My Supposed Nemesis (The Rivalries Series 1)

Prologue

My Supposed Nemesis is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual events, persons, or organizations is purely coincidental. The characters, settings, and situations depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination and should not be interpreted as factual. This story contains themes and elements that may be disturbing or unsettling. 

It contains themes of violence, mental health struggles, and emotional turmoil that may be distressing to some readers.

Reader discretion is advised.

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Prologue

Standing on the brink of everything I've ever wanted, I can't help but wonder what success really means. It's almost laughable, really, this nagging feeling that something's missing even when I'm so close to it all.

I've spent years trying to live up to my name. It's a constant reminder of expectations, like a shadow maneuvering behind me, whispering that I need to prove my worth. But in chasing that approval, I've given up pieces of myself—pieces that leave a weight on my chest.

Each day, I grapple with the weight of my own shadow, questioning whether you could ever embrace that darker side of me—or if your heart is only drawn to the illusion I've carefully crafted.

I can't help but wonder if you see the monster living beneath the exterior you've come to love so dearly.

And then there's you. Your laughter breaks through the gloom, and I find myself drawn to you, even as I wrestle with my own darkness:

"Orion, the knight of the universe, is tasked by the Lords to kill Celes, the great priestess of darkness who went on a mana rampage, for who he loves dearly to soul. The prophecy demands her death to restore balance, but as they meet under the full moon, Celes calmly speaks: "He shall kill her for him, so she shall die for him. In death, she shall seal his fate, for the Moon demands a greater price."

"Okay, stop right there, love," I interrupted, a soft sigh escaping my lips. "You've got me all riddled." I couldn't help but let out a gentle laugh, though it felt almost hollow in the quiet air between us.

"Ugh, love... maybe you should just go back to those literary electives from high school!" she teased, rolling her eyes, but there was a flicker of something deeper beneath her smile.

"Hey, listen," I replied, leaning back and lifting my coffee cup, "it's impossible for a brain to kick into gear ten minutes after I woke up. But continue, baby." I feigned defeat, a playful grin on my lips as I took a sip, the warmth contrasting against the chill that wrapped around us.

I draped my arm around her shoulder and so she then nestled closer, resting her head against my chest, and together we lost ourselves in the pages of the notebook, her handwriting like whispers of lost soul etched upon the paper.

"Before Orion can strike, Celes sacrifices herself, binding her life to his. Her death twists the prophecy, leaving Orion cursed. Each night, her voice haunts him, whispering: "For every life the Moon takes, another debt remains unpaid."

I felt her take a deep breath beside me, her body tensing as she closed the notebook, hugging it tightly before she turned her gaze towards me.

"That's just it," she admitted, disappointment lacing her voice. "I hit a mental block again after this."

I set my cup down, taking her shoulders gently to turn her to me, seeking to bridge the widening chasm of her self-doubt.

"Love, it's beautiful," I said, sincerity pouring into my words. "You're doing really well. I may joke around, but your tale speaks volumes about the emotions you want to convey."