Cursed Duality

Veiled Loyalties

Zara’s POV

Growing up, Aiden was my closest friend, my strongest ally, even when everything else seemed to crumble. He was untouchable, fierce, a force unlike anything I’d ever known. And even though he was nothing but a Nyren, there was something about him, a rawness, a strength that drew me to him. It was maddening, how I could feel something close to love for someone I was meant to hate. Yet, here I was, torn between what I felt and what I’d been taught to believe.

Elara’s words echoed in my mind as I walked through the halls, her whispers soft but edged like a blade. She’d raised me after mother died, filling my head with warnings about Aiden. According to her, he was a monster hiding behind those cold eyes, a half-breed who didn’t deserve his place in our world, let alone any claim to the throne. He was dangerous, unpredictable…a ticking time bomb waiting to tear apart everything I’d ever known.

And then there was the matter of mother. Elara never spoke of her without a hint of sorrow, her voice laced with just enough pain to make me believe her. She told me about how Aiden had been involved in mother’s death, how he’d stolen her away before I was old enough to understand. It hurt, the thought of it, of Aiden being responsible for such a loss.

’’He’s not the man you think he is,’’ she’d say, a tremor in her voice that made her hatred feel like mine. ’’He was there when your mother died, Zara. He knows more than he’ll ever admit.’’

The thought of it sickened me, yet it ignited something dark within me. A desire for justice, for revenge, maybe even for power. Elara made it seem like my birthright, a throne destined for me alone, one Aiden could never truly claim.

’’You would befit the throne, Zara,’’ she’d say, brushing her fingers through my hair.

’’Not him. You’re pure. You’re full-blooded. You’re what this world needs…someone strong, someone noble, not some Nyren.’’ She’d smile, her eyes warm and approving.

But even as I tried to hate him, I couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe there was more to the story. Maybe Elara’s words weren’t the whole truth. Yet, her voice was like a drumbeat, pounding out the same rhythm, the same lies, until they felt real.

I was young, barely old enough to understand what it meant to love someone, but with Aiden, I’d felt a bond stronger than anything I’d known.

But I was a fool to think the bond could ever mean the same to him. He was always so cold, so distant, hiding behind that hardened gaze that kept everyone at arm’s length.

And when I found out about him and Elara, my heart cracked open in a way I couldn’t bear to show anyone. The first time I stumbled upon them, hidden in the shadows, their words low and guarded, her hand lingering on his shoulder…was the day I realized I was nothing more than a pawn to both of them.

I confronted Elara about it once, when the jealousy became too much to contain. Her laughter was soft, dismissive, as if my feelings were some childish fantasy she could brush aside.

’’You think it’s for him?’ she had whispered, a sly smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

’’This isn’t about Aiden, Zara. Everything I do is for you.’’ She reached out, her hand gentle as it touched my cheek.

’’Aiden trusts me. We need that trust if we’re to make him vulnerable. He’s not an ally, Zara. He’s the enemy we’ve yet to defeat.’’

Her words dug deep, each one like a seed planted in my mind, twisting my perception until I couldn’t tell what was real. Elara’s voice was always so warm, so reassuring, like she could see through my anger, my jealousy, all the way to the part of me that still longed for Aiden’s approval.

But that didn’t make it hurt any less. Knowing that she used him didn’t change the sting of betrayal I felt when I saw them together. Even as I let Elara feed my anger, I could still feel the ghost of my love lingering, a fragile bond buried beneath the layers of resentment and ambition.

Maybe that was the price I had to pay. Elara taught me that power demands sacrifice, and if Aiden had to be the first, then so be it.

PRESENT:

The faint light of dawn seeped through the citadel’s stone windows, casting a cold glow across the throne room when Elara strode in, her silhouette sharp against the early morning haze. She moved like she owned the place, her gaze sweeping over me with a glint of pride and something else…something darker, almost triumphant.

’’Aiden won’t elude us this time,’’ she said smoothly, stepping forward. ‘I’ve sent the guards. He’ll be back here, under lock and key, before sunset.’’

’’Good work,’’ I replied, leaning back in my chair, keeping my tone as even as hers. ’’I want him here, where he can see that his time is over.’’

Elara’s smile softened, but her eyes glinted with satisfaction.

"I’m doing this for you, Zara. Everything, all of it…it’s to see you take your rightful place.’’ her hand settled on my shoulder, her voice a mix of warmth and steel.

’’With him gone, there will be nothing to stand in your way.’’

I gave her an appreciative look, knowing just how much she wanted me to believe in her devotion. But I saw her ambition as clearly as the sword that hung by her side. Elara had long believed that she alone was shaping me, as if I were clay that she could mold for her own plans.

’’Of course, I can always count on you.’’ I said, feigning ignorance.

She held my gaze, searching for something that I buried deep, hidden behind the layers of practiced indifference. I let her see what she wanted, a hint of admiration, even dependence. Satisfied, she gave a final approving nod and turned to leave.

The moment she was gone, I breathed a sigh of relief knowing I could drop the act. My eyes caught those of Rylen, standing in his usual spot by the doorway, his arms crossed. He looked at me with the familiar mixture of respect and warmth that I’d known since he got here.

I made my way over to him, reaching out to nudge him on the shoulder in a gesture that held years of unspoken trust.

’’Keep an eye on her, Rylen. She’s up to more than she lets on.’’

Rylen raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile tugging at his lips.

’’I thought you trusted your dear aunt,’’ he said, only half joking.

I shook my head, feeling the weight of everything Elara had tried to make me believe. ’’I don’t. Elara wants this power as much as I do, maybe more. She just hides it better. But as long as she thinks I’m hers to control, she’ll keep feeding me exactly what I need.’’

Rylen’s expression softened as he watched me.

’’You’re too smart for her, Zara. She doesn’t know it, but she’s the one walking into a trap.’’

I smiled, resting my hand on his arm in a way that was far more familiar than I would allow with anyone else… except Aiden.

’’You’ve always seen right through me,’’ I murmured. ’’That’s why I need you watching her every move.’’

He nodded, his gaze steady, though there was something he’d kept hidden for as long as I could remember.

’’I’ll keep an eye on her,’’ he promised, the warmth in his eyes betraying a hint of something deeper.

Our friendship ran deeper than the formal titles or roles we’d been given. Rylen had always been my friend…the one person I didn’t need to perform for.

He’d been at my side for several years, offering quiet support when everyone else demanded something from me. And now, with Elara pressing in closer every day, his presence felt more vital than ever.

’’Good, if anyone can handle her, it’s you.’’ I said softly.

His eyes lingered on me for a moment before he gave a small, reassuring smile.

‘’I’d do anything for you, Zara. You know that.’’