Chapter 2: Aria
1359 Words
Twenty years had passed since Astrid vanished from the stake, escaping her death sentence, leaving behind a legacy of mystery and magic. Her baby, Aria, grew up in secret, hidden away from the world by her mother’s watchful eyes. But Aria was no ordinary child. She was born with powers that simmered beneath her surface, waiting to be unleashed.
Aria’s eyes flashed with defiance as she slipped through the shadows, escaping her mother’s vigilant gaze. She was a force of nature, untamed and unstoppable. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, and her bright brown eyes burned with a fierce inner light.
As she made her way into the community, Aria’s senses came alive. She felt the thrum of magic in the air, a vibration that resonated deep within her bones. The world was full of secrets, and Aria was determined to uncover them all.
With a reckless abandon, she plunged into the unknown, her powers stirring, awakening, and growing stronger with every step. Little did she know her journey would lead her down a path fraught with danger, magic, and self-discovery.
“Hey,” someone called from behind.
“Oh! Hi,” Aria jumped, startled by the voice behind her.
“You’re not from around here, are you?” the person asked.
“No, I’m not,” Aria responded with a soft smile on her face.
The stranger pulled out a hand and stretched it towards Aria, who grabbed it in an instant and shook it at her.
“Rose... the name is Rose Wilder. What’s yours?” Rose asked.
“I’m Aria. Aria Flynn,” Aria answered.
“I don’t know of any Flynn in this village,” Rose chuckled.
“I doubt anyone can know the names and faces of everyone in this village,” Aria smiled.
“Well, I’m not just anyone. I am the Lord’s daughter,” Rose smirked.
“And who’s that?” Aria asked, genuinely confused.
Rose bursts out laughing, repeating Aria’s question in a soft voice. “You’re really something,” she said. “Come, I’ll show you around.”
“Sure,” Aria smiled as she grabbed Rose’s extended hand and they both ran deep into the village.
Aria’s laughter echoed through the village streets as Rose dragged her from one stall to the next, sampling sweet pastries and fresh fruits. The sun shone brightly overhead, casting a warm glow over the scene.
“Come on, Aria, try this!” Rose exclaimed, holding out a sugary treat.
Aria’s eyes sparkled as she took a bite, her face lighting up with delight. Rose grinned, pleased to see her new friend so carefree.
As they strolled through the village, Aria’s thoughts turned to her birthday. “Hey, Rose, do you know what today is?” she asked, a hint of wistfulness in her voice.
Rose’s brow furrowed in confusion. “What’s special about today?”
Aria’s smile faltered for a moment before she replied, “It’s my 20th birthday. I’m just happy the universe blessed me with you. You see, I don’t really have any friends.”
Rose’s expression softened, and she reached out to gently touch Aria’s arm. “You’re my friend, Aria. I claim that.”
Aria’s face lit up with gratitude, and she smiled, feeling a sense of belonging she hadn’t experienced in a long time.
As the day wore on, Aria knew it was time to leave. But as she turned to Rose, a mischievous glint sparkled in her bright brown eyes. “Hey, Rose, I want to show you something. But you have to promise to keep it a secret.”
Rose’s curiosity was piqued. “I promise, Aria. What is it?”
Aria’s smile grew wider, and she raised her hand, her fingers weaving intricate patterns in the air.
“Flos nascetur, mea manu. Flower, born, by my hand.”
A tiny spark of light danced on her fingertips, growing brighter until a small flower bloomed in her palm.
Rose’s eyes widened in amazement, her gaze fixed on the flower. “Aria, how did you...?”
Aria’s laughter was like music, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “Magic, Rose. I’m a witch.”
The world seemed to slow down, the air thickening with tension as Rose’s eyes met Aria’s. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the only sound being the distant chatter of the villagers.
Then, Rose’s face broke into a wide smile. “I’m glad you trusted me, Aria.”
Aria’s grin mirrored Rose’s, a sense of relief washing over her. She had taken a risk, revealing her secret to Rose, but it felt like the right decision.
“Sad, but I have to leave now,” Aria said as she turned to leave. But Rose grabbed her and pulled her in for a hug.
“Will I ever see you again?” Rose asked, her brows slightly furrowed with a downcast gaze.
“Soon... very soon,” Aria responded as she disappeared from the village and into the woods.
The journey back to Aria’s little cottage deep in the woods was nothing but a mixture of fear and excitement. Aria couldn’t help but keep reminiscing about her little adventure with Rose, but all that was paused the moment she arrived home.
She hid behind a huge tree as she peeked at the cottage, scanning the area for her mum. Fortunately for her, Mummy was nowhere to be found. She must’ve gone out to fetch something to prepare for dinner, Aria thought.
As she rushed into the cottage with a huge smile on her face, thinking of how her powers were becoming stronger, and how she could control them better than before.
Then suddenly, Astrid burst open the front door and walked straight up to Aria’s room.
“Where have you been, young lady?” she asked, her face squished up in frustration. “I have been worried sick about you, Aria.”
“Mum, I’m twenty. I am not a child anymore, not the little girl you used to pamper every now and then,” Aria answered, jumping off from her bed and pacing around the room.
“Oh!” Astrid exclaimed. “It’s your twentieth birthday?”
“Yes, mum. It is,” Aria exhaled. “I totally understand you forgetting about my birthday, I mean, if you didn’t, I would be shocked.”
“And what do you mean by that?” Astrid asked.
“You’re always worried about the wrong things, Mum. You are always scared of this and that, and you never confide in me for anything,” Aria answered as she walked up to her mum. “We’ve been the only ones here for years, and I still feel like you’re hiding a lot from me.”
“Aria, my daughter. I am so sorry I forgot your birthday. You know I love you so very much, you know that...”
“I do.”
“I’ll make it up to you, I promise, and someday I’ll tell you everything you need to know. Okay?”
“You don’t need to do any of that. I’m done waiting around for you to spoon-feed me. I’m a grown woman and I can make decisions for myself,” Aria said as she walked back to her bed and sat down, folding her arms.
“Aria—”
“And that’s why my powers are stronger now,” she said.
“Oh my,” Astrid said softly, as she walked up to her daughter and sat beside her. “That’s great news. I knew your powers would eventually pick up. Not all great witches develop their full potential at an early age. I knew you would get the hang of it in no time.”
Aria hugged her mum. “Thanks, mum, I know you’re happy for me. That’s two people now.”
“What do you mean by that’s two people?” Astrid asked, confused.
“I met someone—”
“You did what?”
On seeing the instant change in her mum’s expression, Aria froze.
“Who did you meet?”
- Writer
