CHAPTER 11: FEAR

The sun rose over the quiet town, painting the streets with a golden hue. Inside the flower shop, Aiya hummed a soft tune as she arranged bouquets on a wooden counter. Her grandmother bustled nearby, carefully trimming the stems of vibrant tulips. The shop smelled of fresh blooms and the faint earthy scent of soil.

Perlia sat in the back, her small hands delicately tracing the petals of a lily. Though her eyes held a shadow of sadness, her face lit up whenever Aiya or her grandmother spoke to her. It had been weeks since Perlia had come to live with them, and her once-fragile frame was stronger now.

Aiya's grandmother,had decided it was best for Perlia to stay with them after losing her grandparents. The girl's grief had been overwhelming at first, but the warmth of the flower shop seemed to breathe new life into her.

Each morning, the three of them walked to the shop together. Aiya found comfort in Perlia's laughter, which had become more frequent. She admired how resilient the girl was, how she seemed to find solace among the flowers.

"You have a talent for this," Aiya said one morning, watching Perlia arrange a bouquet.

Perlia smiled shyly. "They remind me of my grandmother. She loved flowers."

Aiya's chest tightened at the girl's words. She reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Perlia's shoulder. "She'd be proud of you."

The peace of the flower shop was broken one crisp morning. The bell above the door chimed, and Aiya looked up from her work. A tall figure stepped inside, She instantly recognized him, he had come there months ago to purchase roses

Kael.

He was dressed in dark, elegant clothing that contrasted sharply with the cheerful colors of the shop. His crimson eyes scanned the room, and for a brief moment, they locked with Aiya's.

"Good morning," he said, his voice smooth and measured.

Aiya forced a smile and greeted back, what type of rose would you prefer to get she asked the man while smiling beautifully

"I'm looking for black roses," Kael replied, his tone neutral.

Aiya raised an eyebrow. Black roses were rare, and the request struck her as odd. Black roses are said to represent bad omens why would someone wants that she thought

Before she could speak, a piercing scream shattered the air.

Just as she was still thinking she heard a sharp cry from her back Aiya turned sharply toward the back of the shop, her heart pounding. Perlia was standing there, her face pale, her eyes wide with terror. She was pointing directly at Kael, her hand trembling violently.

"Perlia!" Aiya rushed toward her, with concerns what's wrong child she asked

But Perlia couldn't speak. Her mouth moved soundlessly, her cries stifled by an invisible force. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she clutched her throat as if trying to tear away whatever was silencing her.

Kael's expression remained unreadable, though his eyes gleamed with a strange light. He glanced at Perlia, recognition flickering across his face.

The girl from the woods.

Kael stepped back, his composure faltering for a moment. Memories of the woods flooded his mind—the girl's fear, her screams, the way she had run from him. He hadn't realized it was the same child until now.

And yet, something else stirred within him. A new power. The ability to silence her had been unintentional, a reflex he hadn't known he possessed.

Kael clenched his fists, his thoughts racing.

This power... it's growing. I didn't need to speak, didn't need to act. It obeys me.

A dark grin spread across his face as the realization took hold.

Aiya turned back to Kael, her protective instincts flaring. "What did you do to her?" she demanded, her voice trembling with anger.

Kael met her gaze, his smile fading. "I did nothing," he said, his tone calm.

But Aiya didn't believe him. She stepped in front of Perlia, shielding her from his view.

This are your roses please I think you should leave," she said firmly, her voice steady despite the fear creeping into her chest. Though this wasn't a professional way to attend to customers but even she couldn't hide the fact that she's afraid of Kael presences.

Kael tilted his head, as if considering her words. Then, without another word, he took the flowers turned and walked out of the shop.

The door closed behind him, and the bell's chime seemed unnaturally loud in the silence that followed.

Back in his chambers, Kael stood before the mirror. His reflection stared back at him, his crimson eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.

He touched his throat, remembering the girl's silent scream. The power he had used it was intoxicating. He wanted more.

Kael poured himself a glass of wine, the dark liquid swirling like blood in the goblet. He took a sip, his thoughts consumed by one name.

Leek.

"I'm ready to destroy you," Kael murmured, his voice filled with venom.

Back in Dereven, Enamel sat in her chamber, poring over ancient texts. Her advisor, Azriel, stood nearby, his expression grave.

"The artifact pieces are scattered," Azriel said. "But I've discovered something else. The Heiress is not as powerless as we believed."

Enamel's eyes narrowed. "Explain."

Azriel hesitated, then continued. "The curse she bears—it suppresses her true strength. If the curse is broken..."

"She becomes unstoppable," Enamel finished, her voice a whisper.

Azriel nodded. "And that's why so many have sought to destroy her. If she awakens, she could end us all."

Enamel's mind raced. The Heiress was more dangerous than she had realized. And Kael...

She clenched her fists, her suspicion of him deepening.

A storm was brewing. Kael's hunger for power, Enamel's scheming, and the Heiress's hidden strength were on a collision course.

Back in the flower shop, Aiya watched over Perlia, her heart heavy with worry. She didn't understand what had happened, but she knew one thing for certain.

Kael was dangerous.

And he wasn't finished.