Cursed By Fate

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Aria's heart raced as Ryker's lips left hers, the warmth of the moment still lingering between them. But a heaviness settled in her chest, and she knew she had to speak the truth. She pulled back slightly, searching Ryker's eyes for the right words.

"Ryker," she began, her voice trembling with urgency. "The reason I've been avoiding you... it's because of the queen."

His brow furrowed in confusion. "The queen? What do you mean?"

Aria took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her confession pressing against her chest. "She... she told me to stay away from you. She said that me being close to you would only bring u pain and danger. I thought... I thought I was protecting you by listening to her."

Ryker's expression darkened, anger flickering in his eyes. "The queen is trying to manipulate you. Don't let her control your choices, Aria."

"I know!" she exclaimed, desperation lacing her words. "But it's hard to ignore her when she's always there, reminding me of the risks. I couldn't shake the fear that if I got too close to you, something terrible would happen."

His gaze softened for a moment, but then his frustration bubbled to the surface. "And you listened to her? After everything we've been through? You really think she has your best interests at heart?"

"I thought it was for the best," Aria pleaded, her heart aching. "I was trying to protect us both."

"I don't want your protection!" Ryker snapped, his voice rising in frustration. "I want you here, with me. Why can't you see that?"

The intensity of his words sent a thrill through her, but the weight of the situation loomed large. "Ryker, I-"

Before she could finish, he stepped closer, the tension between them crackling like electricity. "Don't you understand how much I need you? How much I've missed you?"

"I want to be with you, Ryker," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I'm scared of what the queen will do if she finds out."

His eyes burned with a fierce determination as he reached out, cupping her face in his hands. "Let her try. I won't let her come between us, Aria. I refuse to be another pawn in her game."

As he leaned in again, capturing her lips with his in a heated kiss, a rush of desire surged through her. The world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them and the heat of their bodies pressed together. Aria melted against him, her fingers tangling in his hair as she kissed him back with equal passion.

Just as their moment reached a crescendo, a loud knock echoed from the door, shattering their intimacy like glass. "Aria! Where are you?" a voice called out, pulling her back to reality.

"Damn it!" Ryker growled, his frustration spilling over as he pulled away, anger flashing in his eyes. "Just when things were getting interesting..."

"I can't let them see us!" Aria exclaimed, panic coursing through her veins. She shoved Ryker away instinctively, her heart racing as she realized the urgency of the situation.

"Aria!" he protested, but she was already pulling the curtains closed, desperately trying to obscure him from view. The tension between them was thick, and she could feel his frustration radiating off him.

"Hide!" she hissed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Seriously? You're just going to push me away now?" he shot back, his eyes blazing with anger. "I thought we were finally on the same page."

"Ryker, please!" she pleaded, her heart pounding. "I can't let them catch you here. Just stay quiet!"

As she pressed herself against the wall, her heart raced, and she heard footsteps approaching. "Aria! You need to come quickly! The queen is asking for you!"