THE CURSED PRINCE'S LAST LIGHT

Chapter 3 – The Lightbearer’s First Trial

The palace corridors were massive, echoing every footstep Lyanna took. Her heart still raced, but determination had replaced fear. Somehow, she knew she had to be ready—for the prince, for the kingdom, and for herself.

A soft glow began to pulse from her palms, almost instinctively, as if her body remembered the warmth from the fountain the night before. She didn’t understand it, but she trusted it. She had to.

“Lyanna,” came a firm voice behind her. She turned to see Prince Aric standing at the end of the hall, pale but composed, eyes narrowing slightly as he studied her.

“You’re awake early,” he said, voice calm but with an edge of authority. “Good. Today, you begin your training.”

“My training?” Lyanna asked, clutching her basket a little too tightly.

“You are the Lightbearer,” Aric replied. “Your light is tied to my life. If you cannot control it, I cannot survive.” His words were simple, but the weight behind them pressed on her chest.

They were led to a room filled with mirrors and glowing runes etched into the marble floor. The air hummed with magic, and Lyanna could feel it brushing against her skin.

“Stand in the center,” Aric instructed. “Focus. Let the light flow from you, and keep it steady.”

Lyanna closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and let her palms rise naturally. A soft golden glow spilled into the room. The runes reacted, flickering faintly as if acknowledging her presence.

“Good,” Aric said quietly. “Now—hold it.”

Minutes passed. The light wavered. Doubt crept in. I can’t do this… I’m just a village girl… But then she felt it—a warmth in her chest that pushed back the fear. The light steadied, strong and steady, bright enough to cast shadows away from every corner of the room.

Aric’s icy blue eyes softened slightly. “You’re capable,” he said. “More than you realize.”

Lyanna’s cheeks flushed. “I… I don’t even know what I’m doing.”

“None of us start knowing everything,” he replied. “But this—” he gestured to the light — “this is your gift. And it is the only thing keeping me alive.”

A sudden flicker in the corner of the room made Lyanna jump. A shadow wisp, small but hungry, slithered toward her light. Her palms flared instinctively, and the wisp hissed before retreating into the darkness.

Aric stepped closer. “See? They are drawn to your light. You must learn control, or I cannot survive the night.”

Lyanna nodded, heart racing. I have to protect him… I will protect him.

For the first time, she felt the full weight of her destiny—and also a spark of something thrilling. She was not just a village girl anymore. She was the Lightbearer, and the fate of the cursed prince rested in her hands.