Cursed By Fate

Dangers in the shadows

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Chapter [X]: The Queen's Hidden Move

As Aria lay in bed that night, her thoughts still swirling with the lingering effects of her encounter with Ryker, she was unaware of the brewing storm just beyond the castle walls.

In the deepest, most secluded part of the palace, Queen Seraphina paced within the confines of her secret chamber. A room known to only a few, where the shadows themselves seemed to whisper. The air in the chamber was thick and oppressive, but the queen barely noticed. Her heart was set on one thing—removing Aria from Ryker’s life before the girl became a true threat.

The queen paused in front of a large mirror, its surface dull and cracked. With a wave of her hand, the glass shimmered, revealing the faint outline of a figure—cloaked in darkness, with eyes glowing faintly from beneath a hood.

"The time has come," Queen Seraphina said, her voice cold and firm, devoid of the motherly warmth she portrayed in public. "I want her gone."

The shadow within the mirror shifted. "The girl... Aria?" The figure's voice was deep, otherworldly.

"Yes. She’s growing too close to my son. Too dangerous," the queen hissed, her eyes narrowing. "I need her out of the picture. Permanently."

There was a pause as the figure seemed to consider her words. "And what will you offer in return?" The mysterious shadow leaned forward, its face still obscured, but the menace in its tone was unmistakable.

"The throne for your people," Seraphina answered without hesitation. "After Ryker ascends, your kind will control the lands beyond the eastern mountains. Your power will grow unchecked."

The shadow tilted its head, eyes gleaming with interest. "A tempting offer, my queen. But the girl is not ordinary. You underestimate the forces around her."

"She’s nothing," Seraphina spat. "A servant’s daughter, nothing more."

"You think that... but she is far more than that. Her connection to the gods is not one you can sever easily," the figure warned. "And her power is exactly what I need to help fulfill your wishes."

Seraphina’s expression shifted, intrigue mixing with unease. "What do you mean?"

"I need her power to carry out your wishes. Bring her to me, and I will ensure she’s dealt with as you wish."

Seraphina’s lips curled into a smile. "Good. And how long will it take?"

"That depends on you, my queen. Bring her to me, and I will take care of the rest."

Without another word, the mirror’s surface turned black, and the figure disappeared, leaving Seraphina standing alone. Her plan was in motion, and soon, Aria would be nothing more than a forgotten whisper in Ryker's life.

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Chapter [X+1]: Danger in the Shadows

Aria woke the next morning, unaware of the dark forces conspiring against her. Her mind was still caught in the excitement of her growing closeness to Ryker. She dressed quickly, determined to face the new day and whatever challenges awaited.

But as she stepped outside, a strange chill settled over the castle grounds. The sky, though clear, seemed darker than usual, the sun's rays failing to warm her skin as they should. Something was wrong.

From the shadows, a figure watched her. Hidden from sight, the mysterious shadow that the queen had spoken to the night before was waiting, waiting for the moment to strike.

But Aria, with her heightened senses, felt it. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up, and she paused, her hand instinctively moving to the hilt of her sword. She scanned the area, her eyes narrowing.

"Who's there?" she called out, her voice steady despite the tension she felt.

There was no response, but the feeling of being watched didn’t fade.

Aria tightened her grip on her sword, her heart racing. She had faced beasts, endured brutal training, and survived countless threats, but this... this felt different. There was something unnatural about the presence lingering just out of sight.

"I know you're there," she said, her voice firm, trying to lure the watcher out.

The shadow remained still, unmoved by her taunt, biding its time.

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Meanwhile, back in the castle, Ryker was meeting with his mother, unaware of the plot she had woven. Seraphina played her part well, feigning concern for her son while subtly planting doubts in his mind.

"Aria seems to have gotten too close, don’t you think?" she suggested, her tone light but her gaze sharp.

Ryker frowned. "She's my guard. That’s her duty."

"Is that all she is?" the queen asked, a knowing look in her eyes. "You must be careful, Ryker. You have responsibilities. A future. The crown... and not everyone deserves to be part of that future."

Ryker’s jaw clenched, a flash of irritation crossing his face. "I know my responsibilities, Mother."

"Of course you do," Seraphina replied, smiling. "I only worry because I care for you."

But in her heart, she knew the seeds of doubt had been planted. Soon, her son would see Aria as a distraction—one he couldn’t afford to keep around.

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Aria, unaware of the queen's manipulation, continued to feel the creeping danger as she made her way through the castle. The tension in the air was palpable, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something—or someone—was watching her from the shadows.

As she turned a corner, she suddenly felt a cold gust of wind sweep past her, and in an instant, the figure that had been following her revealed itself. Cloaked in darkness, the shadow stepped forward, blocking her path.

"You’ve been marked," it said, its voice as cold as ice.

Aria drew her sword without hesitation. "Marked by who?"

The shadow chuckled darkly. "By someone who wishes to wield your power for their own gain. I require your strength to fulfill ambitions that go beyond your understanding."

Aria's heart raced, the air thick with danger. "I won’t help you."

"You have no choice," the shadow replied, moving closer, its presence suffocating. "Yield to me, and your power will remain. Defy me, and you’ll lose everything you hold dear."

With that, the figure lunged, and the real battle for Aria’s life—and her power—began.

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