FATE

I finally blinked my eyes open to the sunlight, My head pounding. The soft murmur of voices filled my room, and as the haze lifted from my mind, I recognized the worried faces of dad ,mom and Sofia hovering over me. Mum’s hand rested gently on my forehead, while Dad stood stiffly at the foot of the bed, his arms crossed, concern etched deep in his features.

“Sophie , thank the stars, you’re awake!” her sister Sofia exclaimed, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

Her father’s voice followed, calm but laced with worry. “What happened my child? How did you get bitten, who did these to you?”

My heart raced. The bite, I could still feel the dull ache pulsing on my neck, where he had sunk into my skin. The truth tugged at the corners of my mind, begging to spill out. "My mate"who she had discovered His a hybrid, with royal blood. The secret hung heavily in the air, suffocating her. If her parents found out,it would only bring more pain to them.

She hesitated, eyes darting between them. “I don’t know...” she finally whispered, lowering her gaze. “I was out walking, and something… attacked me. I didn’t get a look of it.”

Her mother gasped, covering her mouth. “We need to find out what did this! What if it’s still out there?”

Sophie’s father frowned, his eyes narrowing as though trying to see past her words. “You didn’t see anything? Nothing at all?”

“No,” She lied again, forcing herself to meet his gaze. The guilt gnawed at her, but the fear of the truth of what her mate was, what he represented was far worse for her family. If they knew he was a hybrid and a royal he might try to kill them like he almost did to her,She wasn’t ready for that.

Her sister squeezed her hand, her voice softening. “you'll be okay .”

Sophie nodded, swallowing hard. She hated lying to them, but for now, it was the only way to protect them. For now, the truth had to stay hidden as she finds away to get out of the Kingdom without affecting her education and because of the lack of money available which was another issue.

 In the palace of lunaris, Princess Kiara just returned as She swept through the grand doors of the royal hall, her eyes taking in the familiar sight of her family gathered at the long, polished table. she could feel the air was thick with tension as stares were before her even before she sat down. Her father, the King, sat at the head of the table, his jaw clenched and expression grim. Her mother, the Queen, barely looked up from her teacup, her eyes cold and unreadable. Beside them sat her Jayson.

 Kiara took her seat as she sighs,she had just returned from her spying on the neighbouring kingdom. Yet, instead of a warm welcome, all she saw was tension. Something was wrong.

She cleared her throat,“I see I have missed quite alot while I was away.

The royal sorcerer, an old and stoic figure who had served the family for decades, stood nearby, his eyes flickering with an unsettling calm. He was the first to speak, his voice deep and foreboding.

“Your brother,” the sorcerer began, “nearly killed his mate.”

“And why is this our concern?” she asked, her voice edged with disinterest. “We've told you guys alot we don't need mates what do you expect .”

“He almost drained her,” the sorcerer continued, ignoring her tone. “The girl is too weak for him. She barely survived the bite , she's a half-breed for

.”

At that, Kiara raised an eyebrow in shock,. " A half-breed! But that's impossible, isn't it .”

The Queen slammed her teacup down onto the table, the sound reverberating through the hall. “This is not a joke, Kiara,” she snapped, her voice sharp. “We are discussing the future of this kingdom! And Your brother’s mate is the key to breaking his curse.”

Before Kiara could respond, Jayson spoke his voice low and cold. “Your just as guilty as I am, Don’t think I haven’t heard what you’ve been up to, little sister.”

Kiara puts on an innocent face. “I've don nothing wrong I was busy spying the past two days.

“Yes, and while you were there, you tried to kill your own mate,” Jayson spoke, “the old crazy sorcerer told us.”

The room fell silent. Even the sorcerer’s stoic expression faltered for a moments.

The King slammed his fist on the table, his deep voice thundering through the hall. “Is this true, Kiara?”

Kiara looked at them all and sighs in defeat. as she lifts her chin, her voice cold and unyielding. “Yes. I did, And I would do it again.”

The Queen gasped, her face paling. “What is wrong with you both? How can you two be so careless? their your mate! Your destiny!”

The two eyes blazing with defiance. “I don’t care about *destiny*. Kiara annoyed says "I don’t need a man to complete me", Jayson sat down on his sit and I certainly don’t need a mate! Love is nothing but a myth—an illusion for the weak.”

“foolish children,” the King snarled, his face flushed with anger. “You’re jeopardizing everything! The balance of power, the future of our kingdom and our freedom”.

 Kiara cuts him off, her voice sharp and filled with venom. "I am perfectly capable of living without some ridiculous bond " tying me to a man I didn’t choose!”

Jayson’s gaze hardened,“see Dad we both don't want a useless mate”.

The sorcerer, who had remained silent during their quarrel, finally spoke again, his voice eerily calm. “Both of you are bound by the same fate. Whether you choose to accept it or not, the bond will find a way. The girl, and the man you despise—are part of your destiny.”

