In Darkness, I Find

Aria New Reality

I navigated the palace's dark corridors, my senses on high alert. Every step seemed to echo through the silence, making me feel like I was being watched. Xandros's transformation still lingered in my mind, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was trapped in a living nightmare.

As I turned a corner, I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror. My eyes looked sunken, my skin pale. I barely recognized the person staring back at me.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps behind me. I spun around, my heart racing. But it was just one of the palace's silent servants, carrying a tray of food.

"For you, milady," the servant said, bowing slightly.

I took the tray, my stomach growling with hunger. But as I lifted the lid, I realized it wasn't food I was craving. It was freedom.

As I stood there, a sense of determination grew within me. I would find a way out of this palace, no matter what it took.

The servant's eyes met mine, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of understanding. But it was quickly replaced by a mask of obedience.

"Tell me," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Do you know anything about the palace's secrets?"

The servant's gaze darted around the corridor before returning to mine. "Be careful, milady," they whispered. "The palace has ears everywhere."

**Lyra POV:...***

As I slowly opened my eyes, a handsome figure came into focus. "Xandros"he said already reading my mind,as I wonder who he was. xandros stood beside me, his piercing gaze watching me with concern. "You still need more rest," he said, his voice firm but gentle.

I tried to respond, but my voice was hoarse. My head spun, and my body felt heavy. I wonder how I got here at the first place but I couldn't resist the exhaustion that pulled me back under, and everything went dark again.

When I came to, I was disoriented. I didn't know how long I'd been asleep. A gentle tap on my shoulder made me flinch. "Get up, Lyra. You need to take your tonic."

I turned my head, and Xandros held out a small vial. I took it, my hand trembling slightly. The liquid inside looked thick and dark, like blood mixed with honey. I hesitated, but Xandros's expectant gaze made me lift the vial to my lips.

The taste was bitter and sweet at the same time, like nothing I'd ever had before. I swallowed it quickly, feeling a warmth spread through my body.

As I tried to stand up, Xandros's hand shot out to steady me. "You need more rest," he said firmly. "You're weak. You can't leave now."

I glared at him, trying to muster some defiance. "I need to get out of here," I said, my voice still weak but determined.

Xandros's expression didn't change, but his voice was firm. "You're not going anywhere until you're well enough."

I shot my eye's and everywhere became dark again.