Chap 2: Horrible Night

[Content Warning: This chapter contains a scene depicting abuse of rape which I do not condone in anyway. Please proceed with caution or feel free to skip if you're uncomfortable with traumatic content, manipulation and gaslighting.]

Hey, everyone! Just wanted to give you a heads-up about this chapter. It tackles a sensitive topic involving abuse, so it's essential to approach it with care. If this kind of content makes you uncomfortable or brings up distressing emotions, feel free to skip ahead to the next section. Your well-being is important, and there's no pressure to read something that might be traumatic for you. Remember, you have the power to choose what you engage with in this story. Take care of yourself, and let's continue our journey together.

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At the tender age of fourteen, embarked upon her rigorous training to embrace her role as the revered Saintess. With unwavering dedication, she honed her divine abilities, weaving a tapestry of mystical prowess.

Her celestial powers manifested through acts of rejuvenation, breathing life into desolate lands, mending the ailing, and channeling the essence of her {Holy Impact} to expose the vulnerabilities of malevolent demons, paving the way for valiant knights to strike them down.

In the palace training grounds, Aurianna became a familiar sight, firmly grasping her resplendent golden staff adorned with a suspended crystal orb. With unwavering focus, she would raise it high above her head, invoking a myriad of spells and incantations, seamlessly blending healing arts and mystical prowess until dusk fell upon her weary form. It was not uncommon for the wounded knights of the palace to seek solace within those very grounds, offering themselves as vessels for Aurianna's restorative practices.

Swiftly, she emerged as the beacon of hope, leading her kingdom into the harrowing depths of war against the encroaching demons. Employing her extraordinary gifts, she mended the broken, restored strength to the weary, and weakened the adversarial forces with her unwavering resolve.

Aurianna, driven by her unwavering dedication, attained numerous achievements, fostering a deeper connection with her father through her steadfast obedience. Nevertheless, when she reached the age of eighteen, the tides of fortune turned against her.

After a grueling day spent tending to the wounded warriors who valiantly battled the forces of darkness, Aurianna sought solace in her chamber. Exhausted, she swiftly changed into fresh attire, yearning for a restful night's sleep in preparation for the equally demanding day that lay ahead.

Just as she was settling onto her grand, inviting bed, the creaking of the front door jolted her senses, piercing the silence of her room.

"I don't recall granting permission for the maids to usher anyone into my quarters," she pondered silently. Clad in her nightgown, she poised herself to rise from the comfort of her bed, only to discover that the intruder was none other than her own brother, Prince Ralph.

Prince Ralph, with his cascading locks of soft oceanic blue and mesmerizing pair of emerald eyes reminiscent of Husae and King Girsal, commanded a striking presence, towering in height and blessed with undeniable handsomeness.

Anticipating the customary exchange of nighttime pleasantries, Aurianna greeted him with a sweet, innocent smile, inquiring, "What brings you to my chambers, dear brother Ralph?"

As Aurianna rose from her bed, her arms outstretched in a gesture of embrace, she was abruptly met with a forceful push, causing her to stumble backward onto the soft mattress. Bewilderment clouded her mind as she struggled to make sense of the unfolding events, only to find herself vulnerable and defenseless as her brother, Ralph, callously began to undress her.

"Oh, Aurianna, your sweetness remains unparalleled," Ralph complimented with a sinister tone, his lips descending upon her neck in an unsettling display of affection. Overwhelmed with shock, Aurianna's tear-streaked face became a canvas of silent pleas, her voice trembling as she implored, "Brother... Please... S-stop..."

In the grip of a distressing disbelief, she found herself incapable of comprehending the harrowing reality of the situation unfolding before her.

As she desperately attempted to push him away, he effortlessly regained his position atop her, overwhelming her with his physical dominance. Despite the extensive training she had received, her repertoire of hand-to-hand combat skills remained limited. In stark contrast, her siblings had been exposed to comprehensive swordsmanship instruction, an essential aspect of their upbringing as princes and princesses of the realm. The royal family bore the weighty responsibility of safeguarding not only their own lives but also the future of the kingdom.

Ralph callously disregarded Aurianna's pleas, his countenance distorted with a fiery mix of desire and sadism. "Even in your tears, you manage to exude a certain charm," he slurred, a depraved smile stretching across his face, provoking nothing but revulsion within Aurianna.

