Chapter 3: The Consort’s Test

Lira had barely had time to process Rian’s words before the chamber door opened again, revealing an imposing and mysterious figure. The woman who entered was tall, with a regal posture and a penetrating gaze. She wore a dark cloak adorned with intricate symbols that glowed with an unknown energy. Her eyes shone with a deep blue, almost hypnotic, light.

“I am Lady Astra, advisor to the prince and guardian of Valthoria’s secrets,” the woman said, her voice soft yet laden with authority. “I have been sent by Rian to assess your true potential. The prince sees something in you, but I need to see it with my own eyes.”

Lira felt a chill run down her spine. There was something intimidating about Lady Astra’s presence, something that made every instinct inside her scream in alarm. Even so, she kept her head held high, determined not to be intimidated.

“What exactly are you hoping to find?” Lira asked, her voice controlled.

Lady Astra took a step forward, her eyes never leaving Lira’s. “Your blood is unusual, human. You carry within you a power that most Valthorians do not know. It is an ancient power, originating from Earth, but with roots that date back to the beginning of time. You are descended from a lineage of tribal sorcerers, keepers of the oldest and most powerful secrets of earthly magic. If these abilities are real, you could become a valuable ally... or a threat that must be eliminated.”

Lira swallowed hard. Lady Astra’s words echoed in her mind, bringing back long-buried memories of stories told by her grandmother, a tribal healer who always spoke of ancient secrets and the gifts Lira was meant to protect. Until that moment, Lira had never truly believed those stories were more than legends.

“How do you know about this?” Lira asked, surprised that Lady Astra knew of her heritage.

“Blood doesn’t lie,” the advisor replied, moving in circles around Lira. “I can sense the magic within you. But you’ve hidden it, suppressed it for so long that it now sleeps. My task is to awaken it.”

Before Lira could react, Lady Astra raised a hand and whispered words in a language Lira didn’t recognize. Instantly, Lira felt a wave of energy surge through her body, as if every cell were being awakened. The magic within her, once silent and forgotten, began to stir, gaining strength.

“Resist if you can, or surrender to the power,” Lady Astra said, watching closely. “This is your test. Show me what you’re capable of.”

Lira felt the magic growing inside her, a raw and primal force, fighting for control. She tried to keep it in check, but the energy was overwhelming, challenging her will. Lady Astra was testing her limits, forcing her to unleash what had been dormant within her.

Closing her eyes, Lira focused on her grandmother’s lessons, trying to recall the rituals and incantations she had learned in childhood. Slowly, she began to murmur ancient words, feeling the magic respond to her command. The energy began to shape itself, taking form as Lira directed her power.

Opening her eyes, Lira extended her hands, and sparks of light danced around her, forming intricate patterns in the air. It was magic that combined the forces of the Earth and the cosmos, a blend of raw power and ancient wisdom. Lady Astra observed, her expression unreadable, but Lira sensed a slight approval in the advisor’s posture.

“You have talent,” Lady Astra finally said, her voice carrying a new reverence. “But you’re still raw, inexperienced. You’ll need much more if you want to survive in this world and, more importantly, if you want to survive the prince.”

Lira kept her eyes locked on Lady Astra’s, the power still pulsing through her veins. “I will learn. Whatever the cost, I won’t be a powerless prisoner. I won’t be just a pawn in this game.”

Lady Astra gave a faint smile, but it was a smile full of shadows. “We shall see if your determination is as strong as your magic. Rian is not an ordinary prince, Lira. He is a master of the shadow arts, a manipulator of the darkest energies. His soul is shrouded in darkness, and it is that darkness that feeds him. To survive by his side, you will have to make difficult choices. Will you be willing to sacrifice your light?”

Lira didn’t respond immediately. She knew Lady Astra was right. The path ahead was dangerous, full of challenges and sacrifices. But at that moment, Lira knew she had no other choice. If she wanted to survive, if she wanted to protect her magic and uncover the true purpose of her capture, she would have to take risks, even if it meant losing herself in the process.

“I am ready,” Lira said, her voice firm but aware of the implications of her words.

Lady Astra nodded, a gesture of acceptance. “Then, from now on, you will be my apprentice. And may the gods have mercy on your soul, for the path you have chosen is dark.”

Without another word, Lady Astra turned and left the chamber, leaving Lira alone, immersed in a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts. What would it mean to be Lady Astra’s apprentice? What secrets would she learn, and what sacrifices would be required of her?

As these questions echoed in her mind, Lira knew one thing was certain: her fate was sealed, and the path ahead would be more perilous than anything she had ever faced. But with that danger also came power—a power that could be the key to her freedom or her destruction.