Decision in the Dark
1006 Words
Later that night, Alaric entered Seraphine’s room, his footsteps silent on the cold stone floor. He paused, seeing her standing near the window, her figure outlined against the moonlight.
“Are you still angry?” he asked softly, his voice laced with tension.
Seraphine didn’t turn. “How could I not be? You locked away an innocent child.”
Alaric’s eyes darkened as he stepped closer. “The boy hasn’t come of age to manifest his dragon power. Please understand, I had no choice.”
“Then let him go,” she pleaded, voice trembling with desperation.
“I wish I could,” Alaric admitted, his voice lowering, almost pained. “But it’s either let him go—or kill him.”
Seraphine recoiled as though struck. “You wouldn’t dare.”
His gaze was haunted, storm clouds flickering behind his calm mask. “It’s the only way to protect you… and our unborn child.”
Her hand instinctively moved to her stomach. “Alaric…” Her voice cracked. “Did you kill Emperor Kaedor?”
He met her eyes steadily. “Yes.”
“Why?” The question escaped her lips in a whisper.
“Because it was war,” Alaric said, his tone emotionless. “Dragons die in battle. What’s so difficult to understand?”
Seraphine turned to fully face him, searching his face for some sign of remorse. “What about his sons?” she asked. “Are you capable of killing a child?”
“You already locked one up,” she added bitterly. “I’m sure you could do it. You’re heartless anyway.”
Alaric’s expression remained unreadable, but his eyes flickered—something darker brewing underneath. “Emperor Kaedor had a son.”
“No,” Seraphine said quietly, shaking her head. “He had sons. Plural.”
Alaric froze. “I knew he was meant to marry you… but I didn’t know he had sons.” He hesitated, then admitted, “He died in battle… and I took his place.” His voice dropped. “Why are you asking?”
Seraphine’s voice was hollow, her eyes distant. “Nothing. I just need rest.”
That night, Seraphine dreamed.
A monstrous beast loomed in the darkness, its form shifting and shadowed, eyes burning like embers. Before it stood a girl—a child, young, fierce-eyed—and beside her, a boy whose voice called to Seraphine in a haunting echo.
“Whom you choose could be good… or bad,” a voice whispered. “A curse… or a blessing.”
Seraphine’s heartbeat quickened. “Who is that girl?” she asked aloud in the dream. “Is she my child?”
The voice responded, soft but chilling. “No. She is from your dynasty.”
Realization rippled through her. “She’s the one my mother saw… But if I choose her, it could bring ruin. She’s my blood. But what if she destroys us all?”
The voice sighed. “Sometimes, family brings the impossible upon us.”
Seraphine ran to the girl, embracing her. A cloud of dark smoke enveloped them.
In a flash of vision, she saw her brother—a warm smile, open arms. Then he struck. Seraphine saw herself, her child, and Alaric fall beneath his blade.
She jolted awake, gasping, drenched in sweat. Her hand flew to her belly. “I won’t lose you,” she whispered fiercely to the life growing inside her.
Morning light streamed through her chamber as her mother, vyreth, entered with calm grace.
“Did you sleep well?” vyreth asked, a trace of concern in her voice. “You look pale.”
Seraphine gave a tired smile. “I’m fine. Just… restless.”
She debated revealing her dream, but the memory of her mother’s cold decision to take her unborn child’s life haunted her. She couldn’t trust her. Not yet.
A knock at the door broke the silence. Selyra entered, towel in hand.
“Your bath is ready,” she said softly.
“Thank you,” Seraphine replied. As vyreth exited the room, Seraphine turned to Selyra. “We’ll go see Taevin after my bath.”
In the throne room, Alaric sat alone, shadows flickering across his face. Did Kaedor have more sons? he wondered. What else didn’t I know?
His thoughts were interrupted by a voice he hadn’t heard in years.
“Uncle!”
Alaric turned sharply. A young man entered, dressed in finery but carrying a disarming smile.
“I missed you, Uncle,” the youth said. “Why didn’t you come to my wedding?”
Alaric stiffened. “I was busy.”
The young man’s smile widened. “I know. You were trying to protect me. Mother says you’ve always been like that.” He glanced around. “And your wife? I heard she almost—”
“She and the child are safe,” Alaric said sharply, cutting him off. “Come. Let’s go see her.”
As they turned to leave, a regal voice cut through the hall.
“Vaelrik!”
Alaric’s eyes snapped to the entrance, where vyreth stood.
Vaelrik Draython, Alaric’s uncle, stepped forward, his voice gentle. “How are you, vyreth?”
Alaric waved him off. “We need to find Seraphine.”
Meanwhile, Seraphine and Selyra descended the cold, damp staircase into the dungeon. The air was heavy, the silence oppressive.
“How are you holding up?” Selyra asked quietly.
Taevin’s voice emerged from the cell, tremulous and small. “I’m scared. I want to go home.”
Selyra stepped forward, her voice soothing. “We will. Soon. Somewhere far… where no one knows dragon blood runs in your veins.”
Seraphine approached the cell. “Guard.”
The man straightened.
“Give him the best of everything—food, warmth, anything he asks. Treat him like royalty.”
“Yes, Lady Seraphine,” the guard said with a respectful bow.
She turned to Selyra. Her voice was low, firm. “We must do something. And we will.”
- Writer
