The Contract of One Year

Chapter 21 : The Capture Trap

The palace of Aurelion Kingdom was quiet, almost deceptively so. The torches along the corridors flickered softly, casting long shadows that danced across the stone walls.

Aria moved cautiously, carrying a tray of medicine for her father. Her mind was still buzzing from the warnings about Viktor’s trap. Every step she took felt like walking on the edge of a cliff.

“Aria,” Adrian whispered from behind her. “Stay close. Don’t let anyone near you.”

She nodded, gripping the tray tightly.

As she turned into the southern corridor, a soft clatter echoed from the side door. Her heart skipped.

“Who’s there?” she called, her voice steady but alert.

A figure stepped out from the shadows. For a brief moment, relief washed over her—until she saw the glint of a dagger in his hand.

Before she could react, a pair of strong hands grabbed her from behind. The tray clattered to the floor, spilling vials of medicine everywhere.

“Aria!” Adrian shouted.

The attacker struggled, but a second figure appeared, blocking Adrian and Alexander from following immediately. Viktor’s trap had been set perfectly—inside the palace, close to her, where she least expected it.

Aria’s heart raced as adrenaline surged through her veins. She twisted violently, trying to break free, but the hold on her was too strong.

Then, instinctively, she felt the warm golden light begin to rise from her hands—the same power that had saved her father. It pulsed through her body, responding to her fear and determination.

She focused. The light flared brighter, forcing the men holding her to stumble back. Sparks of energy brushed against the walls, illuminating the corridor like sunlight breaking through storm clouds.

“Use it, Princess!” Alexander shouted from the other side of the courtyard, his voice strained.

Aria’s focus intensified. The energy surged outward, throwing the attackers off balance and giving her a moment to break free. She darted down the corridor, heart pounding, the golden glow fading but leaving her stronger than before.

But Viktor’s plan was far from over.

From the end of the corridor, a shadowy figure emerged—one of the palace servants she had trusted for months. His eyes were cold, empty. In his hand, another dagger gleamed.

“Why?” she whispered, barely able to comprehend the betrayal.

The servant didn’t answer. He lunged forward.

Aria barely dodged, rolling to the side. Her sword caught the torchlight as she raised it, blocking a second strike.

Adrian finally arrived, slashing at the servant and forcing him back. “Traitor!” he roared, grabbing Aria and pulling her close.

Aria’s chest heaved as she caught her breath. The golden energy surged again, but this time she felt something new—a warning in her veins, a whisper that this power could protect her… but only if she embraced it fully.

She looked at Adrian, then at Alexander. Both of them were tense, their faces pale but determined.

“Viktor is getting bolder,” Adrian said, his voice low.

Aria nodded, feeling the weight of her destiny pressing down on her shoulders.

“I’m not running,” she said firmly, her eyes blazing with determination. “If he wants me, he’ll have to take me—and I’ll fight him with everything I have.”

Outside the palace walls, in the darkness, Viktor’s eyes glinted like steel.

“So be it,” he whispered. “Let the game truly begin.”