IMPERIAL ACADEMY

Aurora's Secret

Aurora stood outside the infirmary, the warm sunlight casting a gentle glow on the Imperial Academy's manicured lawns. The phone was pressed to her ear and her mother's voice, laced with urgency, echoed through the tranquil atmosphere.

" Aurora, I need you to return to the palace immediately," Queen Lirien commanded over the phone.

Aurora's grip on the phone tightened as she gazed out at the sprawling campus. The Gothic spires of the ancient buildings seemed to loom over her, their stone façades bearing witness to the secrets and struggles of generations past.

"Why, Mother? I'm fine here," Aurora replied, her voice firm amidst the rustling leaves of the nearby trees.

"You're not fine, Aurora. The darkness within you grows stronger. It's a threat, not just to yourself, but to those around you. You know this to be true!" Queen Lirien warned, her words carrying on the breeze.

Aurora's eyes narrowed, her brow furrowed in concern. "You don't know that, Mother. I haven't had an episode in a year now. I'm fine. Besides, getting this darkness out of me is why I came to the Imperial Academy in the first place," Aurora replied to her mother who sighed over the phone.

"You took the entrance examination without my knowledge. You ran away from the palace. Do you know how worried we have been? Your father the king has too much on his plate right now. I do not want the princess to be seen like a monster," Queen Lirien said.

"Too late, mother. People already see me like a monster. I have a dark goddess inside me. My powers are unstable and I lose control sometimes. Isn't that what monsters do?" Aurora shot back.

"But you were getting treated in the palace. You were getting spiritual attention and it was working-"

"You locked me up in my room, mother! For a year, I did not step out of my room. I was treated like a prisoner in the palace. No wonder it took you so long to notice that I was gone. I'm not coming back there, mother. Not until I've gotten this rotten side of mine out," Aurora's resolve hardened, her jaw set against the backdrop of the academy's majestic architecture.

Queen Lirien's tone turned cold, the chill carrying across the distance. "You're putting the entire kingdom at risk, child. Come home, or face the consequences. Do not force me to lead the guards there!"

Aurora's voice remained steady, unwavering. "I won't obey, Mother. Besides, you don't know where the Imperial Academy is. You never attended," Aurora said and rolled her eyes. But when her mother started laughing, her gaze settled.

"I was a valedictorian from the Academy, Aurora. I'm an alumni. So, yes. I know exactly where you are. You have twenty-four hours to return, or else, I will storm that academy by myself."

The line went dead as Aurora hung up. There was a silence afterward, a stark contrast to the vibrant campus life surrounding her. Aurora exhaled as she slowly returned to the infirmary.

Meanwhile, Alex waited anxiously for Aurora's return in the infirmary. Bruno had left to attend his classes, leaving Alex alone amidst the quiet murmur of recovering students.

The infirmary door creaked open, and Alex gazed with anticipation for Aurora. But it was Kevin who strode in, his eyes burning with malice. The soft light of the candles and lanterns cast eerie shadows on his face.

"Alex," Kevin spat, his venomous voice echoing off the stone walls. "You think you've won, but you've only delayed the inevitable."

Alex's gaze remained steady, his eyes locked onto Kevin's. "What are you talking about, Kevin?"

Kevin's smile twisted, his lips curling upward. "I'll destroy you, Alex. Someday, I'll kill you."

Alex's jaw clenched, his fists tightening beneath the blankets. "Stand down, Kevin. Leave me and my friends alone."

Kevin chuckled, the sound sending shivers down Alex's spine. "You'll never be safe. Watch your back, Alex. Always."

Alex rose from the bed, his eyes flashing with warning. "Leave now, Kevin. Or I'll be forced to hurt you."

Kevin's smile vanished, replaced by a snarl. He turned and stormed out of the infirmary while slamming the door shut behind him.

Alex settled back in the bed. Kevin was clearly unhinged, and Alex knew that he had to watch his back with him.

The door opened once more, and Aurora entered, her expression troubled. The soft light of the infirmary illuminated her face, highlighting the worry etched on her features.

"Hey," Alex said softly. "What's wrong?"

Aurora hesitated before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper. "My mother. She wants me to return to the palace."

Alex's concern deepened, his eyes locked onto hers. "What's going on?"

Aurora's eyes locked onto his. "There's something I haven't told you Alex. About me." Aurora said while she took a seat beside Alex. She sighed, waiting for the tension in her voice to disappear.

"I have a goddess inside me. Much like The Dark Knight within you. I first experienced her influence when I was ten years old. A cousin had come to spend the holidays with us. We got into a fight and I just... Killed her. There and then," Aurora stopped and sighed. After taking a deep breath, she continued.

"That accident shook the entire palace. My father's authority was threatened. And so, I was forced to spend the following years behind closed doors under close supervision. The healers that came to me suggested this. My mother bought the idea. She doesn't want anything that will ruin her chances of being queen," Aurora said and chuckled.

"Like you, I sneaked into the academy as well. I want to get this goddess out of me. I don't want it, Alex. I need help," she added as a tear drop fell from her eyes.

"Why did this goddess possess you? Have you spoken to it before?" Alex asked but Aurora shaked her head.

"No. Never. For someone living in my body, she sure is rude," she said with a chuckle.

"I know a spell that can grant you an audience with her. We must know what she wants from you. Don't worry, Aurora. I will help you," Alex said to her, and Aurora hugged him tightly.

"Thank you, Alex. Thank you very much," she whispered. Alex let the hug sink in, but when he felt energy building within him, he suddenly pulled away as an electric spark rocked the space between them.