Cursed By Fate

shadow of the past

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Chapter 16: Shadows of the Past

The aftermath of the battle left the forest eerily quiet. As the last echoes of the beasts faded, Aria found herself standing at the edge of the clearing, her mind still racing. The adrenaline that had surged through her during the fight was now giving way to an unsettling calm.

The students gathered around, sharing whispers of admiration and excitement, their eyes wide with the thrill of victory. Kael, still buzzing with energy, animatedly recounted the battle to anyone who would listen. Aria, however, stood apart from the group, her thoughts consumed by the cloaked figure and his ominous threat.

Suddenly, the eldest prince strode through the crowd, his presence commanding attention. He surveyed the scene with a ruthless calmness, his piercing gaze catching Aria’s once more. This time, she held his stare, feeling a mix of defiance and determination swell within her.

“Let’s not linger here,” he commanded, his voice slicing through the chatter. “We need to return to the academy and prepare for whatever comes next. This was no random attack.”

The students nodded in agreement, the reality of the situation settling in. As they began to move, Aria caught the prince’s glance again. This time, there was no disdain, only a flicker of something deeper—a recognition of strength that seemed to resonate with her own.

“Keep your eyes open,” he said, his voice low but firm, just loud enough for her to hear. “You have more power than you know. Don’t underestimate it.”

Before Aria could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving her momentarily speechless. The fleeting moment of connection hung in the air, leaving her with questions about his true nature. The prince was known for his ruthlessness, but there was a complexity to him that intrigued her.

As they made their way back through the forest, Kael fell into step beside her. “You know, you could really impress him if you showed more of your power,” he said, his tone teasing but earnest. “He’s not just a prince; he’s someone to be reckoned with.”

Aria shrugged, unwilling to engage. “I’m not here to impress anyone,” she replied, her expression remaining unchanged. “I’m focused on survival and learning to control what I have.”

Kael chuckled, but Aria could sense the underlying concern in his tone. “Just be careful. There’s something about this situation that feels off. We need to stick together.”

As they emerged from the forest, the academy loomed ahead, a fortress of knowledge and power. But the shadows of the previous encounter weighed heavily on her mind. What had that cloaked figure meant? And who was controlling those beasts?

As the group entered the academy grounds, they were greeted by a mixture of cheers and apprehension. The instructors had witnessed the battle from a distance and were eager to assess the students’ progress.

In the days that followed, the academy’s atmosphere shifted. Whispers of the attack echoed through the halls, and tensions rose. Aria found herself at the center of attention, her reputation growing among her peers. Some admired her bravery; others feared her power.

During training sessions, she trained relentlessly, honing her swordsmanship and exploring her cursed abilities. But despite her determination, doubts lingered. Each time she unleashed her power, she was reminded of the destruction it could cause.

One evening, as she practiced in the training yard, the eldest prince appeared, his presence striking against the backdrop of twilight. “You’re pushing yourself too hard,” he remarked, his voice cutting through her concentration.

“I need to be ready,” Aria replied, her gaze unwavering as she continued her drills. “I won’t let them catch me off guard again.”

He stepped closer, observing her movements. “You’re strong, but strength alone won’t save you. You must learn to control your power, or it will control you.”

Aria paused, meeting his intense gaze. “Is that what you did? Control your power?”

For a moment, an unreadable expression crossed his face. “I had to. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary. You’re different; you have potential. Just don’t let it consume you.”

With those words, he turned and walked away, leaving Aria with a newfound resolve. The eldest prince may have been cold, but beneath that exterior was a wisdom born from experience. And as she faced the challenges ahead, she would embrace her power, no matter the cost.

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