'Will I be okay?'
'What if something bad would happen?'
Nothing else was inside Raena's mind except the bedimmed thoughts she had cast upon herself. Her lips were now all red, almost bleeding, and if not biting her lips, then she'd be gritting her teeth.
She could not stop but pace over and over the halls of Ravenscroft, with her palms all clasped near her chest, her always nervous heart a flurry of mixed emotions.
After all, who would not be worried? This will be the first time she will be leaving the Shadowlands.
Even after everything she had read in their standard library about the Kingdom of Elaria, the princess experienced nothing firsthand!
Her governess, Lady Maris, bustled around her, making sure everything was prepared for her departure.
"Remember, Raena, always keep your focus," Lady Maris advised, her stern yet caring eyes fixed on the young girl.
She checked Raena's pouch, ensuring it contained all the necessary items: her books, a few potions, and a small, worn journal belonging to her grandmother. "And never forget the simple lessons your grandmother taught you."
Raena nodded, her thoughts briefly drifting to her grandmother and the mysterious black rose.
Never once did those words leave her mind. This was something only she knew. Or at least, from what she knows of.
Every time she attends her lessons with the governess, practicing the family's Dark Arts that have now succumbed to imperfection as time flew, she would continue to sneak after classes.
Raena had used up all her time searching for the black rose in the wholeness of the Shadowlands. Yet, every day, she came home empty-handed.
It has been a week since the letter arrived on their doorsteps, and Raena used up her remaining time training herself with the family's Arts.
She thought it was best to find the black rose after her stay in the academy, as she needs to bring justice to House Ravenscroft with everything she has now.
She then turned to her father, who stood nearby with a solemn expression.
"Father, I'll make you proud," she promised, her voice steady despite the nervous flutter in her chest.
"I know you will, Raena," Lord Ravenscroft replied, placing a hand on her shoulder. "And remember, you're not alone. The heir of House Darkbane will also be attending Thornwood Academy this year."
Raena's eyes widened slightly. House Darkbane was among the other noble families in the Shadowlands, known for their mastery of dark combat.
Their presence was a reminder of the power that still lingered in the shadows.
Unlike the Ravenscrofts, who were known before to be skilled in Dark Magic, the Darkbanes continued their legacy to provide skilled Dark Warriors for the Kingdom.
However, because the Darkbanes took most of their time practicing with their sword and needed more time with books, they were never granted the opportunity to enter Thornwood and have a chance for the Elarian council.
Yet it seemed that for this season, the gods touched the unlit fate of the Shadowlands, with the wind finally blowing in their favor.
Or so they thought.
"Vladimir Darkbane will be joining you," Lord Ravenscroft continued. "You know... he is a skilled warrior, and his presence may be both a challenge and an ally for you."
"Father, I don't mind. He can come at me however he sees fit, and I could only really care about how to make the Ravenscroft proud."
"Well," his father chuckled. "I'm just saying, rumor is that he's got the handsome genes, too."
Really? Of all times?
Raena scoffed at the Lord's demeaning behavior, her eyes subtly rolling right away. "Well, unless his handsomeness would help me climb the ranks, then no thank you."
Raena and Lord Ravenscroft always had this paternal connection whenever the people were not around. It is, after all, the Lord's duty to make sure he is not laughable to his village folks even when their current status suggests so.
But when they are alone? Hah! Jokes laughs, and nonstop playful bickering were the only words you could hear from each other's exchange.
They had no one else aside from one another, especially when the Lord's mother, the late Lady Rosaria, bid her farewell to the world.
Lady Maris gently grabbed her shoulders, and with piercing eyes, she told the princess. "Raena... If your mother was here, I'm sure she would be proud."
Raena let out a faint smile. She never met her mother. It was said that when the late Lady Ravenscroft conceived her, she died in her chambers after giving birth.
Even with the Lady's absence, she was filled with love by her father, grandmother, and all the people of House Ravenscroft.
"Thank you, Lady Maris."
With a final nod from her father and a reassuring hug from Lady Maris, Raena stepped outside the castle. The villagers had gathered to see her off, their faces a mix of pride and hope.
"Goodbye, Raena!" they called out, their voices carrying a warmth that filled her heart. "Make us proud!"
Raena waved back, her smile bright despite the anxiety gnawing at her. She climbed into the old Ravenscroft carriage, her belongings securely stowed, and took a deep breath as the carriage began its journey.
---
As the carriage rumbled along the cobblestone path leading out of the Shadowlands, Raena's nerves only grew. The vast forest loomed on either side, the dense trees casting eerie shadows that danced in the twilight. Her thoughts raced, filled with anticipation and a touch of fear about what awaited her at Thornwood Academy.
BLAG!
