Chapter 31: The King's Summons

The castle loomed ahead, its spires piercing the evening sky as the last rays of sunlight bathed its white stone in a golden hue. For most, it was a symbol of safety and strength, a bastion of the kingdom's power. But for Aria, it felt more like a prison waiting to swallow her whole.

As she and Mira walked through the city streets toward the towering gates, the air grew heavier. The events at the cathedral replayed in her mind—how the Saintess had uncovered the mark on her chest, the clash of energies that had nearly undone her, and the crystal that had saved her at the last moment. Each step felt more labored as if invisible chains were binding her to the path ahead.

The streets were alive with activity, but the bustling crowds did little to comfort her. Instead, Aria felt exposed, her every movement drawing unwanted attention. The changes in her body had only intensified since their encounter with the succubus. Her presence seemed to command an unnatural allure, pulling people's gazes toward her like moths to a flame.

Mira walked close beside her, one hand resting on the hilt of her sword. "Stay close," she murmured, her eyes scanning their surroundings. "I don't like how they're looking at you."

Aria didn't respond immediately. She was too focused on keeping her composure, fighting against the strange heat building within her. Her skin tingled where the mark on her chest pulsed faintly, sending waves of warmth through her body.

"Aria?" Mira's voice broke through her thoughts.

"I'm fine," Aria said, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her.

Mira frowned but didn't press further.

---

Eyes on Her

The closer they came to the castle, the more intense the stares became. Men and women alike paused in their steps, their gazes lingering on Aria with expressions that ranged from admiration to unrestrained lust. Some whispered amongst themselves, their words faint but audible enough to send a shiver down her spine.

"Who is she?"

"She's stunning… but there's something about her."

"I can't look away…"

Aria's fists clenched at her sides as she quickened her pace, hoping to escape their scrutiny. But the attention seemed to follow her like a shadow, inescapable and suffocating.

"Keep your head up," Mira said, her voice firm but gentle. "Don't let them see you falter."

Aria nodded, though her resolve was quickly waning. Every step seemed to amplify the sensations coursing through her. Her heightened senses picked up on every murmur, every lingering glance. Her body felt foreign, as though it were no longer entirely her own.

---

The Castle Gates

When they reached the castle gates, two armored guards stepped forward, their spears crossing to block the entrance.

"State your business," one of them barked, though his voice faltered slightly when his eyes landed on Aria. His stern demeanor softened, and he quickly straightened his posture.

"Lady Aria and Lady Mira, summoned by His Majesty," Mira said, her tone sharp and authoritative.

The guards exchanged a glance before stepping aside. "You may enter."

The grand gates creaked open, revealing the sprawling courtyard within. It was a hive of activity—servants bustled about with trays and linens, knights sparred in the training yard, and nobles lingered in groups, their laughter echoing through the open space.

Yet, as Aria and Mira stepped inside, a hush fell over the crowd. Conversations ceased, and all eyes turned toward them—or rather, toward Aria.

"Who is that?" one noblewoman whispered, her fan pausing mid-flutter.

"She's… captivating," murmured a young man, his cheeks flushed.

Aria's cheeks burned as she avoided their gazes, her discomfort mounting. Mira placed a reassuring hand on her back, guiding her toward the castle's main entrance.

"Almost there," Mira said softly.

---

The Throne Room

Inside the castle, the air was cooler but no less oppressive. Lavish tapestries adorned the walls, and the polished marble floors reflected the golden glow of the chandeliers overhead. The steward waiting near the staircase bowed deeply as they approached.

"Lady Aria, Lady Mira," he said, his tone respectful but his eyes lingering on Aria a moment too long. "His Majesty awaits you in the throne room."

Aria nodded, her throat dry as she followed him up the grand staircase. The weight of the day pressed heavily on her, and the strange sensations in her body showed no sign of abating.

When they reached the throne room doors, the steward pushed them open, revealing a vast hall that seemed to stretch on forever. Pillars of white marble lined the room, each one intricately carved with scenes of the kingdom's history. At the far end, the king sat on his gilded throne, his expression unreadable.