The noxious odor of Ralph's breath permeated the air, tainted by the sickening scent of stagnant alcohol, enveloping Aurianna's senses as he closed in for another unwelcome advance, his lips grazing her vulnerable neck.

A wave of trepidation coursed through Aurianna's trembling form as her fear intensified. Deep within her core, she knew she couldn't allow her brother to continue perpetrating this heinous act. It defied every moral and ethical boundary.

"No... Brother! I beg you, cease this at once!" Aurianna's desperate plea reverberated through the room, her voice saturated with anguish.

With mounting desperation, she cried out for help, her voice echoing through the chambers, hoping that the vigilant guards stationed just beyond her door would rush to her aid. However, to her dismay, her pleas fell on deaf ears. The guards callously feigned ignorance, their indifference a chilling testament to their complicity. A somber realization washed over Aurianna as she caught sight of the golden pouch clutched within their hands, casting an even graver shadow over her already dire circumstances.

Aurianna's countenance sank into despair as the weight of her predicament settled upon her. As a Saintess, her training primarily focused on mastering healing spells, leaving her with limited physical strength.

Ralph proceeded to disrobe himself, employing his garments to restrain Aurianna's hands, securing them firmly to the bedpost. It was a distressing sight to behold— In this vulnerable state, Aurianna's entire body was laid bare before him. His gaze, now clouded with a disturbing desire, wandered over her form as he proceeded to touch her inappropriately, disregarding her pleas for him to stop. Ralph's actions extended beyond boundaries of decency as he explored her body, indulging in lascivious acts that filled Aurianna with an overwhelming sense of fear and dread.

A sense of fear consumed Aurianna, causing her to release a piercing scream that echoed through the room. Yet, her pleas for her brother to cease his actions went unheard, falling upon deaf ears. "Brother, I implore you, please stop!"

In a hushed tone, he whispered into her ear, "Just calm down. It will all be over soon..."

Throughout that fateful night, the anguished cries emanating from the Saintess' quarters reached the ears of unfortunate passersby. The torment persisted, extending deep into the night, the echoes of her screams lingering well into the early hours of the morning, until the insatiable desires of the prince were finally sated.

Despite the fragments of her shattered pride and battered spirit, the following morning demanded Aurianna to summon every ounce of her strength. Resolute in her commitment to her duties as the Saintess, she compelled herself to rise and carry out the responsibilities that were bestowed upon her.

Driven by an unwavering resolve to ensure justice prevailed, Aurianna found solace in the pursuit of her brother's accountability, despite the lingering trauma that clung to her every step. With a steadfast determination, she promptly sought an audience with the King, intent on revealing the heinous actions of her own flesh and blood. However, the response she received was far from what she expected.

"Aurianna, how can you make such accusations against your own brother?" The King's voice carried a tone of disbelief, his words casting doubt upon her painful truth. "Are you certain this isn't a result of a distressing nightmare?"

Aurianna stood there, rendered speechless by his disbelief. How could her own father fail to trust her, to deny the reality she had endured? The weight of his skepticism crushed her spirit, leaving her bewildered and hurt.

Shaking her head, she mustered the strength to speak, her voice quivering but resolute. "No, Father. I am not fabricating these events. I know with absolute certainty what happened last night. I implore you to hear me and acknowledge the truth."

The King regarded Aurianna with a mix of pity and concern, his voice laden with a hint of dismissiveness. "Aurianna, take a moment to reflect on what you've shared with me. You claim that Ralph violated your sanctum and committed such a heinous act, all while the guards stationed to protect you, some of the finest knights in our realm, failed to intervene."

His words pierced Aurianna's already wounded heart, casting doubt upon her harrowing experience. She attempted to interject, to voice her anguish and assert the truth, but the King's resolute dismissal silenced her. He continued, pointing to her evident exhaustion from the strenuous task of healing countless wounded soldiers.

“But…”

Aurianna's protests were swiftly quelled by her father's unwavering stance. "No buts, I refuse to entertain any further discussion on this matter. You were undoubtedly fatigued that day, having expended your energy healing countless wounded soldiers. It is only natural that such physical strain and weariness would manifest in distressing dreams."

