Chapter 42: Betrayal and Flight
Ava's POV:
Days passed, and I practiced Centering diligently. Aethera reappeared, her green eyes sparkling with approval.
"Well done, Ava. Today, we'll learn Shielding."
Aethera taught me to conjure a protective barrier around myself, deflecting negative energy. I struggled, but her patience and guidance helped me grasp the technique.
As our session ended, I asked, "Aethera, who sent you to teach me?"
Aethera's expression turned enigmatic. "The Council of Elders. They recognize your potential and want to ensure you're prepared for the trials ahead."
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the trees. Tall, with piercing blue eyes and jet-black hair.
"Aethera, I see you're training the young one," he said, his voice low and smooth.
Aethera nodded. "Ava, meet Lyrien, a fellow wielder of the ancient magic."
Lyrien's gaze locked onto mine. "I've heard much about you, Ava. Your potential is impressive."
As we conversed, I sensed Lyrien's genuine interest in helping me. But Aethera's words echoed in my mind: "Not everyone is what they seem."
Later, as we journeyed with Cassius, I noticed Sabine's unease.
"Sabine, what's wrong?" I asked.
Sabine's voice barely above a whisper. "Cassius... I don't trust him. He's been acting strangely."
My heart sank. Could Cassius be the traitor?
Suddenly, Cassius halted, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "We're being watched."
Kael drew his sword. "By whom?"
Cassius' gaze met mine, and I saw a flicker of guilt.
"The Order of the White Oak," Cassius said, his voice laced with regret. "I'm sorry, Ava. I had no choice."
Shockwaves coursed through me. Cassius, our supposed ally, was working with the enemy.
My heart racing, I confronted Cassius. "How could you, Cassius? You're working with the Order?"
Cassius' eyes dropped, shame etched on his face. "I had no choice, Ava. They have my family. I had to protect them."
Kael's sword pressed against Cassius' throat. "You'll pay for your betrayal."
But I stayed Kael's hand. "Not yet. We need to escape first."
The Order's ambush closed in. Lyrien appeared, his magic swirling around us.
"Time to leave," Lyrien said, as he created a smokescreen.
We fled, the Order's soldiers hot on our heels. Finally, we reached the safety of a nearby village.
Exhausted, I requested a healer. The village doctor, a kind-eyed woman named Elaena, examined me.
"Your baby is growing well, Ava," Elaena said, smiling. "However, the heartbeat seems weak. I recommend bed rest for a week to ensure the baby's health."
My heart sank. Bed rest? Now?
Kael's concerned gaze met mine. "We'll find a way, Ava. We'll keep you and our child safe."
But Lyrien's expression turned grave. "Ava's condition changes everything. The prophecy's timeline has accelerated. We must prepare for the worst."
Suddenly, Elaena's eyes widened. "Wait... I recognize you, Lyrien. You're the prince of the fallen kingdom of Eldrid."
Lyrien's face paled. "How did you...?"
Elaena's voice dropped to a whisper. "I was a lady-in-waiting to your mother, the queen. You're the rightful heir to the throne."
A shocking revelation. Lyrien, our ally, was a prince in hiding.