Chapter 09 - The Chimera of Thundervale

Aqui está a tradução para o inglês:

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**Chapter 09 - The Chimera of Thundervale**

So that's it. Soren is searching for a mysterious chimera to be his queen, because if he doesn’t fulfill the prophecy, Eldoria will also be destroyed.

— What if I’m not that chimera? — I ask, even though I know I don’t want to hear the answer.

— Then you will be free to follow any path you choose. — Soren doesn’t look at me as he answers.

It’s fine, we haven’t even had a romance. But knowing that he’s willing to give up the attraction we feel for each other so easily hurts me.

— And how will we know if I’m the chimera of Thundervale? — I ask, looking at everyone in the room.

— We’re trying to uncover your past. Where you came from, what your magical origins are. Twyla will soon start training you to manifest your hidden powers. That way, we can identify your other magical personality. — Soren explains. — And Draven is searching for other chimeras that might exist. Rowen and Rudolph are looking for information about your history in the Land of Humans.

— Malachai could simply tell us, couldn’t he? — I feel hatred in my own words.

— He refuses. He hasn’t uttered a single word since he arrived here. — Soren explains.

— Can’t you force him to speak?

— In other circumstances, we could use force and pain against him. Draven is particularly good at that. — I look at Draven, who winks at me and smiles wickedly. — But we can’t hurt Malachai without hurting you.

— Of course, you can’t harm a potential future Queen. — I think my words sounded a bit too acidic.

Soren looks shocked.

— I couldn’t bear to hurt you in any way. — I sense pain in his voice as he says this. My heart races.

The worst part is that I can’t stop deluding myself with Soren, even knowing that he might be destined for another woman.

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In the months that followed, I met with Twyla every day. In these sessions, she guides me through the intricate paths of magic. I’ve learned to control small elements, feel the energy around me, and channel my own magical force. Each session is challenging, but the determination to uncover the truth about my magical identity drives me forward.

Rain and storms have taken over the weather in Eldoria, ending the few outdoor classes I had. In compensation, I can now dedicate myself to reading and feel proud to be reading my first book. I’ve discovered some aptitude for drawing, which helps me relax.

Twyla and my tutor Sylvana have concluded that I’m not suited for divination and predicting the future. Thus, I won’t advance in this area of study. On the other hand, my skills in magical potions and spells seem promising. I also enjoy history and have learned that Eldoria has a long lineage of powerful queens. I understand the reasons why Soren places so much trust in the prophecy. The witch queens have always ruled alongside the king, crucial in many situations. But there have also been queens who brought great problems.

The Nocturna house, to which Soren and Draven belong, comes from a lineage that has occupied the throne for over fourteen hundred years. And it was the only Magical Kingdom left after the wars between magical peoples. There were once great kingdoms of Werewolves, Fairies, Mermaids, and many other magical peoples. But the struggle for power decimated many of these peoples. Those who survived either took refuge under Eldoria’s protection or moved to the Land of Humans to live disguised among non-magical people.

Tonight, sleep is slow to come, and all possible thoughts circle my mind. Part of me wishes to be the chimera of the prophecy and have Soren forever. The other part still feels a lot of fear. The truth is, everything is so new, and I’m diving headfirst into a world I never imagined existed.

Since I learned to read, the library has become one of my favorite places. The castle library is large and beautiful. Ravenna and Marigold are the two librarians who manage the collection; they are friendly and seem to know any book you’re looking for.

I particularly enjoy books about magical plants and animals. They have helped me advance significantly in potion preparation, and now I have my own collection of potions I’ve made. Some took weeks to be ready, but I’ve learned that some can take years.

There’s a large map on the wall showing the entire extent of Soren’s kingdom. The Solestia Desert, the Drachronos Archipelago, Thundervale, Saevus, Syrenia, the Black Serpent Cliffs, the Lupina Forest, and the Dragon Range once belonged to other magical realms but are now Eldoria’s territory. I’m eager for the moment when I can leave Nocthelion and learn more by exploring the country. Until then, I’ve been learning from the books.

Today, I took advantage of my free time with a book about Eldoria’s folklore. In the rush of daily life, these moments in the library are the only times I see Yvonne. She has also dedicated herself to her studies, and we recently learned that she is a sun fairy. She wants to focus her studies and development on healing magic.

