Destiny has left its mark (Vampire Romance) +

25 ~ Eternity

"This is Lady Agatha. She'll be monitoring you for the next twenty-four hours to assess your control over your power," Darryn says, gesturing towards a woman who has just arrived with a group of magical immortals. "I lived with them for almost three months before Guardian Green adopted me, so I know a bit about their ways."

As I take in Lady Agatha's presence, I can't help but notice the air around her. The subtle scent of wildflowers wafts in with her, and her eyes, though friendly, reflect a depth of concern that makes me uneasy. The weight of her gaze feels like it's probing into my very soul. How can I trust her? Her smile seems warm enough, but the worry etched in her features makes me wary. I can't help but wonder what it means.

"Have you had any episodes during the night?" she asks, her voice steady and probing like a gentle, unwavering breeze.

"Episodes?" The word doesn't immediately resonate with me, leaving me somewhat puzzled by the implication of her question. My mind races, trying to catch up with the gravity of what she's implying.

I hear Neo chuckle softly from across the room, his laughter like the distant tinkling of a bell. When I glance back at him, he gives me an apologetic look that makes my stomach churn with unease.

Elijah, wanting to establish the seriousness of our situation, addresses Lady Agatha with a tone that leaves no room for doubt. "We only have twenty-four hours to determine if she needs to be changed. I trust you will keep everything confidential." His eyes, sharp and piercing, emphasize the weight of his request.

"Of course, King Elijah," she replies, maintaining her professional behaviour. Her posture is straight, almost regal, as she turns her attention back to me. "Did you release fire after arriving here?"

I shake my head firmly. "No, I didn't," I respond, feeling a cold sweat bead on my forehead. I've done my best to avoid Elijah as much as possible since arriving.

Lady Agatha continues, "We need to provoke some anger to see how you react. That way, I can coach you on controlling your fire magic if necessary." Her tone is calm but authoritative, and the thought of deliberately provoking my anger feels unsettling, like a storm brewing on the horizon.

Neo, ever the instigator, interjects with a grin, "That's easy. Just have Elijah talk to her—I mean, King Elijah." His playful tone doesn't help ease my tension; instead, it feels like a spark in a tinderbox.

Lady Agatha crosses her arms, her expression turning serious, the lines of her face hardening. "I think I'm beginning to understand what triggered your fire magic. The king murdered you in your previous life, which complicates your ability to forgive and trust him."

Heat rushes to my cheeks at the mention of my past. My heart pounds in my chest like a drum, and I'm grateful that the rest of her group isn't present, aware that this revelation carries a heavy emotional weight.

"What will it take for you to forgive him?" she asks bluntly, her expression intense as she waits for me to respond.

Do I really need to open up to her? I've just met her, and this feels far too personal. "I understand it's a deeply personal matter," she continues, sensing my hesitation, "but to exist as you are, you must confront whatever is fuelling your anger."

Exist? The word echoes in my mind, leaving me startled. Does she mean I shouldn't exist at all? "So you're saying I shouldn't exist? That I should not exist? Is that what you really mean?" My voice is trembling now, reflecting the confusion and fear brewing within me. The room seems to close in around me, the walls pressing tighter as my heart races.

I feel a static charge building within me, the power pulsing through my veins. I know my eyes have changed to a deep, fiery red, betraying the intense emotions stirring inside me.

The woman's words barely register as she says, "Focus on whatever makes you happy." Her voice sounds distant, like a gentle breeze carrying whispers from a far-off place.

"What?" I ask, my response sounding disconnected, the confusion evident in my tone.

"What makes you happy?" she repeats, her gaze steady and penetrating.

Both my brother and Elijah are on high alert, their postures tense and watchful. I can't help but glance over at Neo, who is seated comfortably in the large study, relaxed and gazing out the oversized window. A small smile forms on my lips as memories of him and Charlotte during happier times flood my mind—a brief moment of respite from the turmoil.

"I see," the woman says, her expression shifting. "He is the man that makes you happy?"

My smile fades as her words sink in, the implications causing me to furrow my brow. "What?"

"Your magic settled as soon as you smiled," she explains, her tone thoughtful.

"I smiled?" I ask, surprised by this revelation.

"Yes, when you looked in his direction," she confirms.

Elijah's displeasure is evident as he interjects, "Let's not read too much into this; Daniella is my reborn mate."

The woman maintains her composure, responding diplomatically, "I'm not suggesting she has special feelings for him, your majesty. However, part of her trusts him, and we can use that to our advantage."

Considering her words, I can't help but ask, "So I should think about him and Charlotte every time I get angry?"

"Yes, but focus on happy memories," she advises. "Try to stay close to King Elijah for the next twenty-four hours and learn to control your magic." With that, she moves towards the door, adding, "I'll join my group now. Call me if you need anything."

Darryn seems more relaxed, offering a reassuring comment, "See, I told you Agatha would know what to do."

Elijah takes hold of my hand, and I can't help but feel a sense of unease.

"What are you doing?" I ask, my eyes narrowing slightly.

"We need to stay as close as possible for the next twenty-four hours," he replies, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I roll my eyes but reluctantly allow him to lead me out, knowing I have little choice in the matter. What other option do I have?

What starts as a tolerable situation quickly spirals into a nightmare. After a few hours alone with Elijah in the study, while he's engaged in an online meeting, he suddenly insists on following me into the bathroom.

"You can't come in here with me," I state firmly, my eyes glowing with a crimson intensity.

"Okay, I'll wait outside," he concedes, stepping out and closing the door behind him.

It takes me a moment to calm my racing thoughts and emotions as I try to focus on the happy memories of Neo and Charlotte. Their presence, even just in my mind, helps to ground me and soothe the rising tide of my magic.

Later, when Elijah needs to speak with one of his guards in the training room, I can't help but notice the well-built men exercising. It's a captivating sight, but Elijah's jealousy rears its head, and he tersely instructs me, "You can wait outside."

"Why? You dragged me in here," I protest, not understanding his possessive behaviour.

"It's confidential. Now wait outside," he demands, his stern tone brooking no argument. I feel a surge of resentment at his authoritative command, but I can't help but obey, suppressing my distaste as his eyes darken with a warning.

Leaving the training room, I make my way to the garden, where I sit down in a chair, appreciating the solitude. I can't help but wonder if this approach will even work, as I find myself struggling to maintain control in Elijah's presence.

In the distance, I spot Agatha and her team, along with Darryn. Deciding to seek their guidance, I rise from the chair and walk over, hoping they can provide some insight or assistance in this delicate situation.