Aria's steps faltered as she felt an inexplicable tension in the air. Something was off, though she couldn't pinpoint what.

---

The King's Veil

"Your Majesty," the steward announced, bowing low. "Lady Aria and Lady Mira, as summoned."

The king gestured for them to approach, his movements slow and deliberate. Aria couldn't help but notice the faint glint in his eyes—a subtle but unsettling shimmer that made her stomach churn.

"Welcome," the king said, his voice smooth but devoid of warmth. "I have heard much about you, Aria Valen."

Aria inclined her head, her pulse quickening. "Your Majesty."

The king's gaze lingered on her, his expression inscrutable. "You have been causing quite a stir. Tales of your beauty and… uniqueness have reached even my ears."

Aria stiffened, her unease growing. There was something predatory in his tone, a veiled intent that sent a chill down her spine.

"I trust your journey back to the capital was uneventful?" the king continued, though his words felt more like an interrogation than polite conversation.

"It was… manageable," Aria replied carefully.

The king's lips curved into a faint smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Good. I have plans for you, Lady Aria. Great plans."

Before Aria could respond, the doors behind them creaked open, and a group of armored figures entered the hall. Their pristine white armor bore the insignia of the Church of the Radiant Flame, and at their head was a man with a stern expression and a commanding presence.

The Saintess was nowhere to be seen, but the presence of the Church only added to Aria's growing unease.

"Your Majesty," the lead paladin said, bowing deeply. "We have come to ensure the sanctity of your meeting with Lady Aria."

The king's smile widened, though it was anything but reassuring. "Of course. Lady Aria is a guest of great importance, after all."

---

A Lingering Threat

As the meeting continued, Aria felt the weight of every gaze in the room pressing down on her. The king's words were laced with hidden meanings, and the paladins' presence only served to heighten her anxiety.

By the time they were dismissed, Aria's nerves were frayed. Mira stayed close by her side as they left the throne room, her protective demeanor unwavering.

"That was… tense," Mira said once they were out of earshot.

Aria nodded, her thoughts racing. The king's behavior had been strange, and the presence of the Church paladins had only added to the mystery. But what disturbed her most was the faint glimmer in the king's eyes—a glimmer that reminded her of the mark on her chest.

As they walked through the castle halls, Aria couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. And as they stepped back into the bustling streets of the capital, the weight of their journey ahead felt heavier than ever.

The allure of the crystal, the hunger gnawing at her, and the whispers of the succubus's words all swirled together in her mind. Whatever lay ahead, Aria knew she was on a path from which there was no turning back.

Fulfilling the King's Order

The streets outside the castle were bustling with life as twilight settled over the city. Aria and Mira walked side by side, Mira's hand resting lightly on the hilt of her sword. The king's cryptic behavior lingered in Aria's mind like a bitter taste she couldn't shake. His words—"great plans"—had unsettled her. The presence of the Church paladins and their veiled scrutiny only made it worse.

"What do you make of that?" Mira finally asked, her tone cautious.

Aria shook her head. "I don't know. Something felt... wrong. The king wasn't himself."

Mira nodded. "Agreed. The way he spoke, the way he looked at you... it felt calculated."

The two of them turned onto a quieter street, their footsteps echoing faintly. Aria glanced at the rolled parchment Mira carried, which contained the king's orders. They had been tasked with investigating a site outside the city—an old fortification that had recently been overrun by a group of rogue magic users. The king claimed their presence threatened the safety of the capital, but Aria couldn't help but wonder if there was more to it.

The orders had been vague, with little explanation of the enemy or the fort's importance. But there was no room for hesitation; their departure had been commanded, and the task lay ahead.

---

Preparations for Departure

The next morning, Aria and Mira made their way through the crowded marketplace, gathering supplies for their journey. The sun shone brightly overhead, but the mood between them was subdued.