The both spoke “Destiny be damned.”

The royal hall was heavy with silence as Kiara stood before her family, their eyes fixed on her. Her father, the King, leaned forward in his chair, his gaze sharp, while their mother sat beside him, her expression tense but expectant. Jayson was to her left, arms crossed, his cold eyes never leaving her face. And then there was the royal sorcerer, standing quietly at the edge of the room, as though he already knew the answer she was about to give.

" Kiara" the King began, his voice stern, but with a softness in his voice due to frustration. "We’ve been patient long enough.You went to the kingdom of Asteria, and we now know you tried to kill your mate."

"Who is he?" the Queen asked gently, though there was an edge of urgency in her voice. "Who is this man that you’ve tried to kill?"

 She sighs, her voice cool but filled with reluctant defeat. "It’s… the youngest prince of Asteria."

Her family blinked in surprise, the room falling even more silent than before. For a moment, none of them spoke, as if the name hadn’t quite registered. Then her mother’s eyes widened, and the Queen let out a gasp, her hand flying to her mouth.

"The prince of Asteria?" the Queen echoed in disbelief. "You mean the charming one? The youngest of the royal family?"

Selene’s face tightened as she nodded. "Yes. Prince Austine."

A shocked murmur passed between her parents, while Jayson narrowed his eyes obviously clearly wasn’t as impressed as they were he already doesn't like him. The royal sorcerer, however, simply watched with quiet interest, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips, as though he had already anticipated this outcome.

The King sat back in his chair, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Austine of Asteria... I’ve heard few things about him. His reputation is quite good, They say he’s as charming as he is strong. And he’s… immune to your venom?"

 Kiara clenched her jaw. "Yes," she admitted, her voice tight. "I tried. I failed. He wasn’t affected."

A moment of silence passed, and then, to her horror, her parents broke into wide smiles, their faces lighting up with joy.

"This is wonderful news!" her mother exclaimed, practically beaming. "Austine! A match with him would strengthen our bond with Asteria immensely! and get read of your curse".

Her father nodded, his expression brightening. "A union between our families would secure peace for generations. What a perfect alliance he will definitely make you smile!".

Kiara rolling her eyes

  "Don’t be so dramatic, Kiara," the Queen said, waving her hand dismissively. "You’re young. You’ll learn to appreciate what this bond means. Besides, if he’s immune to your venom, it means you’re meant to be together."

 Jayson, however, wasn’t as caught up in the celebration. He leaned forward, his eyes narrowed. "You think this is some kind of victory?" His voice was cold, cutting through the excitement. " we all know the curse won’t care what either of you think in the end we might kill them."

The King’s expression hardened, though his smile didn’t fully fade. "We are perfectly aware of the curse, Jayson. That’s why both of you must be careful. Your mates are the key to breaking it."

  both fists clenching at her sides. "we don’t need mates."

"You don’t have a choice," the royal sorcerer said calmly, stepping forward for the first time. His voice was quiet, but it carried the weight of ancient knowledge. "The bond has already begun to form. You can deny it, fight it, even run from it but it will find you. Their your mates and rejecting them m will only make things worse. For both of you."

The King rose to his feet, his expression serious now, though the glimmer of joy still lingered in his eyes. "Both of you," he said, looking between Kiara and Jayson, "must find your mates and accept them. The future of this kingdom depends on it. Your curses can only be broken with them by your side."

 Jayson’s expression was as cold as ever, but there was a flicker of something darker in his eyes as he met his father’s gaze.

"Jayson find her please if you want to stop yourself from becoming what you most fear" his dad speaks with a ray of hope and desperation.

Jayson sighs: fine (and walks away).

Prince Jayson strode through the courtyard of his palace, his cold, red eyes scanning the faces around him, but none of them mattered. They never did. He had only one goal in mind finding the girl before other duties. The girl he’d nearly killed with his bite. The one whose blood called to him with a dangerous allure. She was weak, fragile, but

she was his even though he didn't want. His newly found mate. The one destined to break his curse.

The thought twisted in his chest, dark and bitter. He had never asked for a mate. She had run from him, terrified rightfully so. She is weak but was stronge enough to handle his bite, and he needs to find her, no matter how far she ran before it's too late.

A ripple of giggles interrupted his thoughts. Jayson's eyes narrowed as he glanced toward the group of noblewomen who had gathered and where gossiping. Their eyes sparkled with admiration, lips curved into coy smiles. They were watching him, just like everyone else. Always watching. Always wanting something.

One of the women named Irin, bold and confident, broke away from the group and sauntered toward him. Her gown clung to her curves, and her gaze flickered with interest. “Your Highness,” she purred, her voice a calculated mix of softness and seduction. “It’s been too long since you’ve graced us with your company.”

