The Academy For The Aces: BOOK 1 OF THE ACE SERIES

Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Andrew's silent shake of his head cautioned Faith against revealing too much about their encounter with Merlin.

Daiyu's question hung in the air, and Faith responded, "Yes, however, he was a bit eccentric..."

Romeo's surprise was evident as he remarked, "I didn't know he got like that..."

The unnerving voice of Dr. Watson interjected, sending shivers down Faith's spine, "Did you not get the answers you seem then?"

Andrew swiftly deflected with a lie, "No."

Dr. Watson's response was a chilling "I see..."

Antheia's sigh underscored their collective frustration, "So we're back to square one then."

Malcolm's groan added to the disappointment, "Seems like it."

With Dr. Watson's exit, Faith released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Andrew's revelation hung heavy in the air, "I don't think Dr. Watson is Dr. Watson."

Antheia's confusion mirrored the group's, "What do you mean?"

Romeo's lifted brow betrayed his curiosity, "Who is he then?"

Madame Lavigne's unexpected entrance provided the answer they sought, "Dr. Watson is actually, King Dorian."

A gasp caught in their throats as Madame Lavigne choked on her words, collapsing to the floor in distress. Their rush to aid her was futile, and Malcolm turned to Romeo, desperation in his voice, "Romeo, can you do something?"

Romeo nodded, his lips moving in a chant, but his efforts were in vain, "I'm sorry I can't."

The library seemed to hold its breath, an eerie silence engulfing them, until the abrupt clap shattered it, revealing the return of the imposter, "Dr. Watson."

With a cold smirk, the imposter calling himself Dr. Watson surveyed the scene before him, Madame Lavigne incapacitated and the group in a state of shock and desperation.

"Ah, such drama," he drawled, his voice oozing with a sinister tone. "It appears my little charade has caused quite the commotion."

Faith's heart raced as she exchanged worried glances with her friends. This imposter had infiltrated their inner circle, playing the role of Dr. Watson so convincingly that none of them had suspected a thing.

Romeo clenched his fists, anger radiating from him as he hissed, "Who are you?"

The imposter's lips curled into a chilling smile, revealing his true identity. "As Rosalind said, dear Romeo, I am King Dorian. The one you all believed to be Dr. Watson was merely a puppet, a guise I used to gather information and keep a close eye on you."

Antheia's eyes blazed with fury, her voice laced with anger. "What have you done to Madame Lavigne?!"

King Dorian's sinister grin only widened. "Is that any way to talk to your Grandpa, Antheia?"

Andrew's voice was sharp and stern. "You're no Grandfather of ours! What did you do to Madame Lavigne?"

King Dorian's chuckle echoed through the room. "Just a little fairy curse, my dear boy, nothing too permanent. But I can help you reverse it if you hand over Sherlock's diary."

Andrew's skepticism was evident. "Why do you want an empty diary?"

A cunning smile curled on King Dorian's lips. "Open it and find out."

As Faith slowly opened the diary, her astonishment was palpable. "But... how?"

The voice in Faith's head warned her urgently, "Don't hand it over."

Rolling his eyes, King Dorian retorted, "Sherlock, it seems he's just as smart as ever. Making Merlin place a spell on the diary to deceive me."

Andrew's brow furrowed in thought. "Why do you need it?"

King Dorian's smirk held a hint of triumph. "Because I need you, dear Andrew. You are the key to my grand design. Born of both human and Arden royalty, bearing the mark. That diary holds logs to my dear daughter."

Andrew's raised eyebrow conveyed his confusion. "My mother?"

King Dorian's laughter carried an eerie undertone. "Oh no. Rosette Lavigne. Our daughter," he gestured between Madame Lavigne's unconscious form and himself, revealing the shocking truth that unraveled another layer of their intricate predicament.

Antheia's eyes blazed with fury, her voice laced with anger. "You've cursed the mother of your daughter? And for what? Power?"

King Dorian's chuckle echoed through the room. "Power, my dear, is but a means to an end. I seek dominance, and control over not just Arden, but every realm. Your precious worlds will bow before me."

Faith's grip on the diary tightened as she exchanged a glance with Andrew. "What could you possibly hope to achieve by hurting innocent lives?"

"Ah, the naivety of mortals," King Dorian mused. "You see, sacrifices must be made for the greater good. Your world, your existence, it's all a delicate web I intend to reshape."

Romeo's fists clenched, his voice dripping with scorn. "You won't get away with this. We'll stop you, no matter what it takes."

Andrew's gaze remained fixed on King Dorian. "Tell us, why do you need me? And what mark are you talking about?"

King Dorian's grin widened. "The mark of the true heir, a symbol that binds Arden's royalty to its very core. You, my boy, possess it. A unique lineage, born of both human and Arden blood."

Faith's mind raced, putting together the pieces. "That's why you needed the diary – to unlock Andrew's potential, to exploit his heritage."

"Very astute," King Dorian purred. "You hold the key to unraveling the fabric of reality, and I intend to wield that power."

The voice in Faith's head persisted. "Be cautious, do not let him manipulate you."

Andrew's eyes blazed with defiance. "I won't be your pawn."

King Dorian's amusement turned into a sinister smile. "You have no choice. Hand over the diary or watch your world crumble."

Faith's grip on the diary tightened. "We won't let you succeed. We'll find a way to break whatever curse you've placed on Madame Lavigne and stop your twisted ambitions."

As tensions escalated, the fate of their world hung in the balance, a battle of wills and wits against an enemy whose thirst for power knew no bounds. The stakes were higher than ever, and the group stood united, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead to protect their realm and put an end to King Dorian's malevolent reign.