Showing Her Warmth

The door to Aria's chambers swung open, the sound reverberating like a thunderclap. Queen Seraph strode in, her regal presence commanding immediate silence. Her gown flowed like liquid silver, emphasizing the cold, sharp beauty of her features. The disdain in her eyes was unmistakable as they locked onto Aria, who instinctively shrank back under her mother's withering gaze.

Aria's heart sank. She knew this was coming, but she held hope that maybe, maybe her mother wasn't here to lash out on her but to comfort her, but the reality of it was so much worse. Queen Seraph's expression could freeze the sun, and her voice, when she finally spoke, was a blade that cut without hesitation.

"What were you thinking, Aria?" Her tone was calm, but it carried an edge that made Aria's knees weak. "Have you no sense of decorum? Of responsibility? What on earth were you doing in his room?"

Aria swallowed hard, her throat dry. "I wasn't—"

"Don't even try to defend yourself," the queen snapped, her voice rising. "The Great Kalden Veyl's reputation is beyond reproach, and now you've gone and stained it with your foolishness. And Medrick—how do you think this reflects on him? You've utterly disgraced him!"

Aria flinched at the mention of her eldest brother. Her mind raced for words, but nothing seemed sufficient. "I wasn't trying to cause trouble," she finally whispered, her voice barely audible. She was the one who had been humiliated by Medrick.

"Trouble is all you ever seem to cause," Queen Seraph countered, her lips curling in disdain. "Do you have any idea what this could mean for our family? For you to be found in such a compromising situation—it's beyond unacceptable."

Aria's hands trembled as she tried to explain. "I… I didn't mean for it to happen. I only went there because—"

"Enough," her mother interrupted, raising a hand to silence her. "I've had enough of your excuses, Aria."

Aria's chest tightened, her heart aching as her mother's harsh words sank in. She had clung to the faint hope that her mother might finally see her, understand her, maybe even defend her. But once again, she was nothing more than a disappointment in the queen's eyes. I wanted to believe she came here for me, that maybe this time she would care. But no. I'm just a burden to her—a mistake she has to clean up.

Queen Seraph took a step closer, her gaze icy and unrelenting. "This is your last chance, Aria. If you mess up again, I will have no choice but to send you to Ravenhollow Sanctuary."

Aria's breath hitched. Ravenhollow Sanctuary. The name alone made her stomach churn. Located on the edge of the royal territory, it was a secluded estate surrounded by serene woods and cascading waterfalls. It was where members of the royal family were sent to master their magic through months of intensive training and meditation. While not harsh, it was isolating, and the expectations were grueling.

Her brothers were already seasoned veterans of Ravenhollow, having completed four rounds of training and now returning for their fifth. They were no longer mere trainees but overseers, tasked with guiding newer recruits and ensuring discipline. The thought of being there—under their constant scrutiny and judgment—was unbearable.

Aria's panic surged. If she were sent there, she wouldn't be able to avoid them. She would be surrounded by their presence, their taunting gazes, and the unbearable tension that always accompanied their interactions. The idea of spending months in close quarters with them was a nightmare she couldn't face.

"No, please," Aria said quickly, shaking her head as her voice trembled. "Mother, I'll do better. I promise. Just… don't send me there."

Queen Seraph raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by her pleading. "You've promised before, Aria. And yet, here we are."

"This time will be different," Aria insisted, her desperation clear. "I won't mess up again. I swear."

The queen's expression softened, but only slightly. "You're running out of chances, Aria. If you cannot uphold the dignity of this family, Ravenhollow will be your only option. Do you understand me?"

"Yes," Aria whispered, her voice barely audible.

Queen Seraph turned on her heel, her gown sweeping behind her like a storm cloud. "Good. Don't make me regret giving you this chance." With that, she left the room, closing the door behind her with a resounding finality.

The silence that followed was deafening. Aria stood frozen, her thoughts a chaotic whirlwind. Slowly, she sank onto her bed, her hands clutching the fabric of her dress as her composure crumbled.

Why does it always come to this? she thought, tears stinging her eyes. Why am I never enough? No matter how hard I try, she only sees my flaws, my failures. Why did I even think this time would be different?

Her chest ached with a deep, familiar sorrow. The hope she had nurtured—that her mother might finally see her, acknowledge her worth—had been crushed yet again. She wiped at her eyes, determined not to let the tears fall. Crying wouldn't help. It never did.

But the thought of Ravenhollow loomed over her like a shadow. The idea of being trapped there, surrounded by her brothers and their cold disdain, made her stomach twist. How can I survive that? How can I survive them?

Her shoulders shook as she buried her face in her hands. I don't want to go. I don't want to be there with them. But what choice do I have? If I mess up again, I'll have no choice. And I can't keep running forever.

The weight of her mother's words and the looming threat of Ravenhollow pressed down on her, suffocating her spirit. But deep within the despair, a flicker of resolve began to stir. I have to find a way to endure this. To prove I'm more than what they think of me. Even if it kills me.