Jayson’s jaw tightened, his expression cold and unreadable. He had no patience for this. Not today and Not ever. His mind was consumed with thoughts of his mate.

Irin is a noblewoman by luck she was adopted by a duke and duchess but the don't know where she came from as the found her in the reminants of war.

She undeterred the icy silence of Jayson and moved closer, daring to brush her fingers lightly against his arm. “Surely, you could spare a moment of your time for some company ?” Her voice was laced with suggestion, her lips curling into a smile as though she believed she could thaw his frozen heart.

 Jayson's lips curled, not in amusement but in warning. His muscles tensed, his fangs threatening to lengthen behind his tightly pressed lips. She didn’t understand who she was dealing with. The prince gave her a long, hard look, his gaze like ice piercing through her.

The woman’s smile faltered for a moment, but she recovered quickly, stepping even closer. “I’ve heard

what the royal court said about you, my prince. Perhaps I could help convince them .”

The growl that ripped from Jayson’s throat was low and dangerous, vibrating with barely-contained fury. The air around him seemed to thicken with his presence, suffocating the playful atmosphere.

 Irin froze, her eyes widening in fear,realizing that the prince before her was not one to have a conversation or be suede with. The coldness in his gaze promised far worse than rejection if she pressed further.

“Get out of my way,” Jayson said, his voice like a blade cutting through the tension.

Her face drained of color. Without another word, she stumbled back, hurriedly returning to the safety of her friends, who whispered and giggled nervously, casting fearful glances in his direction as he left the laugh at her and A noble woman named Amanda said "I told you his mine" as Irin became enraged.

 Jayson didn’t care,He had no interest They were nothing but insignificant distractions. He only cared about the matter at hand finding that girl. The one who had fled, thinking she could escape him. His mate, weak as she was, was the only one who could undo the curse. Without her, he would remain trapped in his darkness .

 He left the palace,No one knew to what extent he was capable of doing, what he willing do once he is finally consumed by the darkness in him.

The darkness in him has just egun to awaken, and he could feel it, and has dreams of what will happen, faint but undeniable, like a thread pulling at his very core." She couldn’t hide forever"he says I'm coming for you half-breed, and when I find you, you aren't getting away that easily or unless am bored.

She has no choice but to stay by his side. Her blood, her life everything she was his.

Not until the curse was broken.

THREE DAYS LATER IN THE INSTITUTE ,The familiar gates of the institute loomed ahead as Sophie walked slowly, her steps careful. The ache from the bite throbbed under the collar of her shirt, a constant reminder of what had happened the night that changed everything. She tugged the fabric higher, as if hiding it could erase the truth. But nothing would ever be the same.

As she crossed the courtyard, she could already feel the stares. The whispers followed, just like always.

“Look, the half-breed’s back.”

“I wonder why she's still in this institute and kingdom her kind suffers here .”

" I thought she died"

Sophie kept her eyes forward, focusing on each step, trying to drown out their words. Her fingers clenched around the strap of her bag, knuckles white. They never let her forget what she was. Not human nor supernatural just half. In their eyes, half was never enough.

“Hey freak, how’s it feel to crawl back?” a voice called out, followed by snickers.

She clenched her jaw but said nothing. She knew better than to react these time as she is weak. Her mother’s warnings echoed in her mind,Don’t give them the satisfaction of quarreling and fighting not now as you haven't recovered your strength.

“Come on, Sophie, don’t listen to them,” a familiar voice said from beside her.Emma, her best friend, appeared at her side, his easy smile cutting through the tension. “They’re just idiots.”She glanced at her, grateful. “I’m fine,” she muttered.

As they made their way through the halls,She hugged her bag tighter to her chest, fighting the pain the bite beneath her shirt burned, as if reminding her of the secret she carried.

No one knew what had really happened during those days she had fallen ill so suddenly. No one knew about the prince.If they found out she want to think about that.

“Don’t let them get to you,” Emma said, as if reading her thoughts. “You’re stronger than they are.”She gave him a small smile," I don't want to be seen as weak I'll try my best to prove everyone wrong" Sophie said in her thoughts .

For a brief moment, the weight on her shoulders felt a little lighter. Emma has always been her only and true friend, But even she didn’t know the full truth about the prince and how it was changing in ways she didn’t understand.The day dragged on, every class a struggle to stay focused, to act like everything was normal. But nothing felt normal. Not when the bite pulsed with heat, a secret branding her skin. Not when she had to hide the truth.

By the time she made it to her shift at the bakery, she was exhausted. She sank into her chair,hoping for just a few moments of peace. But even there, she could feel the stares, the murmurs of her coworkers. They hadn’t forgotten she was different either.But as the hours passed, she couldn’t shake the growing unease. The bite was changing her, in more ways than one, and it was only a matter of time before someone noticed. How long could she keep the truth hidden?

it's only a matter of time before her secret is revealed,because secrets like this always did.

what would happen to her then?

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