Chapter 16
POV: Lyra Fenwick
"Aldric!" I gasped, shock rippling through me as he suddenly shouted my name. How did the spell wear off so fast?
"Move out of my way, Lyra. What are you hiding?" he demanded, his voice sharp with suspicion.
"It is nothing, Aldric. Relax," I said, my voice trembling despite my efforts to stay calm.
"Lyra, move," he ordered, stepping closer.
"Fenis cu mastos!" I whispered urgently, casting the spell. Aldric's eyes widened for a split second before his body went limp. He collapsed hard onto the floor with a heavy thud.
I quickly dragged him to the bed and laid him down carefully, my hands shaking. "I'm sorry, Aldric," I whispered, staring at his peaceful face. What I did for you is the most painful thing I will ever do for anyone.
I spread the blanket over him gently, then stepped back. I need to leave now. He must be waiting for me.
I slipped on my long green hooded cloak and hurried out into the night. The thick bushes scratched against my cloak as I pushed through the dense forest, the cool air carrying the scent of damp earth and pine. I stopped in a small clearing.
There he stood, waiting.
"Lord," I greeted, lowering my head.
"How are you, Lyra?" he asked, his voice cold. The black mask covered most of his face, leaving only his piercing amber eyes and flowing silver hair visible.
"I am fine. I did what you asked of me," I replied.
"That is good. Do not allow Aldric to regain his memory until I tell you to," he commanded, his tone sending a chill down my spine.
"But why?" I dared to ask.
"You do not need to know everything, Lyra. Just do as you are told. Wait for my next instructions regarding Aldric," he said flatly.
"If I may ask, Lord… how did you get in here?" I pressed, curiosity overriding my caution. I already know how, but I cannot stop myself from asking.
"Lyra, as I said before, you do not need to know everything. But if it eases your mind, you helped me," he replied. His silver hair swayed gently in the breeze as those amber eyes bored into me.
"How did I help you?" I asked again.
"It is time for you to go," he said abruptly. "Return to Aldric before the spell wears off."
With those words, he vanished into the shadows.
How did he know I cast a spell on Aldric? I thought, unease twisting in my stomach.
I turned and ran back through the forest, heart pounding. When I reached the house, I quietly opened the door and peeked inside. Aldric was still sleeping peacefully on the bed.
Phew, thank goodness, I thought, breathing a deep sigh of relief. The spell did not wear off. He will not remember what happened earlier.
I lay down beside him, gently caressing his face while he slept. My fingers traced his cheek as conflicting emotions swirled inside me.
POV: Prince Orion Vale
I woke up feeling stronger, the pain from my injuries finally fading. "Ophelia…" I whispered, her gorgeous face flashing clearly in my mind.
Why does she affect me like this? What is wrong with me? What spell has that girl cast on me? The thoughts raced through my head, refusing to leave.
Focus, Orion. Focus. You need to get your sister back. You are the future heir to the throne, I told myself, pushing the distracting thoughts aside and boosting my confidence.
I rose from the bed and made my way to the throne room. My father sat gracefully on his golden throne, radiating authority.
"Father," I greeted respectfully.
"What do you need, son?" he replied, studying me. "I can see you are strong again."
"Yes, Father. I want to ask for permission," I said, kneeling before him.
"Rise, son," he commanded. "What do you need?"
"I would like to go back to the dark realm."
My father's expression tightened. "That is very risky, son. Have you told your mother?"
"No, Father. But I promise to be careful this time. I have truly learned my lesson," I said earnestly. "And please, do not tell Mother. She will try to stop me."
"Very well. I will not tell your mother. I will ask Serene to disguise you again. Be cautious, my son," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "Well done. You are not giving up on your sister."
"Thank you, Father."
I returned to my room, my mind already planning how to rescue Seraphina from those monsters. I paced back and forth, thoughts swirling, when a sudden knock at the door interrupted me.
"Come in," I called.
The door opened, and my uncle stepped inside.
"Uncle Henry!" I exclaimed, pulling him into a tight hug.
"How are you, son?"
"I am fine, Uncle."
"I heard you want to make allies and bring your sister back."
"How did you know that?" I asked, surprised.
"I have my ways, son. But I do have a solution to your problem," he said, tapping my shoulder firmly.
"What is the solution, Uncle?" I asked, anticipation rising.
"When you reach the dark realm, look for someone named Thorne Vesper," he instructed, hands clasped behind his back. "Ally with him. Tell him you were sent by Henry. He will understand."
"Thorne Vesper…" I repeated.
"Yes, son. Do this, and you will get your sister back, though it may take time. Just be patient."
I let out a slow breath. Someone just handed me the solution I have been searching for.
"Now I will return to the dark realm and find Thorne Vesper. Maybe… I could see Ophelia again," I thought, her name refusing to leave my mind.
My uncle left the room, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts.
I walked to the window and let the cool breeze brush against my skin. Standing there, I allowed myself a moment to dream of Ophelia's face, even as the determination to save my sister burned stronger than ever.