Lienna
The arena was left in chaos, the crowd screaming and running for cover. The shifter kings stood frozen, their faces set in grim determination. My heart pounded in my chest, my mind still reeling from the near-death experience I had just witnessed. Veronica’s dark magic and sinister laughter still echoed in my mind.
Immediately, King Adonis deployed soldiers who swiftly went in search of Veronica, while Hermes tried to calm the agitated crowd and lead them to safety. Getting a hold of myself, I did my part as well, helping to evacuate the arena until it was empty and only Caspian remained by my side.
He approached me as I stood in a corner, a hand wrapped around my waist, trying to comfort myself. “Are you alright?” he asked, his voice tinged with concern. I looked up at him, trying to fake some bravery, but failing terribly at it. My eyes welled up with tears, and my voice trembled.
“Veronica tried to attack you again, didn’t she?” Caspian asked, his eyes narrowing. I bit my lips, lowering my head to the ground as shame washed over me. “Yes…” I muttered, my voice feeble and trembling.
Caspian stepped closer, his hand reaching out to gently lift my chin. “Hey, it’s not your fault,” he said softly. “You can’t control her actions.” But I knew the truth – I was the target, the one Veronica wanted to hurt.
I felt a lump form in my throat as Caspian’s eyes locked onto mine, filled with a deep understanding and concern. He knew I was scared, and he knew I felt responsible. I opened my mouth to speak and the words just tumbled out, filled with regret and anger. “I narrowly missed her shot. If not, I would have been dead there and then. Even when I tried to summon the moon goddess powers, it didn’t happen. I have never felt so useless in my entire life. Knowing I could do something to help and unable to.” I said, my voice trembling with unshed tears.
“Don’t blame yourself,” Caspian said, his voice surprisingly soft and gentle. “I’m sure this is not the last time Veronica would do something like this. It’s bound to happen again. That time, you would be much more prepared for it.” He told me, his eyes filled with a deep understanding.
I nodded, sniffing and cleaning up the stray tears that had escaped my eyes. I felt a mix of emotions: fear, anxiety, and a hint of determination. I knew Caspian was right; I couldn’t give up now.
“I have to go now,” Caspian said, his expression turning serious. “Take care of yourself.” He turned to leave, his soldiers not far behind him.
As I watched him go, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. The events of the day had left me shaken, and I knew that this was far from over.
That day, the shifter kings conducted an emergency meeting that lasted well into the night. Rumors of what happened in the arena had spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the fortress. Some were afraid of this new development, whispering among themselves about the dark magic and Veronica’s sinister plans. Others had unwavering faith that the shifter kings would protect them from harm.
I waited anxiously in my room, praying that they would come to a conclusion that would benefit all. It was well past midnight by the time they were through, and I saw nobles and other dignitaries make their way out of the fortress, their faces somber and concerned.
A while later, I was summoned by the shifter kings. My heart skipped a beat as I jumped to my feet, my mind racing with so many questions as to why I was summoned. I quickly tidied my appearance, tagging behind the guard who had called on me.
He led me to the council room doors, and after a brief moment, the doors were opened, and he gestured for me to enter. I took a deep breath, steeling my nerves, and walked into the room.
The shifter kings were still seated on their thrones, their expressions harder than ever. My stomach sank to the bottom of my feet as I lowered my head and mumbled a greeting, my heart racing in my chest. “You called on me, your majesties.” I said, my voice slightly shaky.
“Indeed we did.” Hermes replied, a strange detachment in his voice. That made me even more afraid than usual as I raised my head to look at them. Their eyes seemed to bore into my soul, as if searching for something hidden deep within me.
“What happened?” I found myself asking before I could stop myself, my thoughts spiraling in chaotic terror. I hadn’t meant to ask, but the words tumbled out of my mouth before I could contain them.
Caspian cleared his throat, his gaze fixed intently on me. “We have yet to find Veronica,” he began, his voice firm but laced with a hint of concern. “But precautions would be put in place to ensure she doesn’t cause major damage when she decides to show up. It is important we find her now because the more people she kills, the more power she will gain. The kind of magic she wields now is no joke. It rivals anything we have in the realm right now…”
I felt a chill run down my spine as I listened to his words. It looked like things were a lot more bigger than I had anticipated.
“But…?” I squeaked out, my voice barely audible. Caspian raised an eyebrow, his expression questioning.
But what?” He asked, sounding confused.
“I apologize… It-it just seemed like there was a but somewhere.” I said, hoping he didn’t take offence with my intrusion.
“There is a but somewhere, and that directly involves you,” Adonis said, his voice firm.”We need to find a way for you to utilize the powers within you. While we can help, we need to know for certain what is wrong so we don’t waste any time.”
I swallowed, my stomach tying itself into painful knots, beads of sweat crawling down my back.
“We will call on someone to help you, so prepare your mind for that,” Caspian said, his eyes locked onto mine.
“Yes, your majesties,” I said, bowing my head once more.
“That would be all for now. You’re dismissed,” Caspian said, his voice firm but dismissive.
I greeted them once more before walking out of the room, dazed from what I just heard. Though I laid in bed, it was a long time before I finally fell asleep, my mind racing with thoughts of my future and the unknown dangers that lay ahead.
Days passed, and I heard nothing from the shifter kings. I began to wonder if they had forgotten about me, or if they had given up on finding someone to help me. But then, one morning, I received a message from Caspian himself, informing me that they had found someone who could help me unlock the secrets of my power.
I was half eager and equally as nervous as I made my way to the council room, where I was told to meet this mysterious person. Who were they? What were they like? And most importantly, could they really help me?
As I entered the room, I saw a figure standing by the window, gazing out at the sky. She turned as I approached, and our eyes met. I felt an instant connection to her, as if I had known her my whole life.
She was an old woman, with silver hair and piercing green eyes that sparkled with warmth. She let out a gentle smile, lowering her head slightly in a gesture of respect.
“It is an honor to meet you, Lienna,” she said, her voice soft and melodious. “My name is Selene, and I am the only living priestress to the moon goddess.”