Inkbound realm

Chapitre 8 The Unwritten Destiny

Alex couldn't get Serena out of his mind. Despite the ancient pact and the apparent destiny tying Serena to Sebastian, Alex felt an unshakable connection to her. Determined to uncover any hidden truths, he spent countless hours in the academy's library, pouring over old manuscripts and ancient texts.

One evening, just as the last rays of sunlight filtered through the dusty windows, he stumbled upon an old, weathered tome tucked away in a forgotten corner. The book's cover was adorned with intricate symbols, and its pages crackled as he carefully turned them.

As Alex delved deeper into the manuscript, he discovered a section that spoke of soulmates and destinies. His heart raced as he read about two types of bonds: soulmates by path and true soulmates. Soulmates by path were destined by their family lines and ancient pacts, like Serena and Sebastian. True soulmates, however, were connected on a deeper, spiritual level, transcending any imposed destinies.

His breath caught when he found a passage detailing a prophecy about a girl with powers of the dark realms who could change her fate if her true soulmate, connected by spirit rather than lineage, guided her toward the light. The descriptions matched Serena perfectly. Alex's hands trembled as he realized that he and Serena might be true soulmates, capable of forging their own path away from the darkness.

Determined to share his discovery, Alex made his way to Serena's room. He found her in the training grounds, looking weary and drained. Her training to become the Lady of Hell was taking its toll on her, both physically and emotionally.

"Serena," he called softly, approaching her.

She looked up, her eyes filled with fatigue. "Alex, what is it? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Not a ghost," he said, his voice filled with urgency. "But I've found something important. Something that could change everything."

Intrigued, Serena followed him to a secluded spot by the lake. They sat under an old oak tree, and Alex showed her the manuscript, explaining what he had found.

"According to this, there's a difference between soulmates by path and true soulmates," he explained, his eyes searching hers. "I think you and I might be true soulmates, connected by something deeper than any ancient pact."

Serena's eyes widened as she processed his words. "But how can that be? Everything I've been told says I'm destined to be with Sebastian."

"I know it sounds crazy," Alex said, taking her hand. "But I've always felt a special connection with you, Serena. Something that goes beyond what we've been told. And this manuscript suggests that you have the power to choose your own path. You don't have to be bound by the darkness."

Her eyes filled with uncertainty. "I don't know, Alex. It's so much to take in. And I'm so tired. Tired of all the training, the expectations. Sometimes I just want to leave it all behind and live in peace."

He squeezed her hand, his gaze intense and filled with emotion. "I understand, Serena. And I want that for you too. You deserve to be happy, to live your life the way you want. Let me help you find a way out of this. Together, we can change your destiny."

Serena's heart ached with a mix of hope and fear. Could she really change her fate? Could she and Alex truly be meant for each other? The intensity of his belief and the warmth of his touch made her want to believe it was possible.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the lake, Alex leaned in closer, his eyes locked onto hers. "Serena, I've always felt something special between us. I know you feel it too."

Her breath caught as he gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing softly against her cheek. "Alex, I—"

Before she could finish, he closed the distance between them, capturing her lips in a tender, passionate kiss. It was as if time stood still, the world around them fading away. In that moment, everything else ceased to matter—the ancient pacts, the training, the expectations. All that existed was the undeniable connection between them.

Serena's heart raced as she kissed him back, the warmth of his embrace filling her with a sense of peace and belonging she had never felt before. It was as if their souls recognized each other, merging in a harmony that defied all logic and reason.

When they finally pulled apart, both breathless, Alex rested his forehead against hers. "I love you, Serena. I've always loved you. And I'm willing to fight for you, for us."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized the depth of her own feelings. "I love you too, Alex. But what about Sebastian? What about our destinies?"

"We'll find a way," he promised, his voice firm and resolute. "Together, we'll find a way to change the path set before you. You're not alone in this, Serena. We'll fight for our love, for our future."

She nodded, a sense of determination and hope swelling within her. "Together," she echoed, knowing that with Alex by her side, anything was possible.

---

The days that followed were filled with a renewed sense of purpose for both Alex and Serena. They spent their time searching for more information, looking for any clues that could help them change Serena's fate. Their bond grew stronger with each passing day, their love giving them the strength to face the challenges ahead.

Sebastian, unaware of the growing connection between Alex and Serena, continued to train with her, his excitement about their supposed destiny evident in every session. Serena felt a pang of guilt each time she looked into his eager eyes, but she couldn't deny her heart's true desire.

One afternoon, after an exhausting training session, Serena collapsed onto her bed, her body aching and her mind racing. The weight of her destiny and the conflicting emotions were becoming too much to bear.

Lily, always perceptive, noticed Serena's distress and sat down beside her. "Hey, are you okay?"

Serena sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I don't know, Lily. Everything is so complicated. I'm supposed to become the Lady of Hell, and I'm destined to be with Sebastian. But my heart... my heart belongs to Alex."

Lily's eyes widened in surprise. "Alex? Really?"

Serena nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. "He found an old manuscript that says we might be true soulmates, connected by something deeper than any ancient pact. And I feel it, Lily. I feel it in my soul."

Lily hugged her friend tightly. "Then you need to follow your heart, Serena. Don't let anyone or anything dictate your future. If Alex is the one you love, then fight for him. Fight for your happiness."

Serena nodded, her resolve strengthening. "You're right. I need to do what's best for me, not what's expected of me."

That same evening, Serena found Alex by the lake, the place where they had shared their first kiss. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over the water. She approached him, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination.

"Alex," she called softly, and he turned to her with a smile that made her heart skip a beat.

"Serena," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "I've missed you."

She rushed into his arms, hugging him tightly. "I've missed you too. And I've made a decision. I'm going to fight for us, for our future. I don't want to be bound by a destiny that was forced upon me. I want to be with you."

He held her close, his eyes shining with happiness and relief. "I'm so glad to hear that, Serena. Together, we'll find a way to change your fate."

As they stood by the lake, wrapped in each other's arms, Serena felt a sense of peace and hope she hadn't felt in a long time. With Alex by her side, she knew she could face whatever challenges lay ahead. Their love was strong enough to defy destiny, to forge a new path, and to create a future filled with light and happiness.

The journey would be long and difficult, but Serena was ready. She had found her true soulmate, and with him, she would write her own destiny. Together, they would change the course of history and prove that love, true love, was stronger than any ancient pact or dark power.

And so, under the fading light of the setting sun, Serena and Alex vowed to fight for their love, their future, and the light that shone within them. No matter what obstacles they faced, they would face them together, hand in hand, heart to heart.