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

Chapter 41

Chapter 41

King Dorian's voice thundered through the air, carrying an unsettling tone. "I'm going to say it one more time. Hand. Over. The. Diary."

The voice in Faith's head intensified its urgency, a dire warning echoing within her thoughts. "Unless you want Andrew to die, do not hand over that book."

Faith's resolve strengthened as she firmly replied, "We won't."

King Dorian's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Ah, the high road, I see."

A palpable tension enveloped the room, and then, with an eerie crackling, the visage of Dr. Watson morphed into that of another being. A man with golden eyes, pointed ears, and sharp teeth now bore down on them. His snap of fingers unleashed a sonic boom that reverberated through the space, sending everyone, including Faith, Andrew, and their friends, sprawling to the ground. The impact of this event reached beyond, alarming students and prompting the intervention of Mr. Hoyt and Mr. Florian, who rushed into the library.

Mr. Florian's eyes widened at the sight of Madame Lavigne on the floor. "Oh no."

Mr. Hoyt questioned urgently, "Is she..."

Mr. Florian interrupted, "No, she's not. Her conscious mind is simply not present."

Taking charge, Mr. Hoyt gently lifted Madame Lavigne's lifeless form and carried her away, his expression grave with concern.

Amid their collective confusion and pain, the group explained the unsettling events to Mr. Florian.

Mr. Florian took a deep breath, his gaze focused. "Prince Andrew, try to contact your parents. Princess Antheia, I'll need your Musical Enchantment to pacify the students."

Antheia's face revealed her fear and uncertainty. "But, Mr. Florian..."

Mr. Florian's voice brooked no argument. "Princess Antheia, no buts. This is the very purpose Madame Lavigne has been preparing you for."

Malcolm's curiosity was piqued. "Wait, what do you mean by training?"

Mr. Florian's expression held a sense of urgency. "There's no time to explain fully, but Madame Lavigne seemed to have foreseen this and has been training selected students for this very scenario."

Shock reverberated through the group at the revelation.

Romeo's voice then cut through the tension. "You guys may want to see this."

Turning to where Romeo stood by the window, they observed a disturbing scene outside. The sky was engulfed in inky black clouds, and a formidable army was gathered before the academy, led by none other than King Dorian. Within enchanted cages were Sherlock, the impostor Dr. Watson, and a figure presumed to be Rosette Lavigne.

Amid the chaos, the cries of terrified students merged with King Dorian's booming voice that resonated like a dire prophecy.

Daiyu's voice cut through the tense atmosphere, "It seems that we must fight."

Faith's mind worked quickly as she suggested, "We must go about this rationally. Let's try to understand what he wants from this diary so desperately."

Romeo's skepticism was palpable, "Faith, do you really think it's wise to read now? Need I remind you there's an entire army out there, ready to seize that book?"

Ignoring the danger momentarily, Faith's curiosity got the better of her. She began reading the contents of the diary, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar words. Yet, amidst the unfamiliarity, she stumbled upon a passage that struck her like a bolt of lightning. Her voice trembled as she read aloud, "With this ring, unleash The Dark King."

Recognition sparked in her memory, tying back to the missing page from the Book of Arden. A sense of urgency and realization surged through her, propelling her to read the missing page.

Title: The Dark King

The Dark King, is a being of unparalleled strength and influence, half human and half Arden. He is capable of wielding dominion over the creatures that inhabit the treacherous Fallen Willow forest.

To bind, The Dark King, use the ring forged with a connection to both realms. By uttering the words of power and wearing the ring, the summoner can command the allegiance of the creatures residing within the forest.

The user of the incantation must possess a strong will and an unshakeable sense of purpose. Should the balance between the two realms be disrupted, dire consequences may befall both Arden and the human world.

As Faith reads these words, she realizes the immense gravity of the situation. The power to command The Dark King could tip the delicate equilibrium between their worlds, unleashing chaos and devastation. With a newfound sense of urgency, she puts the page away, determined to find a way to thwart King Dorian's plans and preserve the delicate harmony between Arden and the human realm.

As Faith reads these words, she realizes the immense gravity of the situation. The power to command The Dark King could tip the delicate equilibrium between their worlds, unleashing chaos and devastation. With a newfound sense of urgency, she puts the page away, determined to find a way to thwart King Dorian's plans and preserve the delicate harmony between Arden and the human realm.

The voice in her head then says, "Andrew already wears the ring." Faith's gaze shifts to Andrew.

She then says, "I know this is going to sound insane, but a voice in my head, I mean my Intuition, has been speaking to me and Andrew, you already have the ring."

Pointing to the ring of Arden on his finger, she continues, "Andrew, I think you're the Dark King. If King Dorian gets his hand on the ring, he's able to summon you."

Romeo chuckles a bit and says, "What, like a genie in a bottle?" But his chuckles die down as he grasps the seriousness of the situation.

Andrew then says, "We must fight, but we need a plan. Are you all ready?"

Romeo then says, "No, certainly not." Everyone turns to him, and he quickly corrects himself, "I mean, yes. Yes, I am ready."

Mr. Florian interjects, "We need to get your fellow students on board. You can't fight Dorian alone."

And they all nod in agreement.

Antheia takes a deep breath and steps forward. "I'll use my Enchantment," she declares with resolve. "I'll calm their fears, and I'll inspire them to stand with us against this threat. It's what Madame Lavigne trained me for, after all."

Everyone then turns to Andrew, their eyes filled with anticipation.

Malcolm speaks up, breaking the silence, "What's the plan, Prince Andrew?"