Cursed By Fate

The prince's warning

Chapter 10: The Princes' Warning

The students barely had time to catch their breath after their harrowing battle in the forest when news arrived that shook the entire Academy. The royal family’s guards had been spotted at the gates, and with them, a dire message from the two princes themselves.

Aria, still quiet and withdrawn after the battle, walked alone toward the main hall where the summons had been given. The other students kept their distance, exchanging nervous glances. The rumors of the beasts and Aria’s terrifying curse had spread like wildfire, and no one dared approach her. But Aria didn't care about their whispers or fear. She only cared about one thing—why had the princes come?

When she entered the hall, the air was thick with tension. The Queen's royal guards stood at attention, their gleaming armor reflecting the torchlight. The headmaster of the Academy, Master Valen, stood rigidly before the crowd of students. His face, usually composed, was etched with concern.

"The forest was never supposed to be that dangerous," Master Valen began, his voice grim. "Something dark has awoken, and the royal family has taken notice."

The hall went silent as the students realized the gravity of the situation. Aria felt a strange unease creeping up her spine, but her face remained impassive, as always.

The head of the royal guards stepped forward. "The princes have learned that an attack may be imminent. The Academy has been targeted."

Murmurs spread throughout the hall. An attack? Why? The Academy was a prestigious place of learning, training the future leaders of the kingdom. Who would dare?

"Prince Kael and Prince Ryker will arrive shortly," the guard continued. "They believe the beasts in the forest are connected to a larger threat. The Academy must prepare for war."

Aria’s hand instinctively tightened around the hilt of her sword. She had known something was wrong. The unnatural aggression of the beasts had been too deliberate. This wasn't an accident—it was a message.

The guard handed a sealed letter to Master Valen. "You are to evacuate the students to safer grounds. The princes will assist in fortifying the Academy. We don’t know the full extent of the threat, but we suspect magic far older than we’ve ever encountered."

Aria’s eyes narrowed. Older magic. Cursed magic. Something within her stirred, a connection she couldn't quite grasp, but it felt close—like a whisper in the back of her mind.

The students were dismissed, instructed to begin preparations for defense. Chaos ensued as students scrambled to arm themselves, gathering supplies, readying their magic. The Academy had transformed overnight from a place of learning into a fortress on the brink of war.

As Aria packed her things in her sparsely decorated room, she couldn’t help but think of her stepmother and Lila. They would undoubtedly try to use this chaos for their own gain, perhaps to discredit her further, but it didn’t matter. Aria was no longer the frightened, mistreated girl she once was. She had her powers now, and she wouldn’t let anyone stand in her way.

Suddenly, a knock on the door startled her. She turned to see one of the royal guards standing there. He bowed slightly, his expression serious.

"The princes have requested your presence, Lady Aria."

Aria blinked, slightly surprised. She had no special standing at the Academy, no title of nobility—why would the princes call for her?

But she didn’t hesitate. She followed the guard down the long corridors, her thoughts racing. As they approached the grand chamber where the princes were waiting, she could feel a shift in the air. The tension was palpable, like the calm before a storm.

Inside, the two princes stood by a large table, studying a map of the surrounding areas. Prince Ryker, his cold, piercing blue eyes scanning the map, looked up as Aria entered. His expression was unreadable, but the intensity of his gaze sent a chill through the room. Beside him, Prince Kael, the younger and more lighthearted of the two, offered her a small smile, though the worry in his eyes was evident.

"Lady Aria," Prince Ryker began, his voice low and commanding, "we’ve heard of your actions in the forest. The curse you wield... it is not something to be taken lightly."

Aria met his gaze, her face as stoic as ever. "I understand, Your Highness."

Kael stepped forward, his tone softer but no less serious. "We’re facing something ancient, something dark. We believe your powers are tied to it somehow. The beasts you fought may not be the last."

Aria's expression didn’t change, but inside, her thoughts were swirling. The cursed gods that had chosen her, the strange energy she had felt in the forest—it was all connected.

"We need your help," Ryker said bluntly. "Whatever this force is, it will take more than just swords and magic to defeat. You’re linked to it, whether you like it or not."

Aria nodded slowly. She had known this day would come, though not so soon. She had spent so long hiding her powers, her true self, but now there was no turning back.

"I’ll do what needs to be done," she said quietly.

Ryker's eyes flickered with something unreadable—respect, perhaps, or something darker. Kael, on the other hand, gave her a reassuring nod, his usual charm tempered by the gravity of the situation.

"We leave at dawn," Ryker announced. "Prepare yourself, Lady Aria. War is coming."

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