Mira browsed through the weapon stalls, inspecting the steel blades with a critical eye. Aria, meanwhile, found herself drawn to a stall selling books and scrolls. Her gaze landed on a dusty tome with a worn leather cover, its title faded with age.

The merchant noticed her interest and leaned forward. "That one's an old relic, miss. Supposedly has some strange writings about magic from the early days of the kingdom."

Aria picked up the book, her fingers brushing against its rough surface. She couldn't explain why, but the book seemed to hum faintly in her hands, as if resonating with her magic.

"I'll take it," she said, handing over a few coins.

As they continued through the market, the stares followed them once again. Aria could feel the intensity of the gazes, the murmurs that rippled through the crowd as they passed. Her presence had become magnetic, drawing people to her whether she wanted it or not.

"Are you alright?" Mira asked, noticing Aria's uneasy expression.

Aria hesitated, then nodded. "I'm fine. Let's just finish up here."

---

The Journey Begins

By midday, they had departed the capital, their path taking them through the rolling hills and forests that surrounded the city. The air was crisp, the scent of pine and wildflowers filling their lungs. For a time, the beauty of the landscape helped ease the tension between them.

As they rode side by side, Mira broke the silence. "What do you think we'll find at the fort?"

Aria frowned. "If the king's orders are true, rogue magic users. But I can't shake the feeling that there's more to this."

Mira nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It wouldn't be the first time we've been sent into something without all the facts. We'll need to stay sharp."

Aria felt a pang of guilt at Mira's words. She had kept much of her own turmoil hidden—the changes in her body, the growing mark on her chest, the hunger that gnawed at her from within. She knew she couldn't hide it forever, but the thought of sharing it made her chest tighten.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, they reached a clearing near the edge of the forest and decided to make camp for the night.

---

A Restless Night

The fire crackled softly as Mira tended to their meal, the flickering light casting long shadows against the trees. Aria sat nearby, the old tome she had purchased in the market resting in her lap. She ran her fingers over its pages, the strange symbols and diagrams within captivating her.

"What's that?" Mira asked, glancing over.

"A book I found in the market," Aria said. "It's about old magic—early theories from before the kingdom was fully established."

Mira raised an eyebrow. "Anything useful?"

"Not yet, but... it feels connected somehow," Aria murmured, her eyes scanning the text.

Mira didn't press further, instead focusing on their meal. But as the night wore on, Aria found it increasingly difficult to concentrate. The mark on her chest pulsed faintly, and the hunger within her grew sharper. It was a need she couldn't ignore, a craving that twisted her insides and made her skin prickle.

"Aria," Mira said softly, snapping her out of her thoughts. "You're trembling."

Aria looked down at her hands, realizing Mira was right. She quickly closed the book and set it aside. "I'm fine," she said, though her voice was strained.

"No, you're not." Mira moved closer, her concern evident. "You've been off ever since we left the cathedral. Talk to me."

Aria hesitated, the words caught in her throat. She wanted to tell Mira everything—the changes, the mark, the hunger—but fear held her back. Instead, she forced a smile. "It's just the stress of everything. I'll be alright."

Mira didn't look convinced, but she didn't push further. "If you say so. But if something's wrong, you tell me. Promise?"

Aria nodded. "Promise."

---

The Fort Approaches

The next morning, they broke camp and continued their journey. The road grew rougher as they neared the fort, the air growing colder with each passing mile. By midday, they could see the crumbling stone walls in the distance, shrouded in mist.

"There it is," Mira said, her hand tightening on her sword. "Stay alert."

As they approached, the feeling of unease that had lingered since the castle only grew stronger. The fort was eerily silent, its gates hanging ajar.

Aria dismounted and placed a hand on the hilt of her dagger. Her magic stirred within her, a faint hum that seemed to resonate with the atmosphere around them.

"Ready?" Mira asked, her voice low.

Aria nodded, her heart pounding. Whatever awaited them inside, she knew it would be another step on the path that seemed to lead deeper into the unknown.