The journey back to the capital was heavy with tension, both within and around Aria. Her
transformation had left her undeniably otherworldly. Every step she took seemed to draw
attention—her beauty now a radiant trap, captivating all who laid eyes upon her. It was as if the
air shimmered around her, pulling gazes and hearts alike. Mira noticed it, too.
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"Aria," Mira said, walking a step behind her. "You've always been... enchanting, but now..." She
trailed off, her cheeks tinged with red.
Aria turned to her, her glowing crimson eyes softening. "Now, it's a curse."
Mira shook her head. "It's not a curse. It's just... overwhelming. You're like a flame, and
everyone's a moth."
Aria sighed, pulling her hood tighter to obscure her face. The mark on her chest continued to
pulse faintly, and the hunger clawed at her insides, but she suppressed it as best she could.
---
The City's Allure
By the time they reached the outskirts of the capital, the bustling streets were alive with noise
and movement. Vendors shouted their wares, children darted between legs, and the scent of
roasted meats and baked goods filled the air.
But as Aria and Mira made their way through the crowd, the atmosphere shifted. Conversations
hushed, and heads turned.
"Who is she?" a man whispered to his companion.
"An angel," a woman murmured, her voice trembling with awe.
"Or a devil," someone else said, their tone laced with equal parts fear and fascination.
Aria felt the weight of their stares, the intensity of their gazes. Men and women alike looked at
her with unrestrained desire, their thoughts practically tangible. She could feel it—like invisible
hands reaching for her, brushing against her skin.
A bold man stepped forward, blocking their path. His grin was wolfish, his eyes roaming
shamelessly over her figure. "My lady, you must be a goddess descended from the heavens.
Surely, you'd grace me with your name?"
Before Aria could respond, Mira stepped between them, her hand resting on the hilt of her
sword. "Move," she said coldly.
The man hesitated, his gaze flickering to Mira before he took a step back. "No need to get
violent, miss. I was merely admiring the lady's beauty."
"She's not interested," Mira snapped, her voice sharp.
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Aria placed a hand on Mira's shoulder, calming her. "Let's just keep moving."
But the moment they stepped past him, another figure emerged—a woman this time, her eyes
filled with an almost feral hunger. "Wait!" she called, reaching for Aria's arm.
Aria pulled away instinctively, but the woman's grip was strong. "Please," the woman begged,
her voice trembling. "I—I don't know why, but I can't stop thinking about you. Just a touch... just
one kiss—"
"Enough!" Mira growled, drawing her sword.
The woman shrank back, her desperation turning to fear. The crowd murmured, their fascination
with Aria growing even stronger.
"Let's get out of here," Mira said, grabbing Aria's hand and leading her through the throng.
---
The Summons
By the time they reached the inn, Aria was on edge. The incident in the streets had shaken her,
not because of the people's behavior but because of her own reaction. She had felt it—the
temptation to give in, to let them touch her, to feed.
The mark on her chest burned, and she pressed a hand to it, willing the hunger away.
Mira placed a hand on her arm. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Aria said, though her voice was strained. "I just need to rest."
Their respite was short-lived. That evening, a messenger arrived at the inn, bearing a summons
from the king himself.
"The king wishes to see you immediately," the messenger said, bowing deeply.
Aria exchanged a glance with Mira. They both knew they couldn't refuse.
---
The Church and the Saintess
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The walk to the castle was eerily quiet, save for the distant tolling of bells from the grand
cathedral that loomed over the city. The Church of Lumina was a powerful institution, its
influence rivaling that of the monarchy.
As they passed by the cathedral, the grand doors opened, and a procession emerged. At the
center was a young woman clad in white and gold, her presence radiant and commanding. Her
platinum hair gleamed in the sunlight, and her eyes were a piercing blue. She was the
Saintess—revered as the voice of the divine.
The Saintess's gaze fell on Aria, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Her expression
was unreadable, but there was a flicker of recognition in her eyes—a fleeting moment of
understanding.
Aria felt a chill run down her spine.
The Saintess inclined her head slightly, a gesture of acknowledgment, before continuing on her
way.
---
The King's Audience
When they arrived at the castle, they were ushered into the throne room. The king sat on his
gilded throne, his expression calm and composed. But Aria could feel it—something was off.
The air around him felt heavy, tainted with an unseen darkness.
"Welcome," the king said, his voice smooth and warm. "I've heard much about your exploits."
Aria and Mira bowed respectfully.
"It seems you've caught the attention of many," the king continued, his gaze lingering on Aria.
"Including the Church. The Saintess herself spoke highly of you."
Aria's heart skipped a beat. Why would the Saintess know anything about her?
"I have a task for you," the king said, leaning forward. "A matter of great importance that
requires your... unique talents."
As he spoke, Aria's instincts screamed at her. Something about the king's demeanor was
wrong, but she couldn't place it.
And then, she saw it—a faint glimmer in his eyes, like a shadow flickering in the light.
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The mark on her chest burned again, and she clenched her fists, forcing herself to remain calm.
---
A New Threat
As they left the throne room, Mira leaned close to Aria. "Did you feel it?" she whispered.
Aria nodded. "He's not himself."
"We need to be careful," Mira said. "The Church, the king... there's more going on here than we
realized."
Aria's thoughts drifted to the Saintess and the look she had given her. There was something
there—something she couldn't ignore.
But before they could make sense of it, a new danger emerged. Shadows moved in the corners
of the hallway, and the faint sound of footsteps echoed behind them.
Aria turned, her senses on high alert.
They weren't alone.