Onyx Magical Academy (GXG)

Chapter Thirteen

After the brief introductions, the Duke instructed the maid to take me to my room. As I followed her through the grand corridors of the castle, I marveled at the opulence surrounding me. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting heroic tales of old, and the soft glow of chandeliers illuminated the polished stone floors. I felt as if I were walking through a storybook, my heart racing with each step.

When we reached my room, the maid pushed open the heavy wooden door, and I was momentarily stunned. The space before me was magnificent—thrice the size of my modest apartment from my past life. The room was filled with luxurious furnishings: a large canopy bed draped in rich fabrics, a writing desk crafted from dark mahogany, and a plush armchair near a window that offered a breathtaking view of the gardens below.

As the maid stepped inside, she gestured for me to enter. "This will be your room, my lady. If you need anything, just ring the bell," she said with a polite smile before she closed the door behind her.

The moment I was alone, I let go of the calm persona I had been trying to maintain. I dashed across the room and jumped onto the bed, which looked impossibly cozy. The moment I landed on the soft mattress, a wave of comfort enveloped me. I buried my face in the plush pillows, inhaling the faint scent of lavender that lingered in the fabric. For a brief moment, I allowed myself to relish the feeling of being safe and secure, far removed from the uncertainties that awaited me in this new life.

I rolled onto my back, staring up at the intricately painted ceiling, lost in thought. This room was a far cry from the cramped quarters I had lived in before. Here, I could be whoever I wanted to be, unburdened by the responsibilities of my past life. Yet, a part of me remained tethered to the reality that had just begun to unfold—my identity as Flynn, the duke's daughter, came with its own set of challenges.

As I lay there, I pondered the conversations I had just had with my new family. The warmth of Lady Clara's smile lingered in my mind, while Lady Elara's piercing gaze reminded me that not everyone would be welcoming. And then there was Lady Selene, whose unsettling demeanor left me on edge. I knew I had to navigate this complex web of relationships carefully.

With a sigh, I rolled off the bed and sat cross-legged on the floor, taking a moment to gather my thoughts. This castle could be my home, but I needed to learn the ins and outs of this new life quickly. My siblings, the knights, and the intricate politics of nobility awaited me. The weight of my lineage pressed on my shoulders, but I was determined to face it head-on.

After a few moments, I stood up, brushing off my dress, and walked to the window. The view was breathtaking, with sprawling gardens filled with blooming flowers and towering trees. It was a stark contrast to the concrete jungle I had left behind. I felt a spark of hope flicker within me. Perhaps this new beginning could offer me more than just challenges; it could also be a chance for growth, acceptance, and perhaps even belonging.

I took a deep breath, ready to embrace whatever lay ahead. With my heart set on discovering the truth about my new family and this world, I felt a new sense of determination swell within me. I would navigate this life with strength and grace, forging my own path as Flynn, the daughter of a duke.

As I stood by the window, absorbing the beauty of my new surroundings, my mind drifted back to Lady Elara. The memory of her cold beauty and striking resemblance to Angelina Jolie lingered in my thoughts, both captivating and unsettling. There was something undeniably alluring about her, and I found myself drawn to her presence, even if it was shadowed by an air of intimidation.

Suddenly, I felt a peculiar reaction from my body, one that caught me completely off guard. A flush crept up my cheeks as I realized that my thoughts had stirred something within me—a response that was both surprising and embarrassing. I had never expected to feel this way, especially not in a world so unfamiliar and not toward someone like Lady Elara.

I knew it was absurd, but there I was, grappling with the realization that I had developed a crush on the first wife of my father, the duke. The very woman who had scrutinized me moments ago, her icy demeanor juxtaposed with her striking beauty, had somehow awakened feelings I thought were reserved for the pages of a romantic novel or the characters of my favorite movies back on Earth.

Shaking my head in disbelief, I tried to focus on anything else—on the gardens outside, on the lavish room around me, or on the family dynamics that awaited me. But the image of Lady Elara kept intruding, her captivating green eyes and that confident, almost predatory gaze making it hard to concentrate. I could almost hear her voice, cool and measured, echoing in my mind.

"This is ridiculous," I muttered to myself, mortified by my own thoughts. Here I was, a girl trying to adapt to a completely new life, grappling with family expectations, and I was losing my composure over a woman I barely knew. I had to pull myself together; I couldn't let such distractions get in the way of what I needed to accomplish.

Determined to regain my focus, I turned away from the window and paced the room, each step helping to clear my head. It was time to think about more pressing matters—like meeting my siblings and figuring out my place within this new family.

I took a few deep breaths, grounding myself in the reality of my situation. Lady Elara might be a mesmerizing presence, but I couldn't let my feelings complicate my already chaotic life. I needed to be strong and resolute, to prove to myself and to those around me that I was worthy of my new title and the responsibilities that came with it.

With a newfound sense of determination, I decided to explore the room further, hoping to find something to occupy my mind. Perhaps I could discover more about the duke's family or the history of the castle itself. After all, I had a lot to learn, and I was determined to make the most of this incredible opportunity, crush or no crush.