CHAPTER TWO
744 Words
_The Test_
Aria's fingers brushed against Kael's, sending a shiver down her spine. The room held its breath, awaiting the outcome.
Kael's eyes locked onto Aria's, his gaze piercing. Time seemed to freeze.
Then, nothing.
No explosion of rage, no flash of pain. Kael's expression remained calm, his breathing steady.
The Blackwood family exchanged uneasy glances.
"It's impossible," Vivian whispered.
Edward's face lit up with hope. "It's a miracle."
Lila's eyes sparkled. "Aria's the one."
Aria's confusion deepened. "What's going on? Why are you all staring at me?"
Kael's gaze never wavered. "You don't know, do you?"
"Know what?" Aria demanded.
Kael's smile hinted at secrets. "You'll find out soon enough."
_Aftermath_
The Blackwood family dispersed, leaving Aria reeling.
"What just happened?" she asked Kael.
Kael's expression softened. "You passed the test."
"Test? What test?" Aria pressed.
Kael's eyes darkened. "You don't want to know."
Aria's determination hardened. "I do want to know."
Kael's gaze lingered on hers before he turned away.
"You'll learn soon enough."
_Aria's Turmoil_
Aria's mind whirled with questions:
What was the test?
Why did Kael react differently?
What did the Blackwoods want from her?
As she left the east wing, Aria knew one thing:
She had to uncover the truth.
As Aria departed the east wing, she collided with a stern-faced woman.
"Watch where you're going," the woman snapped.
Aria apologized, but the woman's expression only hardened.
"You're the Flynn girl, aren't you?"
Aria nodded, sensing hostility.
"I'm Lady Victoria, a family friend."
Aria's unease grew.
"What do you want?"
Lady Victoria's eyes narrowed.
"You're getting too close to Kael. He's fragile."
Aria frowned.
"Fragile?"
Lady Victoria's voice dropped.
"His condition...it's delicate. Women are a threat to his well-being."
Aria's curiosity piqued.
"What condition?"
Lady Victoria's expression turned cold.
"That's none of your concern."
_Kael's Intervention_
Kael appeared, his eyes narrowing.
"Victoria, leave Aria alone."
Lady Victoria's smile sugared. Kael. I'm just protecting you."
Aria frowned.
"What's going on?"
Kael hesitated.
"My...allergy. It's complicated."
Aria's empathy stirred.
"I won't hurt you."
Kael's gaze locked onto hers.
"I know.
Kael turned to Lady Victoria, his voice firm.
"Victoria, Aria is the chosen one."
Lady Victoria's eyes widened in surprise.
"The tests...she's passed them," Kael continued.
Aria's curiosity sparked.
"What tests?" she demanded. "You've been talking about them since morning.
Lady Victoria's gaze raked over Aria, disdain evident.
"This...girl? From her background and looks, I doubt she's suitable."
Kael's expression hardened.
"She passed, Victoria. Twice."
Lady Victoria's face paled.
"Very well," she said stiffly, departing without another word.
Kael turned to Aria, his eyes gentle.
"You're tired. Rest now."
He guided her to a cozy room.
"But what tests?" Aria pressed.
Kael smiled.
"Tomorrow, all your questions will be answered."
Aria's frustration grew.
"But my father? What's happening to him?"
Kael's expression softened.
"Tomorrow," he repeated.
Aria's determination hardened.
Mr Blackwood,Aria called out please can you make sure my dad gets a blanket and is fed if possible he should get a cup of chamomile tea,he is sick and if anything happens to him ,I wont pay your loan
Okay,Aria I would do as you say and don't worry much your father would be released tomorrow but that is if you cooperate with me on some stuffs,now go to sleep you have to make a big decision tomorrow.
A big decision,but what decision Mr Blackwood, you are starting to scare me .
You don't have to be scared Aria,go to sleep please goodnight,he said as he left the room.
*******The blackwood's study*******
Kael joined his family in the grand study, leaving Aria to rest.
Edward Blackwood's voice boomed.
"Kael must marry her. Secure the lineage."
Vivian Blackwood's expression turned calculating.
"Why marry? A child is all we need. We can't risk Aria's...background tarnishing our reputation."
Lila Blackwood's face lit up with defiance.
"That's cruel, Mother. Kael should marry her, treat her right. Maybe even love her."
Lady Victoria spoke up, her voice laced with disdain.
"Marriage or childbirth is unnecessary. We might find another to break the curse."
Edward's gaze hardened.
"Enough, Victoria. You're not family. Leave."
Lady Victoria's face reddened as she departed.
Vivian's voice dripped venom.
"Lila, understand: this is business. Aria's purpose is to bear Kael's child."
Lila stood firm.
"I won't accept that. Aria deserves better."
Kael's silence was palpable.
"Tomorrow," he said finally, "Aria will learn everything."
Edward nodded.
"Then we'll proceed."
They all dispersed into their various room,each member with his or her own thoughts.
- Writer
