Chapter 3
1058 Words
Diamond's POV
I can feel fear in my whole body. Are they here to execute me?
The woman smiled at me as she gently murmured incantations into the breeze. Suddenly, a necklace adorned with a black diamond, resembling an ancient amulet, was gracefully lifted into the air before us.
"For you, my Princess. Forgive us for our trespassing. We just want to meet the beautiful, mysterious princess of fairyland and personally welcome you to Vampyr University," she explained as she handed me the necklace. My mother pinched my hand, but I ignored it.
"Thank you, it was beautiful," I said.
"I'm Ivana, the queen of the witches," she introduced herself.
A witch, that explained her eerie aura. Her body was adorned with intricate, ancient tattoos, each marking a connection to mystical energies. Her black lipstick added an intimidating edge to her presence. The two powerful members of the council were here at my birthday party. Did they know something about my secret?
"How about wine? Cassius? Ivana?" My mother offered, aware of the tension in my body.
"Of course, we also enjoy conversing with our Princess Diamond. How can one hide something as beautiful as her? I'm certain Vampyr University will find her appealing, don't you think, Ivana?" Cassius inquired while studying me.
"That's certainly true. Are you feeling prepared for tomorrow, my dear princess?" Ivana inquired.
I nodded, though the sense of panic in my heart persisted. "Y-yes, it will be my first time leaving the castle, and I'm eager to make new friends."
"My daughter is quite sensitive; that's why we've refrained from allowing her to roam outside the castle walls. Her body is weak."
I stared at my mom. I know she's just doing it for me, but I can't help but be hurt. Does my mother think I'm weak and incapable?
"Oh, that's why Vampyr University is perfect for her. They will help her cultivate her power and become stronger."
"Ivana is right. We will make sure that she becomes stronger than ever, Leticia. Her power will be of great help in eliminating our enemies."
"Who's the enemy?" I can't help but ask.
"Diamond," my mother called me, but I chose to ignore her.
Ivana laughed. "Oh dear, you're too sheltered. Aren't you aware of my vision of hybrids? We need to eliminate all the hybrids to ensure the protection of our world. Since you are royalty, you are more powerful than any ordinary mystical creature, and we need to help you harness that power for a greater cause."
"My son can help you train, Diamond. The two of you will be great friends, I can assure you of that."
I clenched my fist. Do they want me to use my power to help them eliminate hybrids like me? I wonder what their reaction will be when they learn that I'm also one of the hybrids they aim to eliminate.
"What if you're all wrong about hybrids?" I whispered.
My question caught them off guard, and silence filled the room.
"Looks like our princess has a soft heart and a curious mind. This is what happens when you try to shield her from the world's chaos, Leticia," King Cassius said while gazing at my mother.
"She's still young and learning," my mother answered. I can feel the resignation in her voice.
Ivana chuckled. "I'll forgive you for saying that my vision is wrong, Princess. I'll arrange your schedule for you; you have a lot to learn."
I looked at all the fairies; they were all staring at me with worry in their eyes. I don't like this feeling; my birthday party is ruined.
"Could you please excuse me? I'm not feeling well."
The overwhelming emotions in my heart are heavy. I feel like a disappointment to the whole fairyland.
Why can't I be a normal fairy? Why do I have to be complicated?
I didn't wait for their answer; I ran away like a coward. I ran without looking back and found myself in a forest of wishes.
"Diamond!" My mother called, but I was too preoccupied with my pain.
"Mom, please, not now."
"Can't you behave like a true princess? Did you have to do that? Now, their eyes will be on you–"
"Mom!"
She stopped due to my sudden outburst. This isn't the first time I've shouted at her out of frustration, but this time, I feel hurt… badly.
"I'm so tired, tired of hiding myself. I'm tired of feeling different—why? Why do you have to make me hate myself?" Tears welled in my eyes.
Her expression softened. "D-diamond, can't you understand that I'm doing everything for you?"
"Then stop it! Stop shielding me as if I'm weak and can't handle myself. Can't you trust me just this once?"
"You don't understand, do you? Everyone will crush you, everyone will look at you differently when they find out who you are, Diamond. Your tender heart will be your weakness."
"You're mistaken; there's nothing wrong with me. Having a soft heart is not a weakness, but a strength. All my life, you've forced me to conceal my true self, making me believe that no one would accept me if they learned my secrets."
"Diamond, please, listen to me!"
I gaze at my mother; her once calm facade has disappeared. She seemed pained, struggling to maintain control.
"You've treated me like a burden, Mom. Instead of helping me embrace who I am, you've made me despise myself. You've made me hate my own existence," I sobbed. "I just want to be alone."
She sighed. "Fine, you need space, but we will talk tomorrow, Diamond. I'm sorry for making you feel like that, honey."
I closed my eyes as she kissed my forehead. I don't hate her, but I'm just hurting because of everything. Once she's gone, I stare at my reflection in the river of desires.
"I wish I were just a normal fairy," I whispered. But my eyes widened as the entire river shone brightly, emitting a luminous light. I stopped when an intense pain coursed through my entire body, causing me to clutch my chest in an attempt to catch my breath. Then, a sensation of weightlessness takes over me, and I can feel myself floating in the air. My body feels numb and disconnected from my senses.
- Writer