I still haven’t decided what I want to do. I like many things but don’t know if I’m particularly good at any of them. I haven’t discovered what kind of witch I am or what my other magical personality might be.

Yvonne seems much more mature and serious now. She smiles less, perhaps because we’re trapped in the castle, or maybe because summer is at its peak, and she’s very focused on magic projects with solar energy.

When I enter the library, I see Yvonne sitting at a table with a pile of books in front of her. She’s making notes in a grimoire while reading information from a thick book propped up against the pile.

I rush to sit at the table in front of her. Yvonne barely looks up to see who it is.

— What are you reading about? — I ask excitedly.

— I want to learn how to cultivate firecloves. I’ll need some.

Firecloves are very useful for treating wounds caused by animal bites but are quite difficult to cultivate.

— When you’re done, would you like to go to my room for a watermelon juice with pepper along with Veridian, Lumina, and me?

— I don’t have time, Thalassa. So much to study, and I think you should be doing the same. — She responds without stopping what she’s doing.

— I think we can take a little time to rest.

— If I were as behind as you, I’d be more dedicated. Maybe that’s why you still don’t know who you are. — Yvonne responds while quickly packing her things. She takes the books to the counter to return them to Marigold.

This hurts me a bit, but I try to let it go. Things haven’t been easy for us. Still, some stubborn tears fill my eyes, and I walk to the more distant bookshelves.

I miss Yvonne. At first, I thought our tight schedules were keeping us apart, but sometimes I feel like she doesn’t want to be with me.

I try to wipe away my tears with the fabric of my dress when I feel a large hand on my shoulder. Startled, I turn and see Soren. He looks concerned when he sees my tear-streaked face.

— Is there anything I can do for you? — He tenderly wipes my tears with his finger.

There are a million things I’d like Soren to do for me, but I can’t say any of them.

— I’ll be fine, Your Majesty. Thank you.

Soren continues to gently caress my face, and I can’t stop looking into his amber eyes. He holds my chin gently and leans in to kiss me.

It’s dangerous for someone to see us, but I can’t resist. I let him pull me closer and kiss me more.

His taste overwhelms me, and the way his tongue explores my mouth sets me on fire.

He grips my hand and leads me to one of the library’s private rooms.

Soren sits in an armchair and pulls me onto his lap. As always, I can’t resist and am soon sitting on his lap. He kisses me even more, and his hand wanders over my body beneath the dress. I gather the courage to explore his body with my hands, and he kisses my neck. My whole body tingles.

But then we hear knocking on the door.

— King Soren, are you there? — Twyla’s voice calls from outside.

Soren sighs in frustration, while I feel irritation growing within me.

Twyla always shows up during our rare opportunities. I get off his lap, which makes him groan in disappointment.

Soren gestures and opens the door without even getting up from the chair.

— Can’t you let your guard down a little, Twyla? Just a little? — Soren sounds ironic and irritated.

— I can’t, Sir. But that’s not why I’m here. There’s urgent news. Rudolph and Rowen need to speak with you now. It’s a delicate matter.

Soren doesn’t ask any questions and exits the room with long strides. Twyla gestures for me to follow, and I hurry after her. We soon lose sight of Soren as Twyla leads me through a passage behind a tapestry. We walk down a dimly lit corridor, making so many turns that I’m sure I couldn’t find my way back alone. When we finally arrive at a room with statues and candelabras

.

From here, we can hear the voices of the King, Rudolph, and Rowen.

— We don’t know how this remained hidden for so long, Your Majesty. — I hear Rowen speaking. His voice still unsettles me, even after some time.

Twyla shows me small peepholes in the walls; I manage to fit my eyes in them and get a view of the council room.

Rowen and Rudolph are standing, with dusty travel cloaks on. There was something so serious that they had to report to the king before bathing or changing clothes.

A smaller figure was also hooded. They held a cage with a large owl inside.

— Are you sure it’s a… — Soren’s voice sounded strangely disappointed.

— Yes, sir, here we have a female chimera, daughter of a warlock and a fairy from Thundervale.

I felt my legs weaken and collapsed on the floor.