"Hurry up, or we'll miss the King's announcement," my mother urged, her voice tinged with urgency. We quickened our steps, the streets of the kingdom bustling with people eager to hear the King's words.
It never ends, does it?
This dreary existence of mine. A life spent only to serve others, making them pleased, only to be belittled by everyone around me. It's starting to feel like an endless cycle of monotony.
Everything in this kingdom feels... lifeless. There is no vibrancy, no warmth, just rage, revenge, and greed. The people here only know happiness when fulfilling those three desires.
The Dark Kingdom. A kingdom born of darkness, where the wicked, merciless, and ruthless thrive. It wasn't as if I had a choice in being born here. No one is allowed to leave unless given permission, and we are told that the outside world is too dangerous for someone like me—a dark wielder.
But the truth is, I am different. I was born into this kingdom with dark magic running through my blood, yet my power is unlike theirs. It doesn't belong to the darkness they wield.
And that is why they all hate me. Even my parents.
"There he is!" Elvince's voice broke my reverie, his finger pointing to the balcony high above the castle.
"Good morning, my beloved people," the King's voice boomed from the balcony.
Beside him stood Jane, the Princess, the only child of the King.
"My announcement today will surely grab your attention," the King's smile stretched wide, almost too wide, as if the news he was about to deliver was something grand.
Mama and Elvince bounced up and down in excitement, their hands clasped together as they held our youngest sibling, Iwa, between them.
"On the 28th of this July, a competition will be held, and the winner will receive any reward they desire," the King continued, his words like a spark that set the crowd alight with excitement. "Whether it's wealth, land, or even safety, the winner shall have their wish granted."
I raised an eyebrow, skeptical, and a small laugh escaped my lips. The King had never made such a bold announcement before. Wealth? Land? Immunity? It all sounded too good to be true.
"But there's a catch," the King added, his voice lowering, drawing everyone's attention. "Only one member from each family may participate."
That caught my attention.
"The challenge is simple," the King continued. "Whoever finds the Celestial Book and brings it to me first shall be granted their reward. Whatever they desire."
The crowd erupted in cheers, their voices filled with confidence, persistence, and joy. They believed they could win.
But I wasn't excited. I just stood there, watching the happy people, feeling out of place.
A competition for a book? It didn't add up.
Why were they all so thrilled? They should be questioning why such a large prize was being offered for just one book.
"The Celestial Book," the King said, his voice full of reverence. "The most powerful book in the entire Celestial Realm, capable of ending the lives of our enemies."
I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. Then, it hit me.
"The Celestial Book," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. I knew what was coming next. The one book that contained the secrets of our past, present, and future.
---
By the time we arrived home, Mama was still bubbling with excitement. "It seems our King is finally ready to make his move after five long years."
Papa gave a small chuckle, shaking his head as if he couldn't quite believe it. "If the Celestial Book really is out there, then it'll be impossible for our enemies to defeat us. The Kingdom will be invincible."
I swept the floor absentmindedly, my mind still spinning with what had been announced.
"But Pa, who will enter the competition?" Elvince asked eagerly, his tone betraying his excitement. He already thought it would be him. I could see it in his eyes.
I waited for Papa to answer, still sweeping the floor, but there was a long pause before he spoke.
"Pa?" Elvince's voice cut through the silence.
"Dahlia will be the one to participate," Papa said at last, his voice final.
I froze, the broom slipping from my fingers. My heart skipped a beat. I turned to face him, only to find his cold, emotionless gaze fixed on me.
"What? Why Dahlia?" Elvince's voice was full of disbelief. "Pa! I'm right here! Why can't it be me?"
I, too, was shocked. I had never imagined I would be the one chosen for such a task. Surely, they needed me here at home for chores and other household tasks. I was never meant to be the one sent out.
"Listen, child," Papa's voice grew serious. "You know how dangerous this competition is. You could die, and I won't allow that to happen."
Mama stepped forward, her hands gently placed on Elvince's shoulders. "Please understand, Elvince," she said softly. "It's safer for you to stay here, and Dahlia... Dahlia is the one who can do this."
"Well, it's not like that stray girl would mind. She's always wandering outside the kingdom anyway," Papa sneered, his eyes narrowing as he turned to me.
I couldn't meet his gaze. I looked away, my hands trembling as I clutched the broom. I wanted to say something—to defend myself—but fear clamped down on my chest. I knew what could happen if I dared speak.
"Shh, don't say that in front of the children, dear," Mama said, her voice laced with concern. She glanced at Iwa and Elvince, then turned back to Papa. "What your father means is that Dahlia has the best chance of winning. Her magic is different, not like the black magic of our kingdom. She could blend in with the outsiders. Your father has trained her well, so she's prepared for whatever may come."
I smiled bitterly, lowering my head. I knew Mama wasn't being honest. She, too, had agreed with Papa's decision because it was what suited her.
"Elvince, take Iwa outside and play," Papa ordered abruptly.
Elvince hesitated for a moment, then glanced at me with a worried expression. But he said nothing. He couldn't defy Papa.
Once they were gone, I was left alone with Papa, who suddenly grabbed me by the head and dragged me to the center of the room. With one swift motion, he shoved me to the floor.
"You, girl, are nothing but a curse in our lives," he hissed. I remained silent, struggling to hold back my tears. "So do whatever you can to be useful. Even if it means joining this competition. Do you understand?"
I swallowed hard, my throat tight with emotion. His words pierced deeper than any physical blow.
"DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!" His voice boomed, making me flinch.
"Y-Yes," I stammered.
Even though the words were spoken coldly, they buried deep inside me, their sting far worse than any injury. I felt like nothing, like I was always running to meet their expectations, only to fall short.
But maybe they were right.
Maybe it was time for me to prove my worth. That I was worthy of their love. That I was not a traitor. That I was truly born a dark wielder.
Perhaps winning this competition would change everything. If I could obtain the Celestial Book and deliver it to the King, maybe—just maybe—everything would be different.
I would no longer be the cursed child.
I would be someone worth loving.
"Don't let us down, Dahlia," Papa's grip on my
wrist tightened, his voice full of warning. "You already bring us nothing but shame. Don't make it worse."