Cursed By Fate

43

Ryker sat in his dimly lit room, the weight of the world heavy on his shoulders. Shadows flickered across the walls, mirroring his internal turmoil. Ever since the war had started, he felt an unbearable distance between himself and Aria, an invisible barrier growing stronger with each passing moment. He ran a hand through his hair, frustration bubbling to the surface.

"I know nothing about girls," he muttered, his voice thick with exasperation. "Or the female species." His mind raced, thoughts of Aria flooding his consciousness. He missed her laughter, her fierce spirit, and the way she stood tall even in the face of danger. And now, with war looming and uncertainty hanging over them, he felt utterly powerless.

The door swung open, breaking his thoughts. Layla entered, her presence a whirlwind of seduction and chaos. She sashayed toward him, her movements confident and deliberate, a predatory glint in her eyes. "Ryker, darling," she purred, her voice dripping with honeyed allure, "you look positively miserable. Why don't you let me brighten your day?"

His irritation flared as he tried to deflect her advances. "Layla, I'm not in the mood," he snapped, hoping to ward her off. But she was relentless, her gaze locking onto his as she moved closer, invading his personal space.

"Why so serious?" she teased, leaning in, the scent of her floral perfume enveloping him. "Life is too short to waste on brooding. You should be enjoying every moment-especially now that the war has started."

Just then, Aria entered, her expression shifting from curiosity to shock as she caught sight of Ryker and Layla together. Her heart plummeted, a jarring ache spreading through her chest. She had come to discuss an urgent matter with the prince regarding strategies for the upcoming battle, but now she felt as if she had intruded on a private moment.

"Sorry for interrupting," Aria whispered, her voice barely above a breath. As she turned to leave, the sting of betrayal lanced through her. The sharp realization that she might not be as important to him as she had hoped cut deep.

"Wait-Aria!" Ryker called, but she didn't stop. Instead, she fled, the door swinging shut behind her, echoing the finality of her departure.

A wave of anger washed over Ryker, and he turned to Layla, fury igniting within him. "What have you done?" he hissed, his voice low and dangerously calm.

"Me?" Layla feigned innocence, batting her lashes. "I simply offered you a little fun while you wait for your little warrior to come back." The casual mention of Aria's absence only fueled his anger, and he felt his blood boil.

"You're a distraction I don't need," he retorted, frustration spilling over. His mind raced back to the battlefield, the chaos, and how desperately he wanted to be by Aria's side, fighting against the darkness threatening their realm.

Layla stepped closer, a predatory glint in her eyes. "But why chase after a girl who's off playing soldier when you could have a woman right here?"

Ryker's patience snapped. He seized Layla's wrist, his grip firm, his eyes blazing with anger. "Don't you dare come into my room again," he growled, his voice a low rumble that warned of a storm brewing. "If you do, I promise you'll regret it."

Surprise flickered across her face, quickly replaced by defiance. "What's your problem?" she spat, attempting to reclaim her bravado.

His gaze darkened, his tone dangerously soft. "Get out."

With a huff, Layla yanked her arm free and stormed out, slamming the door behind her, the sound echoing ominously. Ryker remained rooted in place, his heart racing. He had to find Aria-had to tell her that she meant everything to him.

Determined, Ryker stormed out of his room, fueled by a fierce resolve. He couldn't let her believe he was distracted by Layla's advances; she had to know that she was the only one for him. With each step, he felt the urgency mounting, knowing that he needed to confront the queen about her manipulative schemes and protect Aria from whatever dark plans she had in store. He had to find her before it was too late.

Meanwhile, Aria returned to her room, her heart still heavy with confusion and hurt. After taking a moment to gather herself, she slipped into a bath, the warm water soothing her frazzled nerves. Wrapped in a bathrobe, she stepped out, the soft fabric falling open just enough to expose her thighs.

When she saw Ryker sitting on her bed, her heart skipped a beat. He looked just as troubled as she felt. The moment their eyes met, his expression shifted from guilt to longing, and for a fleeting moment, everything else faded away.

"Aria, I-" he started, but words failed him as he took in the sight of her, a storm of emotions swirling in his chest.

Instead of stepping forward to apologize for Layla, Ryker felt an overwhelming urge to claim the moment. Before he knew it, he crossed the distance between them and caught her wrists, pinning her gently against the bed. "Why are you ignoring me?" he demanded, his voice low and intense.

Aria looked away, her breath hitching in her throat. The heat between them was palpable, and the tension hung thick in the air.

"I'm not ignoring you," she whispered, though her heart raced, betraying her calm facade.

Ryker leaned closer, his lips hovering just inches from hers. "You are," he insisted, his eyes searching hers for the truth. "And it's killing me."

With a sudden rush of courage, he kissed her, capturing her lips with his. Aria gasped, her heart pounding as she melted against him, feeling his warmth envelop her. He held the robe tightly, pulling her closer as if daring her to speak. "If you don't talk to me," he warned softly, his breath mingling with hers, "I might just do the unthinkable."

Aria's eyes widened in surprise, a mix of desire and uncertainty flashing across her face. She could feel the weight of his words, a promise laced with danger, and in that moment, she knew that their fates were more intertwined than ever before.

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