Chapter I.II { Water and Fire }

As the days passed, I became more and more rebellious. I refused to obey my relatives, and I did everything I could to thwart their plans.

But no matter how hard I fought, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was losing. My relatives seemed to be gaining more and more control over the estate, and I was starting to feel like I was trapped.

A few days later, the funeral for my parents was held. I stood at the graveside, my eyes dry and my heart heavy.

Lord Ravenswood stepped forward, his voice booming out across the gathering. "We gather today to mourn the loss of two great people," he said. "Lord and Lady Navara were pillars of our community, and their passing leaves a great void in our lives."

I felt a surge of anger at his words. He didn't care about my parents. He only cared about gaining control of the estate.

As the service drew to a close, I stepped forward to say a few words. "My parents were the best people I've ever known," I said, my voice shaking. "They were kind and generous, and they always put others before themselves."

I looked out at the gathering, my eyes meeting those of my relatives. "I know that they would want us to continue their legacy," I said. "To continue their work and make sure that their memory lives on."

Lord Ravenswood's eyes narrowed, his expression disapproving. "That's enough, Maria," he said. "You're getting too emotional."

I felt a surge of anger at his words, but I bit back my retort. Instead, I turned and walked away, leaving my relatives to their hypocritical condolences.

...----------------...

The days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into a month. I was still struggling to come to terms with the loss of my parents, and the fact that my relatives were trying to take control of the estate.

One day, I decided to sneak out of the estate and go for a walk in the woods. I needed some time to think, and I needed to get away from my relatives.

As I walked through the forest, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. The trees towered above me, their leaves rustling in the wind, and the sound of birdsong filled the air.

But as I walked deeper into the forest, I started to feel a sense of unease. The trees seemed to be closing in around me, and I could feel eyes watching me from the shadows.

Suddenly, I heard a rustling in the underbrush. I turned to see a group of Skarvik emerging from the trees.

They were tall and gaunt, with long arms and razor-sharp claws. Their eyes glowed with an otherworldly light, and they seemed to be surrounded by a dark, malevolent energy.

I tried to run, but my feet seemed to be rooted to the spot. The Skarvik closed in around me, their claws snapping wildly, and I knew that I was doomed.

As the pack of Skarvik approached me, my hands started to glow. I didn't know what was happening, but I could feel a powerful energy building up inside me.

Suddenly, a blast of water shot out of my hands, striking the Skarvik with incredible force. They stumbled backward, their claws waving wildly, and I took advantage of the distraction to turn and run.

I was puzzled as to why I had this ability. No one had told me about it. Only pure-blood royals were supposed to have their abilities awakened at an early age, unless... unless I was a genius.

I was lost in my thoughts, trying to process what had just happened, that I forgot about the Skarvik. But the roar of the monsters brought me back to my senses.

I tripped and fell, and as I looked up, I saw the Skarvik looming over me, their claws raised and ready to strike.

Just as all hope seemed lost, a blast of fire struck the Skarvik, sending them stumbling backward. I turned to see a figure cloaked in shadows standing behind me.

The figure stepped forward, revealing a tall, handsome young man with piercing blue eyes. He was dressed in a long, black cloak, and he carried a sword at his side.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

I nodded, still trying to process what had just happened.

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice shaking.

"My name is Ryker," he replied. "I've been tracking those Skarvik for days. What were you doing out here alone?"

Before I could reply, everything began to get blurry until everything went black.

......................

To be continued...

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