Rising from his seat, the king placed a consoling hand on Aurianna's shoulder, attempting to assuage her troubled mind. "It is disconcerting to witness how the burdens of your saintly duties may be taking a toll on you, my dear. However, rest assured that what you experienced was nothing more than a vivid dream."

Aurianna fought the turmoil within her, her mind swirling with conflicting thoughts. Could her father's words hold merit? The soldiers she tended to had recounted the horrors inflicted by the demonic forces upon devastated towns and villages. Every word her father spoke seemed to make logical sense. Could it be possible that her anguish was simply a product of a troubled dream?

Biting her lip, Aurianna grappled with uncertainty, questioning the veracity of her own recollection.

Just as Aurianna was beginning to entertain the possibility of her father's explanations, the searing pain from the previous night surged through her thoughts, dispelling any flicker of doubt. While the notion of it all being a dream lingered, the intensity of the experience felt too vivid to dismiss entirely. Thinking about it even made her sick.

Sensing the lingering doubt in Aurianna's eyes, the king persisted, his voice tinged with a mix of concern and uncertainty. "It is possible that your extraordinary powers are exerting some form of influence upon you. I have heard tales of Saintesses who bear the weight of others' suffering, even in their dreams. I confess, I was skeptical, but now..."

Momentarily averting his gaze, the king's attention shifted towards one of the statues of Paige that adorned the throne room. A slight crease formed on his forehead, hinting at a faint headache that seemed to plague him. With a heavy sigh, he continued, his words laced with a paternal sense of protectiveness.

"All these healing endeavors are clearly taking a toll on you, my daughter. As your father, I cannot stand idly by and witness your distress. Perhaps it would be best if you refrained from engaging in further healing activities. It seems evident that the process is proving traumatizing and giving rise to unsettling dreams. Aurianna, I implore you to cease your healing duties. We shall rely on our regular healers instead."

"But Father, you can't just take that away from me..." Aurianna's response was swift, her face etched with deep concern. The weight of worry pressed upon her as she contemplated the implications of her father's suggestion.

While regular healers undoubtedly played a valuable role in tending to more commonplace injuries and ailments, they lacked the sheer magnitude of power that Aurianna possessed—the ability to mend the wounds of countless soldiers and common folk alike. Her unique capabilities granted her the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of many.

The king turned abruptly, his voice rising with a mix of determination and paternal distress. "No, Aurianna! I refuse to witness you suffer like this. As a father, hearing these accounts..." He trailed off, his hand instinctively coming to rest upon his chest, as if the weight of the situation was physically palpable. "I simply cannot bear it. No, we will find another way."

An icy silence permeated the chamber, the weight of uncertainty hanging heavily in the air. Aurianna grappled with conflicting emotions, torn between the desire to alleviate the suffering of others and the burden of her own turmoil. As the Saintess, she held within her the divine gift of healing, bestowed upon her by the goddess of beauty for a purpose. Perhaps, amidst this bewildering dream and the ensuing turmoil, lay a test of her faith and resilience—a trial to determine if she possessed the fortitude to wield her powers responsibly.

Yes, that must be it. She told herself.

A glimmer of hope sparked within Aurianna's eyes as she voiced her newfound conviction. "Father, I believe you may be right about it being a dream. But perhaps it was more than just a haunting illusion. Maybe the goddess herself was putting me to the test, a trial to ensure I possess the strength to confront the terrors that lie ahead."

The king's expression morphed into a mix of surprise and concern upon hearing her words. "Aurianna, you can't possibly..."

"Please, father," Aurianna interjected with earnestness, her voice filled with determination. "Allow me to continue my sacred duties as the Saintess. The thought of possessing the power to save lives, yet choosing not to wield it, would torment me far more than any nightmare ever could."

Her father's gaze softened, a subtle smirk tugging at the corners of his lips as he observed his resolute daughter. "Aurianna, are you absolutely certain? I do not wish to impose my will upon you..."

Aurianna met his gaze, her resolve unyielding. "Yes, father. I am resolute in my decision. I must carry forth as the Saintess, for the sake of those who depend on me."

With a weary sigh, the king relented, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "Alright, Aurianna. I'll grant you your request. Just promise me one thing—keep this dream to yourself. We wouldn't want anyone to question your sanity, now would we?"

Aurianna nodded, understanding the importance of maintaining a composed facade. "I won't breathe a word, father. This will be our little secret."

