The Heart of the Storm
The moon hung low in the sky, casting a pale light across the palace grounds. The cool night air did little to calm the unease settling in Mai's chest. She stood by her window, gazing out at the serene garden below, though her mind was a whirlwind of questions.
Who am I?
The words echoed in her mind like an unrelenting drumbeat. Ever since the vision in the throne room, ever since the woman in white had whispered cryptic warnings to her, nothing felt certain anymore. The power inside her, the strange sensation that surged through her veins when she faced danger—was it a curse or a gift? And why had it been dormant for so long?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on her door.
"Mai?" came a voice she recognized all too well. It was Prince Lilian. She straightened, her heart skipping a beat at the sound of his voice. What does he want now?
The door creaked open before she could respond. He stepped inside, his expression more serious than she had ever seen it.
"You're still awake," he observed, his gaze scanning the room before landing on her.
"I couldn't sleep," she replied quietly, not meeting his eyes.
Lilian raised an eyebrow. "I didn't think you would be the type to stay up at night brooding over the past. You always seem so composed, so in control."
Mai swallowed hard. In control? She felt anything but. "I'm not brooding," she said, forcing a calmness into her voice. "Just... thinking."
"Thinking about what?" he asked, his voice quieter now, more curious than before. He leaned against the doorframe, watching her closely.
Mai hesitated, then turned away, her back to him. "About everything that's happened. I'm just trying to understand... why I'm here. Why all of this is happening."
Lilian's gaze softened. "You're not the only one trying to make sense of things," he said, his tone uncharacteristically gentle. "You've been... different lately. And I can't shake the feeling that there's something you're not telling me. Something more than just your training."
Mai's heart skipped. Her first instinct was to lie, to dismiss his concerns. But she knew deep down that wasn't the answer anymore. Something had changed between them—something more than just the tension of their lessons.
"I—" she started, then faltered. "It's complicated. I'm not sure I even understand it myself."
Lilian took a step closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "Mai, I don't want you to keep secrets from me. I'm... starting to trust you." He looked away, almost as if embarrassed by his admission, but quickly masked it with his usual aloofness. "And I think you should trust me too."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words.
"I can't," Mai whispered, more to herself than to him.
Lilian frowned. "Can't what?"
She turned back to him, her eyes meeting his. For the first time, she saw something raw in his gaze—something beyond the cold mask he usually wore. "I can't tell you everything. Not yet. I'm still trying to figure it out."
He didn't press her further, but the look in his eyes suggested he wasn't done with this conversation. He stepped back slowly, as if giving her space, but Mai could feel the weight of his presence lingering in the room.
"Alright," he said after a long pause, his voice barely above a whisper. "But remember... I'll be waiting. When you're ready to tell me."
Mai nodded, grateful for his understanding, though the guilt gnawed at her insides. She wanted to tell him. She wanted to share the truth. But the truth was too dangerous. It could destroy everything.
---
The next morning, Mai was summoned to the royal garden. The King had requested her presence for another round of training. But this time, it was different. Mai knew something was coming—she could feel it.
As she entered the courtyard, she saw Prince Lilian already standing there, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The sight of him made her heart race, though she couldn't explain why. It wasn't just the prince's presence—it was the strange pull she felt every time they were near one another.
King Eric turned to Lilian. "Lilian, you will participate in today's training as well. I want you to spar with her."
Lilian raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Spar with her?" he repeated, his voice tinged with amusement. "Are you sure that's wise, Father?"
The King's expression hardened. "You doubt her ability?"
"No," Lilian replied quickly, though his gaze flickered to Mai, and something flickered in his eyes—something like challenge.
Mai's heart skipped. This wasn't going to be just another sparring match.
---
Their wooden swords clashed, and suddenly, a rush of warmth surged through Mai's body. Her movements slowed for a split second, as if time itself had stretched. The symbol on her palm pulsed faintly, its glow barely visible beneath her skin.
Lilian's eyes narrowed. "What—?" he started, but Mai was already in motion.
Then, the moment passed.
Mai stumbled back, breathless. She couldn't even remember what had just happened. Her mind was spinning, the power within her slowly ebbing away.
Lilian stood still, staring at her with a mix of confusion and curiosity. "What was that?" he asked, his voice quiet but intense.
Mai wiped the sweat from her brow, shaking her head. "I don't know," she admitted. "But I need to understand."
That night Mai lay awake in her bed, she clutched her chest, feeling the weight of the unknown pressing down on her. She knew—everything was about to change.