The following days after Seraphina's discovery were filled with tension. The truth she had uncovered about her bloodline could not remain hidden for long. Whispers of her findings spread throughout the palace like wildfire, and soon, the kingdom's nobles were divided into factions. Some were loyal to the Empress, unwilling to let go of the old ways, while others secretly supported Seraphina, hoping she would bring a new dawn.
But Seraphina wasn't naive. She knew that the Empress would do everything in her power to suppress the truth and maintain her grip on the throne. The past was never truly buried—no matter how many lies were spun.
It was the night of the full moon when everything changed.
Seraphina stood by the palace's grand window, looking out over the kingdom. The moonlight bathed the land in silver, and the distant mountains loomed like silent sentinels. Her reflection stared back at her, a princess, a villainess, a ruler-in-the-making. The weight of everything she had uncovered—her lineage, the prophecy, her own dark powers—pressed down on her shoulders.
She wasn't sure how much longer she could remain silent. The time for action was near, but Seraphina knew that the first move had to be hers. She needed to gain the support of the people, of the soldiers, before she could confront the Empress head-on.
Turning away from the window, Seraphina made her way to the royal archives once more. She needed to gather every piece of information about the kingdom's history, every secret that could be used to her advantage.
But as she passed through the grand hall, she found a figure waiting for her in the shadows. The tall, mysterious figure stepped forward, their eyes gleaming in the dim light. It was one of her male leads—the assassin in training. His face was a mask of indifference, but his presence was undeniably intimidating.
"You've been busy," he said, his voice low and dangerous.
Seraphina didn't flinch. She had grown accustomed to his cryptic nature. "I'm learning what I must."
The assassin nodded, his expression unreadable. "The Empress knows. She's already taken action. Her spies are everywhere."
"I'm not afraid of her," Seraphina replied, meeting his gaze. "We need to act fast, before she silences me for good."
The assassin stepped closer, his voice barely a whisper. "The kingdom won't fall without a fight. You'll need more than truth to take the throne. You'll need power—true power."
Seraphina's heart skipped a beat. She had always known the stakes were high, but the mention of true power left a gnawing unease in her chest. She was already learning to control her magic, but it wasn't enough. Not yet.
"What do you suggest?" she asked, her tone sharp.
The assassin smiled coldly. "The divine beast—the one that spoke to you. It's not just a creature of legend. It's a source of power. Find it, and you'll have the strength to face the Empress."
---
The next few days passed in a blur as Seraphina began her search. The assassin led her through hidden passages beneath the palace, to forgotten chambers where ancient rituals were performed. She had never thought to question the stories about the divine beast, but now, with the stakes higher than ever, she had no choice.
The creature was said to reside deep within the forest beyond the kingdom's borders, a place where few dared venture. Some believed it was a manifestation of the kingdom's lost magic, others a guardian of the royal bloodline. But Seraphina had learned to trust no one completely, not even the assassin who had come to her aid.
As the night of the full moon approached, Seraphina and the assassin set out, leaving the palace under the cover of darkness. The moon's glow cast eerie shadows across the trees as they ventured into the forest. Silence enveloped them, broken only by the rustling of leaves underfoot and the occasional snap of a twig.
Finally, after hours of travel, they reached a clearing, bathed in the pale light of the full moon. In the center of the clearing stood an ancient stone altar, covered in ivy. And there, before her, was the divine beast.
It was massive, its scales shimmering like liquid silver, its eyes glowing with an ethereal light. Its presence was overwhelming, yet there was a strange sense of calm that washed over Seraphina. She could feel its power, its connection to her bloodline.
---
The divine beast lowered its head, as if acknowledging her. Seraphina stepped forward, her heart pounding in her chest. She had come for power, for the strength she needed to challenge the Empress. But what would she have to sacrifice in return?
"I seek your power," Seraphina whispered, her voice steady despite the tumultuous emotions inside her. "I need it to reclaim my kingdom, to restore my bloodline."
The divine beast regarded her with eyes full of ancient wisdom. It spoke without words, its presence wrapping around her mind, filling her with a sense of destiny.
Your bloodline is tainted by betrayal, the beast's voice resonated in her thoughts. But you are the one who can mend it. You must decide, Seraphina Vaelen. Will you accept the price of true power?
Her breath caught in her throat. The price of true power. What did it mean?
Before she could respond, the assassin spoke. "The Empress is already moving against you. We must act now."
The divine beast's eyes narrowed. Choose carefully, for once the path is taken, there is no turning back.
---
Seraphina knew there was no other option. Her choices had been narrowed, and the fate of the kingdom rested in her hands. The Empress would never relinquish power willingly. She had to fight for it—by any means necessary.
"I accept," Seraphina said, her voice filled with resolve.
The divine beast raised its head, and for a moment, the moonlight seemed to shine brighter. A wave of power surged through Seraphina, filling her veins with energy, awakening the magic that had been dormant for so long.
Her journey had just begun, but now, with the power of the divine beast coursing through her, she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
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End of Chapter 20
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