The Cursed Scorch

The dim hallway echoed with the tense conversation between father and son. The door was slightly ajar, and Lord Scorch's voice boomed, "How could you make this decision without considering the consequences?" "I did consider them, Father. This is my final decision," Rowan replied, his eyes resolute but avoiding direct contact with Lord Scorch's fierce gaze. His stance was firm, exuding an unexpected confidence. Lord Scorch sighed heavily, his voice tinged with weariness. "Fine. Do whatever you want. I’ll give you time to rethink this. I hope you come to your senses." Rowan's eyes hardened. "My answer won't change, not today, nor tomorrow, Your Majesty." With that, he turned and exited his father's study, leaving the oppressive atmosphere behind. Rowan Scorch, the 14th child of the Scorch family, was only thirteen but already bore the weight of his family's disdain, particularly his father's. His father feared that Rowan, despite his initially apparent lack of magical ability, would someday seek the throne and wouldn't hesitate to kill for it. Rowan's nature had been cold and serious since childhood, but as he grew, he discovered his latent magical abilities—an unprecedented, formidable power that set him apart even more. As Rowan walked down the dim hallway, his posture was straight, and his expression was cold. Suddenly, he noticed a young girl hiding behind a pillar. She appeared younger than him, with striking red eyes and hair, dressed in the uniform of Arcane Haven Magic Academy. He stopped and studied her intently. *Who is she?* he wondered. *She must be from the Scorch family with those red features, but what is she doing here in the academy uniform?* Before he could say anything, the girl stepped forward, her hands nervously fidgeting. "I... I need to tell you something important," she stammered. Rowan's eyes narrowed, and his expression remained icy. "What is it?" he asked, his voice cold and impatient. The girl took a deep breath and, in a rush of courage, blurted out, "I love you!" She immediately closed her eyes, as if bracing for his response. Rowan was taken aback, the words echoing in his mind. He steadied himself against a nearby table, overwhelmed by the unexpected confession. The girl, seeing his reaction, bolted back behind the pillar. "Wait! Who are you?" Rowan called out, his voice commanding, but the girl had already disappeared, her words lingering in the air. Shaken but resolute, Rowan returned to his father's study. "Your Majesty, I've reconsidered. I want to attend the magic academy," he said urgently. Lord Scorch raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Hmm. I expected as much. But why the sudden change of heart?" "Because I realize that I cannot achieve my potential studying privately. It would be better to explore new horizons. And I am the rightful heir to the throne," Rowan declared, his tone serious and unwavering. Lord Scorch's face contorted with a mix of anger and frustration as he processed his son's words. Rowan smirked slightly, relishing the moment, and left the study, leaving his father to stew in his conflicting emotions.