Bowing respectfully, she turned to leave the room, her mind already swirling with thoughts and plans. Yet, as she stepped away, a peculiar sensation twisted in her gut, a subtle unease that crept upon her without warning. It was an inexplicable feeling, elusive and unsettling. However, amidst the whirlwind of emotions, she failed to notice the malevolent grin that slowly etched across King Girsal's face, concealed from her unsuspecting gaze.

***

In the aftermath of their meeting, Aurianna chose to keep the disturbing incident with Ralph to herself. She believed that the knowledge of her dream-turned-nightmare would never escape the confines of her own mind. However, the impact of that experience remained indelibly etched within her consciousness, haunting her every thought. The weight of her traumatic encounter with Ralph, buried deep within her consciousness, continued to cast a shadow over her existence. Despite her best efforts to carry on with her duties as the Saintess, the lingering thoughts of that fateful night consumed her every waking moment.

Unable to escape the torment, Aurianna withdrew from the world outside. The once vibrant and lively princess became a mere specter confined within the walls of her chamber. The outside realm held little appeal, for it seemed to taunt her with reminders of the past. Faces in the crowd that bore even the faintest resemblance to her brother were enough to send her spiraling into despair.

In her solitude, Aurianna's appetite dwindled, and the once cherished activities that brought her joy lost their luster. The chessboard lay untouched, the company of playful animals held no allure, and even the company of her sisters and maids failed to alleviate her inner torment. Her eyes, once filled with vitality, now held a hollow emptiness, mirroring the void that had taken hold of her soul.

Every morning became a battle to rise from her bed, the weight of her sorrow anchoring her to the mattress. The only semblance of purpose that remained was the constant threat of demons plaguing the High Land. It was in those moments, when lives hung in the balance, that Aurianna found the faintest flicker of motivation to carry on. For if she wasn't needed to mend the wounded and save those on the brink of despair, she saw little reason to venture beyond the confines of her chamber.

Gone were the carefree days of skipping through the city streets and engaging in heartfelt conversations with the commoners. Now, her sanctuary was her room, where she retreated to the solace of her bed. Her presence became elusive, her voice scarcely heard beyond the chamber walls.

Aurianna found herself unable to shake off the persistent numbness that enveloped her, despite her best efforts. Witnessing her deteriorating state, King Girsal recognized the urgency of the situation and took the proactive step of summoning a royal psychiatrist to assess her condition. After a thorough evaluation, Aurianna was diagnosed with depression, shedding light on the depth of her emotional struggle.

Within the confines of her dimly lit room, Aurianna sought solace beneath the comforting embrace of a soft gray blanket, as if seeking refuge from the world outside. The stillness hung heavy in the air, broken only by the presence of another person seated beside her, offering a gentle touch upon her back.

Wein, Aurianna's third sister, exuded a captivating beauty with her lustrous black dreadlocks cascading down her brown-skinned visage. With genuine concern etched upon her face, Wein continued to pat Aurianna tenderly, her voice filled with empathy. "Father is deeply saddened by witnessing your suffering, Aurianna. It pains him to see you in such distress. And it hurts all of us."

Aurianna turned away, her gaze fixed on the other side of her bed, deliberately avoiding eye contact with Wein. "Please, third sister," she murmured, her voice tinged with weariness, "I ask for some solitude. I'm not ready to confront the outside world just yet."

Wein respected her sister's plea, understanding the weight of Aurianna's anguish. She withdrew her hand, giving her the space she desired, but her unwavering support remained palpable in the silence of the room.

Wein's emerald green eyes shimmered with tears as she observed her sister's fragile state, her heart heavy with concern. The sight of Aurianna, a mere shadow of her former vibrant self, weighed heavily on her soul.

Gently, Wein leaned closer, her voice filled with both compassion and determination. "Aurianna, we can't let you carry this burden alone. The people of Sandeph rely on your radiant spirit, and so do we. We need you to reclaim that cheerful essence that has always been your hallmark."

Aurianna's response came as a weary mutter, her voice tinged with a mix of exhaustion and frustration. "I'm trying, sister. I truly am. But these haunting thoughts cling to me relentlessly. I don't know how to let go."

