Cursed By Fate

chapter 36

As the first light of dawn streamed through the shattered windows of the grand ballroom, Ryker and Aria returned inside, their hearts still racing from their training. The remnants of the previous night's chaos lay scattered across the floor, but amidst the destruction, a sense of urgency lingered.

They found the king and queen surrounded by a council of generals and advisors, their faces etched with concern. The air was thick with tension as they discussed the implications of the attack.

“Gentlemen,” the king’s voice commanded attention, “this assault on our kingdom cannot go unanswered. We must prepare for war.”

The generals exchanged uneasy glances. General Cedric, a veteran known for his strategic brilliance, spoke up. “Your Majesty, while I understand the need for a response, I urge caution. This attack was orchestrated with precision. We must uncover who is behind this before we act.”

Aria listened closely, her mind racing. She had sensed the darkness behind the invaders, a malevolent force that wanted to destabilize the kingdom.

“And how long will you delay, General?” Ryker interjected, his voice firm. “If we wait, they will only grow stronger. We’ve seen what they can do.”

General Cedric met Ryker’s gaze, his expression unyielding. “Your Highness, charging into war without understanding the enemy's motives could lead to devastating consequences. We must gather intelligence. It’s not just about responding; it’s about doing so with strategy.”

“Time is of the essence,” Queen Seraphina said, her voice filled with authority. “But I agree with General Cedric. We cannot rush into battle without a clear understanding of who our enemy is. The safety of our people depends on it.”

Ryker felt frustration bubbling within him, but he also recognized the wisdom in their words. “Then we need to send scouts. Discover the source of this attack and its instigators.”

“Yes,” Aria added, stepping forward. “If we can uncover their plans, we can prepare for any future attacks without declaring war prematurely. We can assess their strengths and weaknesses.”

The council considered her words, and the tension in the room eased slightly as they weighed the options.

General Cedric nodded, his expression softening. “A well-thought-out reconnaissance mission could provide the answers we need. We will not act until we have a clearer picture of the enemy's intentions.”

The king sighed, the weight of the decision heavy on his shoulders. “Very well. We will delay any immediate military action. Generals, gather your best scouts. I want a detailed report within the week.”

As the council began to disperse, Ryker caught Aria’s eye, a mixture of frustration and understanding passing between them. They knew the importance of being prepared, but the urge to retaliate burned fiercely within him.

“Ryker,” Aria said quietly as they stepped away from the crowd. “It’s the right choice. We can’t let our anger blind us.”

“I know,” he replied, running a hand through his hair. “But I can’t shake the feeling that we’re giving them a chance to strike again. We need to be proactive.”

Aria reached out, her hand resting gently on his arm. “We will be. We’ll train harder, push our limits. When the time comes, we’ll be ready to protect our kingdom. Together.”

He nodded, a flicker of hope igniting within him. “You’re right. And while we wait, we’ll gather as much information as we can. I won’t let our guard down.”

They shared a determined glance, knowing that even in the face of uncertainty, they had each other’s backs.

As they left the ballroom, the atmosphere around the palace shifted, the remnants of chaos fading into the background as they focused on the challenges ahead. The sun rose higher in the sky, illuminating the kingdom with a new day’s light, and with it came the promise of their growing strength.

With their newfound determination, Ryker and Aria set their sights on the horizon, ready to confront whatever darkness lay ahead—together.