The Binding Fates SEASON 1: The Past

Chapter 50: Cruel Love

The dawn broke, casting a golden glow over the Imperial Palace of Rahania. Elyse, unable to shake the unsettling visions that had plagued her sleep, sat by the window, her gaze fixed on the rising sun. Who was the woman in her dreams? The golden eyes, a mirror image of Aniya's, haunted her thoughts.

It was the second day of the parade, a grand spectacle that drew dignitaries from across the globe - kings, queens, emperors, empresses, princes, princesses, and other figures of power and influence. The anticipation for the grand ball next week was palpable, a symphony of excitement and anticipation.

Elyse donned her school uniform, finding comfort in its familiar embrace. The emperor had gifted her with an outfit in the Rahania fashion, but she felt more at ease in her own clothes, a way to ground herself amidst the whirlwind of change.

A knock on the door startled her. A maid, her head bowed in respect, entered the room. "Your Grace, The Emperor asks for your humble presence," she announced, her voice soft and deferential.

Elyse's heart skipped a beat. The emperor wanted to see her? What could he possibly want? "Are the other Student Council members there?" she asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.

The maid, however, seemed to misunderstand. "Are the future Alphas also there?" she asked, a smile gracing her lips.

Elyse smiled back, her nervousness momentarily forgotten. "Yes, Your Grace. I shall lead you to the dining room," the maid said, her voice filled with a gentle authority.

Elyse nodded, adjusting her uniform one last time. As the maid led her through the palace, Elyse was awestruck by the grandeur that surrounded her. The Imperial Palace of Rahania was a marvel of architecture and magic, a testament to the empire's power and ingenuity.

Castle walls, ancient stones, and towering spires, all built with magical stones and spells, reached towards the heavens. A creature named "El-Rokh," a magnificent bird capable of carrying an elephant in its talons, soared through the air, a majestic guardian of the palace. Servants scurried through the halls, their movements precise and efficient, while butlers and head maids oversaw the intricate workings of the palace.

It was a world unlike anything Elyse had ever seen, a world of magic and wonder that left her breathless.

As they reached a massive door, it creaked open, revealing a grand dining hall. Elyse flinched at the sound, her body instinctively recoiling. Strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her back from the door. It was Arbor.

"Feeling nervous?" he asked, his voice a soothing balm to her anxieties. Elyse nodded, her eyes wide with apprehension. "Don't worry, you'll do great," he reassured her, his smile warm and genuine.

Elyse took a deep breath, her gaze meeting the emperor's. On his left, she saw a delicate yet alluring lady, the Empress of Rahania, and beside her, a handsome young man, Prince Malik.

Arbor and Elyse bowed gracefully, their gestures filled with respect and deference. To their right, Louisette and Penelope stood, their expressions unreadable. The rest of the Aracnia Student Council members, Raymond and the others, were also present.

Chad, seated at a nearby table, couldn't help but snort at the sight of Arbor and Elyse entering the hall together. He took a sip of wine, his gaze fixed on them.

"Thaddeus, you're drinking when we're in front of the royals. It's basic etiquette that they should be the ones to start first," Odelle scolded him, her voice a gentle reprimand.

Chad scoffed, his gaze meeting hers. "I am Thaddeus's Descendant. No one can order me," he retorted, his voice laced with a hint of arrogance. Odelle shook her head, knowing that arguing with Chad was a futile exercise.