Aurianna hesitated, unable to share the burden of her dream with Wein. Deep down, she longed to confide in someone, but her promise to her father held her back. Moreover, there was an underlying fear within her. She dreaded the possibility that opening up to Wein might reveal that her encounter with Ralph had been more than just a dream. That thought terrified her even more than the uncertainty itself.

"Hah, sorry, but I have to do this," Wein exclaimed playfully, placing her hand swiftly on Aurianna's head.

"Sister, what are yo--" Aurianna's words trailed off as a radiant yellow glow enveloped her entire body. For a brief moment, her eyes widened in surprise before gradually closing. The room filled with the rhythmic sound of Aurianna's peaceful snores.

Wein let out a heavy sigh, feeling the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't bear to see her suffer like that any longer."

A voice from behind interrupted their conversation, causing Wein to turn around. It was King Girsal, his gaze fixed on her with a penetrating intensity.

Curiosity filled his eyes as he asked, "Have you erased her memories?"

Wein shook her head, her expression tinged with disappointment. "I wish I could, but the truth is, I can only provide temporary relief. I can help her forget about that traumatic night for a short period of time. However, if something were to strongly trigger those suppressed emotions, the memories may resurface once again."

"That should suffice," King Girsal stated firmly, his tone commanding.

Wein, taken aback by her father's abrupt response, cautiously retreated from Aurianna's bedside. Concern filled her voice as she questioned his decision, "Father, are you certain this will truly help Aurianna? Erasing her memories like this... First Vatium's influence, and now this drastic measure..."

The king's patience wore thin as he sharply interrupted her, his voice laced with anger, "Do not utter that name in my presence! And do not question my authority!" His eyes bore into Wein, their intensity conveying his determination.

Turning away from her, the king spoke with a touch of resignation in his voice, "Wein, it is your duty as my daughter and as Aurianna's sister to act in her best interest. I am certain you do not wish to witness her continue to suffer like this, do you?"

"Of course I don't." Wein replied earnestly, her voice filled with a mix of relief and uncertainty.

"I don't either," With those words, the tension in the room began to ease. King Girsal turned and exited, striding purposefully down the palace hallway. Wein's gaze lingered on his departing figure for a moment, contemplating the weight of their decisions. Taking a deep breath, she shifted her attention back to her sleeping sister, her expression filled with a blend of concern and hope.

Sighing softly, Wein reluctantly left the room, closing the door behind her. As she walked away, her thoughts consumed her, questioning whether her actions were truly for the best. She sincerely hoped that erasing Aurianna's memories would bring her the relief and peace she so desperately needed. Only time would tell if she had made the right choice.

***

Finally, with the commotion settled, King Girsal summoned his son Ralph to the throne room. His gaze was icy, filled with disappointment and disgust as it fixed upon Ralph.

"Ralph, I've heard of your actions towards Aurianna," the King stated, his voice stern and unwavering.

"Father, if you'd let me explain-" Ralph attempted to interject, seeking to offer an explanation, but his father swiftly silenced him, unwilling to listen.

"I will not entertain any excuses, Ralph," the King declared, his anger palpable. The entire throne room quivered as King Girsal rose from his seat and advanced towards Ralph.

A vibrant green aura enveloped the King's body as Ralph stood there, trembling.

The King forcefully struck the ground, causing the floor to crack beneath them and Ralph to stagger. His voice boomed with authority, "I had hoped for better from you, Ralph. I always feared that you might do something reckless, but I never imagined you would stoop so low. You have deeply disappointed me. If you find it difficult to control your desires, be aware that there are countless women willing to indulge you. Seek your pleasure elsewhere, and if necessary, discard them as you wish. However, targeting your own sister is an intolerable mistake that I cannot overlook!"

In an attempt to express his perspective, Ralph interjected, "But Father, it was Aurianna who-"

Once again, the King swiftly interrupted him, asserting, "Her presence is still necessary. I cannot allow your frivolous actions to jeopardize our future. Now, I demand that you leave my presence and ensure that not another word is spoken on this matter." The intensity of his gaze bore into his son, seething with anger.

Acknowledging his father's command, Ralph nodded in compliance, rising from his seat and exiting the throne room. A fit of coughing overcame him, causing him to bring his hand to his mouth, stained with blood. Despite his efforts, his trembling persisted, haunted by the piercing gaze of his father's emerald eyes, as he retreated into the distance.

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