Thrones of Astoria - HEAVY EDITING-

Chapter 4

For the past 5 years, Astoria learned how to protect herself. Her unknown magic had grown stronger but had managed to stay hidden from Ashton due to the help of Sabrina and Bella Star. Young Bella was the wife of one of Ashton's cousins. Sabrina has been her best friend since the moment she first arrived. In secret, she even helped teach Astoria different spells. Over time, Talia has not been the biggest fan of their guest. She has attempted to kill the poor girl multiple times. Every time she attempted, her punishment got worse each time.

Last week, as they were making a potion, she tried to force Astoria to swallow it. Astoria let out a shattering scream that alerted Ashton. He rushed to her side, stopping his jealous sister. If she had swallowed, she would have burst into flames. For Talia's punishment, Ashton locked her in the cells underneath the castle. Every time she screams for help, her own laughter is followed as a way of mocking her. Ashton says it's one of her fears. Being laughed at as if she's in pain.

Astoria was only a young girl, barely a teenager when she was first brought to the castle. Now here she is, 19 years old and a young woman. It would be a lie for her to say she hadn't enjoyed her stay. The places in the city are wonderful. There's a mixture of humans and supernatural creatures. Astoria was treated like a princess throughout her whole stay. That always includes the best treatment and the parts of being locked in a castle.

At 16 years old, she officially met the other part of Ashton's family, his cousins. Unlike Ashton, Talia, and Sabrina, their cousins have very similar looks. They all shared blue eyes and jet-black hair. Most within the city were envious of the Star cousins. Ashton, Talia, and Sabrina's father were brothers to Damien, Allyson, and Blayne's father.

Rumors were flying around Civitas Amissa that Lucifer had risen this year. Many are wondering when he may make visits to his children. Sabrina believes in the myth that when Lucifer visits, a mark of angel wings will appear on his next wife. It was believed that the mark allowed Lucifer to thrive off the power of his wife. Not many people believe in it, but others will say that it's true. Taliaa believes that Sabrina is a silly girl for believing in such a tale. Astoria on the other hand believes that it is true.

There was only one place in the castle where Astoria found peace. It was her room. Normally Ashton respected her peace. From his trauma as a child, a child's room should be the one place that feels extremely safe. Astoria's room was truly beautiful. It blended well with the rest of the castle. Her bedroom walls were blood-red with white roses painted on the walls. Black accents coated the door frames and her bed sheets.

"What exactly are you doing?" Ashton questioned the girl who was in her room.

"I hate it here, why can't I go home?" She cried out, having a day where she missed her family more than ever.

He tried using his magic on her to manipulate her thoughts, "You're meant to be here. Forget about your family."

"I'm 17! I wanted to live a normal life. I wanted to go to football games, homecoming, and prom. I wanted to get my driver's license." The redhead avoided eye contact with the man in front of her.

"If you want a prom so badly, I'll just throw a party in your honor." Ashton tried to compromise with her.

She stood up and yelled at him, "Your parties are not what a prom is supposed to be!"

"You should be grateful; I could've just let you suffer in a cage!" Ashton shouted.

She sat down on the bed and didn't face the tall man behind her, "I hate you! Just get out!"

Ashton had rolled his eyes and stormed out of the teenage girl's room. He slammed the door behind him and didn't realize he had bumped into Sabrina. He didn't apologize to her, he just walked away from her. Sabrina realized something was wrong and rushed into her friend's room. She was crying and Sabrina wrapped her arms around her best friend. There wasn't much else she could do except try physical contact.