CHAPTER THREE
816 Words
Aria woke to the gentle sunlight streaming through the windows. Her mind raced with the events of the previous day.
Kael's words echoed in her thoughts: "Tomorrow, all your questions will be answered."
She dressed quickly, eager to uncover the truth.
As she descended to the grand dining hall, the Blackwood family awaited her.
"Good morning, Aria," Edward Blackwood said, his tone formal.
Aria nodded, her eyes locking onto Kael's.
"Let's begin," Kael said, his voice soft.
Lila smiled encouragingly.
"The curse," Kael started, "afflicts our family for generations."
Aria leaned forward.
"It's an allergic reaction to...women," Kael continued.
Aria's eyes widened.
"But you're immune to me?"
Kael nodded.
"You're the chosen one."
Vivian Blackwood interrupted.
"Enough sentiment. Aria, you'll bear Kael's child."
Aria's face paled.
"What?"
Aria's mind reeled as she processed Vivian's words.
"Bear Kael's child?" she repeated, her voice trembling.
Kael's expression softened.
"Aria, please understand—"
"No!" Aria cut in, her eyes blazing. "You can't just tell me I'm going to have a child with someone I barely know!"
Lila intervened.
"Aria, we know this is overwhelming, but—"
"Overwhelming?" Aria's laughter bordered on hysteria. "You're talking about my life, my body, my future!"
Edward Blackwood's face hardened.
"Aria, you must see reason. This is the only way to break the curse."
Aria's determination hardened.
"I won't be forced into anything. I deserve a choice."
Kael stood, his eyes locked onto Aria's.
"I promise, Aria. You'll have a choice.
Kael's gaze remained fixed on Aria's, his voice firm.
"I mean it, Aria. You'll have a choice."
Vivian's face reddened.
"Kael, you're being foolish. The curse—"
"I know the curse's stakes," Kael interrupted. "But Aria's autonomy matters."
Lila nodded in agreement.
"Kael's right, Mother. Aria deserves respect."
Edward Blackwood's expression turned calculating.
"Very well. Aria will have a choice...after she understands the curse's full implications."
Aria's wariness grew.
"What implications?"
Kael's eyes hinted at secrets.
"Come with me. I'll explain everything.
Kael guided Aria to a secluded garden, the morning sunlight filtering through the trees.
"The curse," Kael began, "was placed upon our family by a wronged woman."
Aria's curiosity piqued.
"What wrong?"
Kael's eyes clouded.
"Our ancestor, Malcolm Blackwood, betrayed her trust."
Aria's empathy stirred.
"What happened?"
Kael's voice dropped.
"Malcolm promised marriage, but reneged. The woman, heartbroken and enraged, cursed our family."
Aria's eyes widened.
"Allergic to women?"
Kael nodded.
"The curse adapts. Each generation suffers differently."
Aria's mind reeled.
"And I'm the key to breaking it?"
Kael's gaze locked onto hers.
"Yes. You're immune."
Aria's thoughts swirled.
"Why me?"Here's the continuation:
***They called a witch to know the reason why Aria was the chosen one****
Kael and Aria stood before the mysterious witch, her eyes gleaming with ancient wisdom.
"The curse afflicting your family," the witch began, "can only be broken by one bearing the Mark of Elyria."
Aria's curiosity piqued.
"What's the Mark of Elyria?"
The witch's bony finger pointed.
"A crescent moon birthmark, hidden on the left shoulder."
Kael's gaze locked onto Aria's shoulder.
"Does she...?" he whispered.
The witch nodded.
"Reveal your mark, child."
Aria hesitated, then pulled down her sleeve.
The witch gasped.
"You bear the Mark of Elyria!"
Kael's eyes widened.
"Aria, you're the one."
The witch continued.
"To break the curse, Aria must willing bear a Blackwood heir."
Aria's heart skipped a beat.
"What?"
Aria's heart skipped a beat.
"What do you mean I have to bear a Blackwood heir?"
The witch's expression remained solemn.
"The curse's roots run deep. Only a child born of your line and the Blackwood blood can break it."
Kael's eyes locked onto Aria's, filled with a mix of hope and trepidation.
"Aria, I—"
The witch interrupted.
"The choice is yours. But know this: refusing will condemn the Blackwoods to eternal suffering."
Aria's mind reeled.
"What if I'm not ready?"
The witch's voice softened.
"Destiny waits for no one. You have three moons to decide."
Aria's skepticism showed.
"I'm not sure I believe this. What if I refuse?"
The witch's eyes clouded.
"You'll never find a family of your own. Your life will be filled with loneliness."
Aria's resolve hardened.
"That's not enough reason for me to have a child with someone I barely know."
Kael stepped forward.
"Aria, I promise—"
The witch raised her hand.
"Let her decide, Kael Blackwood."
Aria's gaze locked onto the witch.
"What about my father? He's imprisoned
"If you break the curse, your father will be freed, exonerated of all charges."
Kael added.
"And I'll cover your family's loan. You'll never want for anything again."
Aria's thoughts swirled.
"And what about me? What happens to me if I don't break the curse?"
The witch's voice dropped.
"You'll never find love, never find peace. The curse's shadow will haunt you forever."
Kael's eyes pleaded.
"Aria, please. I'll make sure you're taken care of, no matter what."
- Writer
