Chapter 21
The Rift of Secrets
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Jane watched as Cater walked out through the castle gate alongside Alric, their forms growing smaller in the distance. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she turned, heading back into the castle hallways. Her footsteps echoed faintly as she navigated the familiar corridors, weaving through the quiet bustle of servants.
As she turned a corner, she collided with the head chef, who was balancing a tray of food in her hands. The plates clattered loudly to the floor, scattering their contents everywhere.
"Oh, my—I'm so sorry!" Jane stammered, bending down quickly to help clean the mess.
But instead of accepting the apology, the chef, Alex, slapped Jane's hand away, her expression twisted with frustration.
"Of course it's you," Alex spat, standing up and brushing her stained clothes with an irritated sigh. "Look at this mess. Do you ever stop being a problem? Since the moment you came to this castle, you and that troublesome friend of yours have been nothing but a headache."
Jane straightened, her face tightening. "I said I was sorry," she said calmly, but her tone carried an edge.
Alex planted her hands on her hips, glaring down at her. "Sorry won't clean this up. Get to work. And maybe if you finally learn to be useful, you'll stop making everyone's lives harder."
As Alex turned to walk away, Jane's patience snapped.
"You know Alex," Jane called after her, her voice sharp, "maybe being nice for once would actually mean something. You've been on my case since I arrived, and I've put up with it, but if you keep acting like this, don't expect me to play along forever."
Alex stopped in her tracks and turned slowly, her expression darkening as she marched back toward Jane. The two women stood face to face, tension crackling in the air.
"It's Head Chef to you," Alex hissed, her tone dripping with disdain. "Unless you want me to report you to King Arthur and see you punished, you'll do as I say. Understand?"
Jane smirked, crossing her arms as she leaned slightly forward. "You're lucky I don't care about titles, Alex. And pity the prince never looks your way, huh? Seems like all your hard work doesn't impress him one bit."
Alex froze, her face flushing with anger. "What did you just say?" she demanded, her voice trembling.
"You heard me," Jane said coolly, stepping closer. "I've noticed how desperate you are for Alric's attention, but guess what? He doesn't care. You think I'm the problem? Newsflash—he doesn't even notice you. Maybe that's why you're so bitter."
For a moment, Alex looked as though she might lunge at Jane, but instead, she stomped her foot in frustration and stormed away, muttering angrily under her breath.
Jane chuckled softly, shaking her head as she turned and walked toward her room. Once inside, she shut the door behind her and sank onto her bed, letting out a long sigh.
Finally, she thought, some peace and quiet. With Cater gone, she didn't have to listen to constant talk about saving Avalor. For now, she could enjoy a rare moment of calm.
But her peace was short-lived.
A cold wind swept through the room, and dark clouds began to swirl above her. The windows slammed shut, and the door locked itself with a loud clunk. Jane shot to her feet, her heart pounding.
"What the—?" she whispered, spinning around.
A glowing portal opened in the center of the room, the swirling energy casting an eerie light. Three figures stepped through, their cloaks flowing like shadows. As the portal closed behind them, Jane's eyes widened in shock.
"Lady Maria," she gasped, recognizing the woman in the center. "And Sister Clara… Sister Sara… What are you doing here? This is the human world—you're not supposed to be here!"
Lady Maria stepped forward, her piercing gaze locking onto Jane. Without warning, she slapped Jane across the face.
"You dare to speak after disgracing the coven?" Maria hissed, her voice icy. "You didn't just align yourself with humans—you've been consorting with a demon. The son of the Dark Lord, no less. You're a disgrace to our kind, and for that, we have no choice but to strip you of your powers."
Jane staggered back, clutching her cheek as she stared at them in disbelief. "What? You can't do that! You have no right to take my powers!"
Maria's expression hardened. "I am your leader. I have every right."
As Jane turned toward the door, hoping to escape, a glowing magical seal appeared, locking her inside. She spun back toward them, her anger flaring.
"You may be the leader," Jane said, her voice shaking with defiance, "but you don't control me. You have no idea what I've sacrificed to protect this kingdom."
"No, Jane," Clara said coldly, stepping forward. "What's wrong is you. Our kind has suffered for centuries because of humans. They betrayed us, hunted us, slaughtered us—and yet, here you are, living among them as if nothing happened. Do you honestly think they'll accept you when they find out what you really are?"
Jane hesitated, the words hitting closer than she wanted to admit. She forced a chuckle, masking her uncertainty. "They'll never know," she said. "And even if they do, I'll erase their memories. Problem solved."
"Erase their memories?" Sara interjected, her tone laced with disdain. "You think that will fix everything? You're deluding yourself, Jane. Secrets like yours only grow heavier the longer you carry them."
Maria stepped closer, her gaze sharp and unforgiving. "And let's not forget the demon you've allied yourself with. Do you honestly believe he's here to save Avalor? The prophecy says he will protect the prince, yes—but at what cost? The kingdom's ruin? The destruction of everything we've fought to rebuild?All creatures, witches, warlocks and even the earth will suffer"
Jane's voice faltered. "What are you talking about?"
Clara stepped forward, her expression grim. "The Flesh Eater, Jane. Do you really think it's just some creature terrorizing the kingdom? Or could it be something… someone closer to you?"
Jane's blood ran cold as she shook her head. "No… That's impossible. Cater would never—"
Maria interrupted, her voice heavy with finality. "Your precious friend isn't who you think he is, Jane. The Flesh Eater isn't a random monster. It's him. Cater is the Flesh Eater."
Jane's breath caught in her throat as the room seemed to spin around her.
"No," she whispered, shaking her head. "That can't be true… It can't."
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