𝐻𝐸𝐼𝑅𝑆 𝑂𝐹 𝑇𝐻𝐸 𝑇𝐻𝑅𝑂𝑁𝐸

𝐶𝐻𝐴𝑃𝑇𝐸𝑅 𝟏𝟏

-SERAPHINA-

The reason why my illness has come back was because of practicing. I am practicing on hypnotizing faeries, and mostly shadow wraiths. Kael told me to. He said that it was the only way you can beat them. I think I am getting better at it! I managed to hypnotize two faerie maids and of course, get them back to their normal state.

It's a strange feeling, wielding that kind of power. The rush of control, the thrill of bending others to my will—it's addictive in its own way. But beneath the surface, there's a darkness, a reminder of the dangers that lurk in the shadows.

Kael insists that this is necessary, that I need to be able to protect myself and those I care about. And perhaps he's right. The faerie realm is full of threats, and I've already faced more than my fair share.

But each time I use my powers, I can feel the toll it takes on me. The strain of maintaining control, the weight of responsibility—it's exhausting, both physically and emotionally.

And then there's the fear of what I might become if I lose myself to this darkness. Kael warned me of the dangers, of the temptations that come with such power. I can't afford to let myself be consumed by it.

But for now, I'll continue to practice, to hone my skills and prepare for whatever dangers lie ahead.

It's hard to shake the feeling of emptiness that comes with Kael's absence. He was more than just a friend—he was a confidant, a companion, someone who understood me in a way that few others did.

And then there's Elowen. I can't help but feel a pang of guilt when I think about her. I know she had feelings for Kael, perhaps even more than just friendship. It's clear from the way they looked at each other, the unspoken bond that existed between them.

But now he's gone, vanished without a trace, leaving behind a void that seems impossible to fill. I can't help but wonder what might have been if things had been different, if he had stayed by our side.

But dwelling on the past won't change anything. All I can do now is focus on the present, on supporting Elowen and my friends as we navigate the challenges that lie ahead. And who knows? Maybe one day, Kael will return, and we can pick up where we left off, stronger and more united than ever before.

Closing my eyes, I let my mind drift, allowing the familiar sensations of relaxation to wash over me. Breathing deeply, I focused on the task at hand, clearing my thoughts and centering myself.

With a steady rhythm, I began to visualize the shadows, calling upon the techniques Kael had taught me. It was a delicate dance, a balance between control and surrender, but I embraced it fully, trusting in my abilities to guide me.

As the shadows began to swirl and dance around me, I felt a sense of calm wash over me, a quiet confidence that I hadn't felt in a long time. For a moment, everything else faded away, leaving only me and the shadows, bound together in a dance as old as time itself.

But even as I relished in the feeling, a voice in the back of my mind whispered a warning. This power was dangerous, unpredictable. I couldn't afford to lose control, not now, not ever.

With a final exhale, I released the shadows, letting them dissipate into the air like smoke. Opening my eyes, I felt a sense of clarity wash over me.

As I lay on my bed, thoughts of Lysander consumed my mind like a relentless storm. His concern for me, his unwavering support—it was all too much to bear. But I couldn't bring myself to confide in him, to reveal the true reason behind my illness. The weight of my secret pressed down on me, suffocating me with its silence. Despite my best efforts, his presence lingered in the recesses of my mind, refusing to be ignored. With each passing day, the struggle to push him away grew more futile, his image etched into the very fabric of my being.

The familiar warmth of friendship mingled with an unfamiliar flutter in my stomach whenever I encountered Lysander. It was a sensation I couldn't quite decipher—a delicate dance of emotions that left me both exhilarated and unsettled. Despite our deep bond as friends, there was something more, something stirring beneath the surface, waiting to be acknowledged. With each passing interaction, the gentle flutter in my stomach grew more pronounced, a silent reminder of the unspoken feelings that lingered between us.

Venturing outside the palace walls, I found myself drawn to the tranquil embrace of the sea.The tranquil expanse of the undersea stretched out before me, a breathtaking panorama of ethereal beauty. Sunlight filtered through the crystal-clear waters, casting shimmering patterns of light on the seabed below. With each graceful stroke, I immersed myself in the serenity of the ocean, feeling the weight of my worries melt away with each gentle ripple. Alone in this aquatic paradise, I found solace in the embrace of the sea, its rhythmic currents soothing my troubled mind.

I halted in my strokes, the sound of a familiar voice cutting through the serene underwater world. Turning, I spotted Kael, his figure illuminated by the dappled light filtering through the depths.

My heart skipped a beat as I turned to face the source of the familiar voice, only to be met with an utterly unexpected sight. There, standing before me, was Kael—but not as I had ever seen him before. His lower body was now adorned with a sleek, shimmering tail, reminiscent of the majestic creatures that roamed the depths of the sea. "Kael?" I gasped, my voice tinged with astonishment and disbelief.

"Hi Seraphina," he greeted, drawing nearer with fluid grace. It was strange to see him in this form, his human features now adorned with a mermaid's tail. "Kael..." I murmured, my thoughts swirling with confusion and curiosity.

"You must be confused. I actually am a merman," he explained, his smile warm and reassuring. "I never told anyone because I didn't want to attract unwanted attention, although I knew it would never happen." His words sank in, accompanied by a mixture of surprise and intrigue. "Do you mind if I join you in your swim?" he asked. I nodded, trying to reconcile this unexpected revelation. "Not at all. Of course you can," I replied, embracing the surreal nature of the moment.

"How come you are alone?" Kael's voice cut through the tranquil atmosphere of the underwater world. "I needed a swim after all the practicing I did," I replied, trying to sound casual.

"Why are you asking? It's not like you will—" Before I could finish my sentence, I felt Kael's hand cover my mouth, a cloth held firmly against my lips. Panic surged within me as dizziness enveloped my senses, darkness descending swiftly as I lost consciousness.

The last thing I heard was a muffled "Sorry si—" before everything went dark.

***