Suddenly, the carriage jolted to a halt, throwing Raena forward. She heard the driver shout, a note of panic in his voice.
Before she could react, a dark figure emerged from the shadows, its form shifting and malevolent!
A dark monster of the shadows, a creature she had only heard of in terrifying tales, had attacked the carriage. The beast's eyes glowed with a sinister light as it lunged towards them, its growls reverberating through the forest.
"Princess! Are you okay?" shouted the driver with a voice all coated in sinister.
Raena stood up, glancing at the driver, but judging from her expressions, it seemed to be much more scared than her!
"Don't worry, mister! I will handle it."
Raena's heart pounded. Yes, she has trained a lot and has been more determined than ever, but this is her first actual combat! The monster kept growling, all to the extent that it glued Raena's feet to the ground.
Every single worry she thought about for the past few days manifested into what she is facing right now, and if only she knew it would end up like this! She could have... She could have..!
No.
No.
"Raena." She whispered.
The princess took her breath as if the world slowed up for a moment.
"Get a hold of yourself."
Breathe in and breathe out.
She summoned her courage and conjured the black magic balls she had practiced for years. They were dark, as you could imagine, big enough to form a decent circle engulfing her fingers and palms. And there, with a swift motion, she hurled them at the creature, but to her horror, the dark entity absorbed the magic effortlessly!
Her eyes widened in fear.
"Come on, work!" she muttered in desperation, but her magic was futile against this formidable foe.
As the monster took its shadowy steps towards the Princess, her eyebrows could only meet in disagreement. Think... Think... There must be another way! For sure, there was something that the governess had taught her against dispelling her magic. It may help!
She was about to chant a relatively rare spell when she noticed something quick around her!
Just as the beast reared to strike, a figure burst from the trees, a dark sword gleaming in his hand. With a swift, fluid motion, the intruder slashed at the monster, forcing it to retreat. The newcomer moved with the grace and precision of a seasoned warrior.
"Are you alright?" he asked, turning towards Raena with a concerned expression.
Raena looked up, her breath catching in her throat as she recognized him.
His father was right. His handsomeness matched not only his appearance but also his demeanor. With his right hand offered to the fallen princess, Raena couldn't help but stare in awe at the darkest hair she had ever seen in her life. He was the kind of handsome that got into the Princess' bones, that spoke to her of olden times before he'd said a word.
Vladimir, the heir of House Darkbane, stood before her, his dark eyes filled with a mixture of concern and determination.
Raena shook his head. No time to get awestruck, Raena! She blinked her eyes once again and muttered, "Focus, Raena! Stop it."
"What?"
The princess, all in quick disbelief that her words were heard, replied instantly. "I'm fine, thanks to you," her voice steadied as she met his gaze. "Thank you for saving me."
Vladimir offered her a charming smile. "It's the least I could do. Traveling alone can be dangerous in these parts."
It seemed as if blood found its way to the princess' cheeks, as a tint of blush formed visibly on her face. Even still, Raena knows she has to keep herself composed! "I suppose it is. But you handled that monster effortlessly."
The young Darkbane chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling. "Years of training. You're Raena Ravenscroft, right? I've heard a lot about you."
"And you must be Vladimir Darkbane," Raena replied, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "It's an honor to finally meet you."
"The honor is mine," Vladimir said, his tone sincere. "Would you like to ride with me to Thornwood? It would be safer."
Raena, who stole a glance at her damaged carriage, could only smile shyly at the driver who was still recovering from the incident. Guess she was now left with no other choice.
As they rode together in Vladimir's carriage, Raena felt a mix of gratitude and curiosity towards her newfound companion. The journey to Thornwood seemed shorter with his presence, and she found herself relaxing slightly.
"I've always admired your family's resilience," Vladimir remarked, breaking the comfortable silence. "And your reputation for kindness precedes you."
Raena smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "Thank you. I've always believed in helping others, no matter the circumstances. My Grandmother taught me so."
Their conversation flowed easily, a subtle connection forming between them as the carriage continued its journey. Raena could not explain what she felt, but she was certain she had found herself enjoying the prince's company.
Finally, the grand spires of Thornwood Academy came into view, towering above the landscape like sentinels. As they approached the gates, Raena felt a renewed sense of determination.
But as the carriage pulled to a stop, the warm welcome she had hoped for was absent.
Instead, a group of students, their expressions a mix of curiosity and disdain, stood waiting. The air was thick with tension, a silent challenge hanging in the air.
Raena and Vladimir exchanged a glance, both feeling the weight of the moment. They stepped out of the carriage, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
BLAG!
But before they could take another step, someone barreled into them!
Raena stumbled back, but to her gratitude, Vlad was able to catch her from falling. With that recovery, she looked up to see a tall, imposing figure with piercing eyes glaring down at her.