Divided

Future

Hi:)

??? POV

As I'm scrubbing the bloodstains out of my shirt by hand, the rhythmic sound of footsteps approaches from behind.

"Xander." Athan's voice echoes through the hallway, breaking the silence. I look up, soapy water dripping from my fingers. "Yes?" I respond, turning to face him.

"You're on castle duty tonight," Athan says matter-of-factly, his tone carrying a hint of seriousness from the day's events.

My mind drifts back to the girl Athan and Imperia had left at the queen's castle. Curiosity gnaws at me. "What did Celeste say?" I ask, trying to piece together the mysterious puzzle of her identity.

Athan told me there was an unknown girl but wasn't specific about her.

"She just said she was going to look after her," Athan replies, his gaze steady. I nod, a fleeting sense of relief washing over me. "Well, that's good—"

My words are cut off by a sudden, sharp pain that pierces my head like a jagged shard. I stagger, gripping my skull as the world around me tilts. "Agh!" I cry out, collapsing to my knees.

"Xander, what's wrong?" Athan's voice is filled with alarm as he kneels beside me, shaking my shoulders with a desperate urgency.

Images flood my mind: flashes of Celeste's future, her sister Cadenza, the girl, and a heart—so vivid they are almost tangible. The pain in my head gradually subsides, replaced by a gnawing sense of dread. I gasp for breath, trying to process the vision's weight.

"I have to leave now!" I declare, rising unsteadily to my feet. I can hear my older brother's frantic shouts behind me as I dash out of the castle, the urgency of my mission propelling me forward.

Minutes later, I reach Celeste's kingdom, breathless and disheveled. The castle looms before me, its glory momentarily diminished by my pressing concern. The guards, stern and unyielding, block my way as I approach.

"Please, this is an emergency!" I implore, my voice tinged with desperation. The guards remain unmoved, their expressions unreadable.

"The Queen isn't here, sir," one of them states, his tone firm as he steps back, allowing a sliver of space. Just as I'm about to lose my temper, a familiar, reassuring voice cuts through the tension.

"I am." Celeste's voice is calm, yet authoritative. Her presence brings a wave of relief. She offers me a small, comforting smile as she approaches. Alistair, her ever-present companion, stands beside her, his hand gently clasping hers.

"Guards, it's okay." Celeste instructs, her brown eyes meeting mine with a blend of concern and curiosity.

We walk through the castle's opulent hallways, the rich tapestries and polished marble floors reflecting the dim light. "What is it, Xander?" Celeste asks, her voice steady and concerned as we move together.

"Forgive me, Celeste, but I can't explain in front of Alistair," I say, my voice heavy with urgency. Celeste nods understandingly, casting a glance at Alistair who's glaring at me.

Celeste's POV

I can feel Alistair's discomfort as he glares at Xander, his brows furrowed in concern and frustration. The tension between them is clear. I lean in and press a soft kiss to Alistair's cheek, a gesture meant to soothe and reassure. "Go, everything is okay," I whisper, my voice gentle but firm. Reluctantly, he releases my hand and steps away, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before he turns and walks down the corridor, his steps echoing in the silence.