Cursed By Fate

secrets unveiled

Chapter 12: Secrets Unveiled

The journey back to the Academy was tense. The students walked in silence, their faces pale and eyes wide with shock. The encounter with the beasts had shaken everyone, revealing just how unprepared they were for the dangers that lurked beyond the Academy’s walls. But for Aria, it was something else entirely. The cursed power inside her had stirred, and it had wanted more—more than just fighting the beasts.

She kept her expression unreadable, but the whispers from the other students didn’t escape her notice.

"Did you see her?" one muttered.

"She wasn’t even scared. It’s like she wanted to fight those things."

"Of course she did—she’s cursed. Didn’t you see how the beasts were drawn to her?"

Aria ignored the words, her steps steady as they approached the Academy gates. It didn’t matter what they said. She had always been an outcast, and now that her powers were known, the gap between her and the rest of the students had widened even more.

As they entered the courtyard, Master Valen addressed the group. "Today’s events were not planned. What you faced in the forest was far beyond your current training. You will continue to sharpen your skills, but for now, everyone must rest. Dismissed!"

The students dispersed, some heading to the infirmary, others to their dorms. Aria started to follow, but a voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Aria," Kael called, his voice calm yet commanding.

She turned to face him. Kael stood with his arms crossed, the same gentle expression on his face, though now tinged with concern. Ryker stood beside him, his cold gaze fixed on Aria. There was no warmth in his eyes, only the calculating intensity that he was known for.

"You fought well today," Kael said. "But I saw something in the forest. Your powers... they’re different, aren’t they?"

Aria said nothing, her expression impassive.

Ryker stepped forward, his voice low but sharp. "You’re not like the others. What happened out there wasn’t just a display of magic. There’s something darker at play."

For a moment, their eyes met, and Aria felt a cold shiver run down her spine. Ryker had always been intimidating, but this was different. He wasn’t just talking about her cursed powers—he was seeing through her, as if he understood the darkness she carried.

Kael, sensing the tension, placed a hand on his brother’s arm. "That’s enough, Ryker."

Ryker’s gaze lingered on Aria for a moment longer before he stepped back, his expression unreadable.

Kael turned back to her, his voice softer now. "We’re not here to accuse you, Aria. But you should know... the Academy isn’t safe. There’s something happening, something bigger than just beasts in the forest. We believe someone—or something—is targeting students with extraordinary powers."

Aria’s eyes flickered, but she remained silent. The words didn’t surprise her. She had felt it too—the creeping darkness, the sense that they were being watched.

"You don’t have to tell us anything now," Kael continued, his kind tone reassuring. "But if you ever need help, know that we’re here."

With that, the two princes turned and walked away, leaving Aria standing alone in the courtyard. She watched them go, her mind racing. She didn’t need their help. She had survived this long on her own, and she would continue to do so. But the weight of their words lingered, and for the first time, she felt the burden of the curse heavy on her shoulders.

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Later that night, Aria packed her things in her dormitory. She had barely returned when there was a sharp knock at the door. Opening it, she found a messenger holding a scroll sealed with the royal crest.

"The king requests your presence at once," the messenger said.

Aria took the scroll, breaking the seal and reading the message inside. Her expression remained unreadable, but inside, she felt the tension growing. Why would the king summon her now?

She didn’t wait long before heading to the palace, her steps purposeful but silent. The guards let her in without a word, and soon she found herself in the grand hall, where the king and queen awaited her. This time, the princes stood beside their parents, their eyes watching her every move.

"Aria," King Thorne said, his voice deep and authoritative. "You’ve proven yourself today. Your powers are unlike anything we’ve seen, but they also raise questions. The gods have chosen you for a reason, but that reason remains unclear."

Queen Luna spoke next, her tone softer but just as firm. "The Academy will continue to train you, but know this—you are a key player in the events that are unfolding. The darkness you encountered in the forest is only the beginning."

Aria stood tall, her face betraying no emotion. "What do you expect from me?"

King Thorne’s eyes narrowed slightly. "We expect you to be ready. When the time comes, your powers will be needed."

"And what if I refuse?" Aria asked, her voice steady, though her words carried a sharp edge.

Ryker stepped forward, his voice cold as ice. "You won’t. Because you understand what’s at stake, even if you don’t admit it."

The tension in the room thickened, but Aria simply nodded, her expression still unreadable. She knew they were right. Something was coming—something she couldn’t ignore.

With the meeting over, Aria left the palace, her mind swirling with thoughts. She didn’t trust the royals, not fully, but she knew they weren’t lying. Whatever darkness lurked beyond the Academy’s walls, it was coming for her. And when it did, she would be ready.

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