Cursed By Fate

Dawn of Battles II

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As the echoes of chaos reached the palace, Ryker felt a storm brewing within him. The reports from the battlefield were dire. Aria was in grave danger, and every word weighed heavily on his heart. Days had passed since the war began, and every moment apart had become an eternity. He couldn’t shake the worry that clawed at him, gnawing away at his resolve.

While preparing to leave for an alliance meeting with the neighboring kingdom, the air in the palace shifted. Whispers of Aria's peril traveled like wildfire, igniting a fire within Ryker. He stormed into the war room, the murmurs of his advisors fading as he entered.

“Where is she?” Ryker demanded, his voice filled with urgency. “What’s happening on the battlefield?”

“Prince Ryker, we—”

“I don’t care about the formalities!” he snapped, his hands clenched into fists. “Tell me about Aria!”

One of the generals stepped forward, his face grim. “The enemy has unleashed forbidden beasts upon us. The forces are overwhelming. Aria is fighting bravely, but...”

“But what?” Ryker pressed, his heart racing.

“She used her powers to defend her comrades, but they report she has collapsed. We fear for her safety.”

The words hit Ryker like a punch to the gut. He couldn’t sit idle any longer. “I’m going to her.”

“But, Ryker, the alliance—”

“I don’t care about the alliance!” Ryker shouted, cutting off the general. “I’m not staying here while she’s out there fighting for her life.”

He stormed out of the war room and made his way to the stables, determination coursing through him. He found Tempest, his magnificent mount, and quickly mounted. The creature whinnied, sensing its rider’s urgency. With a single command, Tempest burst out of the stables, soaring into the sky.

As they flew over the sprawling landscape, Ryker focused on the war cries that echoed beneath him. The chaos of battle was palpable, and with every beat of Tempest's wings, he felt a pull toward Aria, who was in the heart of the conflict.

His heart raced with a mix of anger and fear. He’d spent too long waiting, watching, and it was time to act. He needed to protect her, to be at her side, no matter the cost.

“Hold on, Aria,” he murmured, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the smoke from battle rose ominously. “I’m coming for you.”

As he closed in on the battlefield, Ryker prepared himself for the fight ahead. He would not fail her—not again.

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Aria's eyes fluttered open, and she was immediately struck by the soft glow of candlelight flickering around her. The familiar scent of leather and warm wood filled the air, wrapping her in a cocoon of comfort. Confusion washed over her as she took in her surroundings—she was in Ryker's room. The realization sent her heart racing.

Memories of the battlefield flooded back, the battles fought, the forbidden beasts, and the moment she had pushed her powers to their limit. She felt disoriented, as if she had been lost in a dream for days. Glancing around, she noticed the finely woven tapestries and the elegant furnishings that adorned the space. But the most striking sight was Ryker, who was sitting in a chair beside her bed, his eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her breath hitch.

“Aria,” he said softly, relief washing over his features. “You’re awake.”

Before she could respond, he leaned forward, cupping her face in his hands, and kissed her. It was a gentle yet passionate kiss, one that ignited a fire within her. Her heart raced, and warmth flooded her cheeks as she felt herself blush furiously. The world around them faded, leaving only the two of them in that moment.