Conquest of Magic

Part 15

As I sat on my bed, hugging my knees, the weight of the king's words pressed down on me. The idea of being a key to some prophecy filled me with dread. Everyone around me seemed to know something I didn't, and that gnawing feeling of being left in the dark was unbearable. I thought William would have answers, but he seemed just as lost as I was. Frustration boiled inside me as I flopped onto my back, my mind drifting to Stanley.

The thought of him sent a warm blush across my face, and excitement buzzed through me. Could he really be here? Was he the one who would finally get me out of this nightmare?

A knock on the door jolted me upright. My heart raced as I rushed to the door, hope blooming inside me. A smile spread across my face at the thought of seeing Stanley, rescuing me from this place. But as I opened the door, the hope shattered when I saw Lyn standing there with a tray of food. The disappointment hit hard, and the joy in my chest faded.

"Oh, Lyn," I said, my voice giving away the disappointment I couldn't quite hide.

She smiled gently, trying to ease the mood. "I brought you some food. Thought you might be hungry."

I nodded, taking the tray from her with a quiet "thank you." My mind was still consumed with thoughts of Stanley, and it felt like the door to hope had slammed shut. I had been so close to seeing him—just a little too close, only to have it all slip away.

"Can I come in?" Lyn asked hesitantly, pulling me back to reality.

"Of course," I said, stepping aside. She entered, her brow furrowed with concern. "Are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost."

I shook my head, forcing a smile. "I'm fine."

My stomach growled at the sight of the food. I opened the platter, eyes widening at the array of delicious dishes. I sat down and dug in without hesitation, realizing how hungry I was after the ball's tension-filled atmosphere. Lyn sat across from me, and soon, a soft laugh escaped her, muffled by her hand.

"What's so funny?" I asked, my mouth full, cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk.

"You're eating like the world's about to end," she giggled. "Don't worry, I won't take it from you."

Her laughter was calming, and soon I was laughing too, feeling a moment of ease for the first time in hours. But her smile faded, and she cast a nervous glance around the room.

"If anyone sees us like this, they won't be pleased," she said, her voice filled with fear.

"Are you scared of William?" I asked, resting my hand over hers.

She nodded silently, looking down at my hand.

"You don't have to worry when I am here," I said softly.

Lyn hesitated, but after a moment, she seemed to relax. I gave her a reassuring smile. "Have you eaten?" I asked.

She looked at me like I'd asked the strangest question, her silence filled with surprise. "Is something wrong?" I asked, puzzled by her reaction.

"No, it's just... no one's ever asked me that," Lyn replied softly. "I can't even remember the last time someone asked that question."

I grabbed a fork and placed it in her hand. "Let's eat together," I said, filling a plate for her. She hesitated but eventually took it and started eating, her nervousness easing away.

"See? That wasn't so hard," I teased gently. She gave me a small, grateful smile.

"Did you enjoy the ball?" she asked, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.

My mind drifted back to the King and other vampires. I didn't answer her right away. The memory of dancing with Stanley filled my thoughts, his presence still lingering in my mind. I couldn't help but feel frustrated that William had interrupted us before I could even confirm it was really him.