Onyx Magical Academy (GXG)

Chapter Five

I stood there, rooted to the spot, my heart racing as I faced the Duke. The reality of the moment crashed over me like a wave, disorienting and surreal. Here I was, a girl from the modern world, now somehow transformed into the illegitimate daughter of a duke. It felt like a plot from a storybook, yet here I was, living it.

The Duke's gaze was intense, dark eyes searching mine with a mix of curiosity and concern. I struggled to process everything, the weight of my new identity pressing down on me. Memories of my past life swirled in my mind—my friends from the orphan, my mundane routines—now overshadowed by the enormity of my present circumstances.

"Flynn," the Duke said again, his voice pulling me back from my spiraling thoughts. The sound of my name on his lips felt foreign yet familiar, like a melody I had just begun to recognize.

I blinked, trying to shake off the fog of disbelief. "I... I'm sorry," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. "Where were you when my mother was dying?" The question slipped out before I could catch myself, raw and unfiltered.

The Duke's expression shifted, a flicker of pain crossing his features. "I—" he began, but I pressed on, unable to stop myself.

"I can't understand how you could let my mother suffer alone." My heart raced with frustration and grief, feelings that were not solely my own but echoed from the girl whose life I now inhabited. The longing for connection, the need for a father during her darkest moments—these emotions swirled within me, amplifying my confusion.

"I'm sorry," the Duke finally said, his voice thick with regret. "I should have been there for her. I should have fought for you both."

His sincerity hit me like a blow, but I couldn't shake the hurt. "But you weren't. You chose to stay away."

"I was forced into a life of duty, Flynn. The responsibilities of my title... they consumed me. But now—now, the circumstances are different. I'm here, and I want to be a part of your life."

Before I could respond, he raised a hand, signaling the knights standing nearby. "You all may leave now," he ordered. They hesitated briefly before bowing and exiting the room, leaving us alone.

The vulnerability in his eyes caught me off guard. I hesitated, the anger inside me faltering just a bit. "What does that even mean?"

"It means I want to make up for lost time. I want to help you understand your mother and the family you come from." He stepped closer, the air between us charged with unspoken promises. "From now on, you will live as my illegitimate child. I will announce you as such, and I will train you to navigate this world. I will protect you, even if it means recognizing how naive I've been to think I could shield you completely in this chaotic environment."

I felt a mix of emotions—anger, sadness, and hesitation, unsure if these feelings were truly mine or echoes of the real owner of this body. "You say that, but how can I trust you? You weren't there when I needed a father."

"I understand your hesitance. I can't change the past, but I can be here now. I hope to show you that you're not alone anymore."

I took a deep breath, remembering Garrick, the knight the Duke had sent to care for my mother during her illness. He had been my protector, my guide through childhood, teaching me everything from swordplay to history. "Garrick... he raised me," I said quietly. "He was the only father I knew."

The Duke nodded, his expression softening. "I trusted him to look after you. He was loyal, a good man. I'm glad you had him. But I want you to stay with me now. I can guarantee your safety here, where you're not left alone. I can't let you be vulnerable to the dangers of the world."

"Where is he? Is he safe?" I asked, anxiety creeping into my voice.

"Garrick saved you when bandits attacked. I commended him for his bravery when I heard he arrived just in time to save you. And I've heard how you fought back against the bandits before he came to your aid. You showed remarkable courage."

His praise washed over me, a mix of pride and uncertainty bubbling within. "You really think so?"

"Absolutely. You demonstrated strength and resourcefulness in a terrifying situation. It's those qualities that make me believe you can thrive in this world, especially with the right guidance."

He took a step closer, earnestness in his eyes. "I'm truly sorry for not being there for you before. I can't change what happened, but I promise to be here for you now. While I protect you, I'll also teach you how to be a person in this world. You are still vulnerable, and I want you to grow strong."

I considered his words, the possibility of living under his protection weighing heavily. "So you want me to live here with you?"

"Yes. I know that the peaceful life that I wanted for would be impossible from now on but I will do all my best to give you a time of your life where you are removed from the intrigues of the court. You will be my illegitimate child, and I will keep you away for the mean time from the chaos that surrounds us."

"Okay," I said, the decision feeling monumental. "I'll give you a chance. But you have to promise to be honest with me—about everything."

"I promise," he said, a hint of relief washing over his face.

And with that, I took my first step into this uncharted territory, ready to explore the legacy that had been waiting for me all along, hopeful for the peace that lay ahead.