There was something different about today.
The moment my eyes fluttered open, I felt alive and I couldn't stop smiling. Everything just felt... right. Like for once,I truly fit in
Riona came in like she did every morning, but this time, I beat her to it, I was already halfway dressed. Her eyes widened.
"You're up so early," she said, raising an eyebrow.
"I couldn't sleep. I feel" I paused, trying to find the word, "perfect."
"perfect?" she echoed, frowning.
I just grinned. I didn't know how to explain it, not without sounding completely mad. So I just let her help me with the rest of my outfit and pretended everything was normal. But it wasn't. Not after last night.
I kept glancing at my hands as she worked, expecting them to glow again. But they didn't. They were still the same plain but I know what happened
After she left, I practically danced down the halls. I wanted to tell someone. Mama, maybe, Or Uncle Kone. But Mama had council meetings all day, and honestly… I didn't want to share it just yet. It felt too special and maybe I would just keep it to myself
So I walked through the palace and enjoyed Nature scenery, enjoy the beautiful sight of Celestrarial when i saw Aunt Liva
She was walking quickly, her cloak pulled tightly around her shoulders, looking over her shoulder like she was hiding something.
Curiosity tugged at me. What was she doing all the way out here?
I slowed my steps and followed from a distance. She didn't notice me, her eyes were fixed on something ahead.
The Nymph Forest.
Why would she be going in there?
I hesitated at the edge, staring at the twisting trees and thick vines. Everyone knew you didn't just wander into the Nymph Forest. It was old and strange and really creepy
But Aunt Liva didn't stop. She walked deeper into the woods until the trees swallowed her up.
Something didn't feel right.
I took a deep breath and follow her, I need to find out what exactly she was up to
I crouched behind a wide tree trunk just as she raised her hands and whispered something under her breath.Then something appeared out of the shadows
Neiopids, that were close to the palace.
I froze.
I had only ever seen them in the ancient records Mama kept locked away. They were pale, hulking creatures with grey, blind eyes and bodies like shadows. Banned long ago. Dangerous. Merciless. Their sense of smell was sharper than any hunter's, and they only obeyed one thing Death.
What were they doing here?
Aunt Liva didn't even flinch.
"Be patient," she said in a low voice. "The Queen is distracted. The child is useless. We strike when the time is right."
I blinked.
The child?
Were they talking about… me?
My hand flew to my mouth, heart now thundering. I had to get out of here. I had to warn Mama.
I turned around to leave.
But my feet snapped a twig.
The noise echoed like a thunderclap in my ears.
Aunt Liva's head snapped toward me.
"Someone's here!" she shouted.
The Neiopids snarled.
I ran.
Branches slapped at my face. My hair got stuck on thorns. My breath came in gasps.
But it was no use,they were fast. Too fast.
In seconds, they surrounded me. Their snarling breaths made my skin crawl. I backed away until my back hit a tree.
I was trapped.
This was it, I was going to die right here by this ugly creatures, I did get to live long, i would be know as the dead useless princess what joy that would bring to everyone i close my eyes but then, it happened… again,
The warmth.
The light.
From somewhere deep inside me, something broke free. A golden glow exploded from my hands, brighter and fiercer than before. It hit the Neiopids like a wave. They shrieked and stumbled back, clawing at the air, then vanished into the forest and I was not dead i was alive
I need to warn Mama
*********
I didn't stop running.
Not when my legs burned. Not when my heart thundered in my chest. I just kept running through the palace halls, dodging startled servants and guards. My breath came in wild bursts. My hands were still tingling with that strange light, and my head was a blur of fear and confusion.
What had I just seen?
Neiopids… Aunt Liva was talking with Neipoids, she was planning something against the queen?
At this point I didn't care about protocol. I didn't care that I was covered in leaves and scratches or that my silver hair was probably a disaster. I didn't care that I looked insane.
I burst into the council room like a storm.
Gasps, everyone looked shocked
Scrolls dropped. Cups clattered and a eyes were on me
But I didn't care.
My eyes scanned the room in a frantic rush until they landed on familiar faces, Uncle Kone… Mama… and then
Aunt Liva.
I stopped.
My breath caught in my throat.
She was here.
How? How had she gotten here so fast? She was just in the forest, surrounded by those monsters! There was no way she could've
"You…" I breathed, taking a step back in confusion.
"What is the meaning of this madness?" Lord Gilmore bellowed, slamming his fist on the table. "You unruly child! You dare storm into a council session?!"
I flinched
But before I could even respond, Uncle Kone was on his feet.
"Hold your tongue, Gilmore," he growled. "You will not speak to the Princess in that tone. Say one more word, and I swear I'll end your pathetic life myself."
The whole room froze.
My mother, Queen Kayla stood slowly. Her voice was calm,but it cut through the air like ice.
"Silence," she said, and everyone obeyed instantly. Even Uncle Kone, whose fists were still clenched.
Her eyes turned to me, sharp, unreadable and but i knew she was dissapointed but she schooled her expression
"Guards. Take Princess Azura to her room. At once."
"No, wait, Mama, listen to me!" I shouted, stumbling forward. "Aunt Liva, she's plotting something! She was in the forest, I saw her with the Neiopids! She"
But before I could finish, two guards gripped my arms.
"Wait, please! She's hiding something! She's dangerous! She is "
The doors slammed shut behind me.
But not before I saw the smirk on Aunt Liva's face