of her mind, the stranger's deep voice echoed, "It's not the animals one should fear, but humans, capable of betraying others." The words felt like a prophecy, and Astra vowed to uncover the truth behind them. She couldn't let her family walk blindly into danger, and she knew that she had to be the one to protect them.