Child do not be afraid
Ava's POV
“Ava… it’s time.”
“Gwen, did you hear that?” I asked, confusion and surprise lacing my voice.
“Hear what?” she replied, her face puzzled.
“Nothing,” I muttered, shaking off the eerie feeling. I convinced myself my mind must’ve been hazy for a moment, even though the sensation of being watched lingered. As we walked closer to the dining hall, the air seemed to lighten, the tension slipping away.
We entered the dining hall, and it was breathtaking as usual. I couldn't get enough of it. The sweet aroma of food filled my lungs every time, and the sumptuous sight before me was delightful. In the midst of everything, my eyes spotted Jocelyn, her followers in tow, seated in the center of the room like royalty. A few students, likely lower-rank trainees, were serving her. Our eyes locked, and in that brief second, I could see it, Jocelyn’s intentions were far from good and as always, I was proven right by her next move.
“Let’s sit over there, Gwen,” I said, motioning to a very quiet corner at the end of the hall. I wasn’t in the mood to be the center of attention, especially after all the gossip from the maids earlier, yet even that didn't desist Jocelyn.
“Hey, pigsty,” came the voice from across the hall. I didn’t need to turn around to know it was Jocelyn.
Here we go again. I could feel Gwen tense up beside me as they approached. I wasn’t in the mood for this today, but I knew Gwen was scared, her hand shaky in mine.
“It’s okay. She can’t harm you,” I whispered, squeezing her hand gently. Gwen gave me a faint, uncertain smile.
Jocelyn and her followers drew closer, capturing the attention of everyone in the dining hall. “Where were you earlier, pigsty?” Jocelyn sneered, turning her gaze to Gwen.
“Don’t call her that. She has a name, Jocelyn,” I shot back, keeping my tone steady and cool.
The hall fell silent for a moment, everyone watching the unfolding drama, like they have been waiting for it all their lives. Jocelyn, predictably, wasn’t going to let my defiance slide. She grabbed our food tray, her intent clear and that's to dump it all over Gwen. But I saw it coming.
Before she could carry out her plan, I put my leg forward and I tripped her. She stumbled, nearly falling, barely managing to avoid spilling the food on herself.
“Oh my bad,” I said with a smirk. “I didn’t realize you couldn’t hold your own feet.” I added to infuriate her further.
The hall erupted in whispers and laughter. Jocelyn’s face flushed red with embarrassment, and I could tell she was seconds away from launching a second attack.
But just as she was about to strike, the dining hall doors swung open.
It was the training master that always accompanied Gemma. The room instantly snapped back to order as though nothing had happened.
“Good day, everyone,” he said, his eyes briefly roaming toward Jocelyn and me. He seemed to sense the tension but chose to ignore it.
“There will be a sparring competition in two weeks. It’s called the Arcane Arena. All students are expected to participate, and the winner will be granted one wish by the Lycan King himself,” he announced, his voice firm. “This tradition has long been held in our kingdom. Those of you who were here last time know it is a sight to behold.”
He turned his gaze directly to Jocelyn and me. “It will be the perfect opportunity to show your peers how strong you are and who should be respected and feared.”
His words hung in the air like a challenge, stirring the anticipation in the room. “Students, prepare yourselves. Strengthen your bodies and sharpen your skills. I’ll see you all at the Arcane Arena.”
With that, he stormed out of the hall. Jocelyn’s crew moved away, though I could still feel her vengeful eyes on me.
The dining hall soon cleared out, and Gwen and I headed back to our different quarters. But the further we walked, the heavier the air became around me again, as though something or someone was watching me.
In the midst of my unease, I heard the voice again, this time more forceful, more urgent.
Ava… it’s time.
I stopped in my tracks. I see a door, a door I hadn’t noticed before creaked open at the end of the hallway. I turned toward it, my heart pounding.
“Ava, are you okay?” Gwen’s voice snapped me back to reality. I thought she had left. I didn't know, she was still around.
“Oh… yes. I’m fine,” I said, forcing a smile. I glanced back, but the door was gone. It had disappeared, like a shadow melting into the wall.
We reached my room and then said our goodbyes. I watched as Gwen went back to her lodge. As night fell, and as quickly, the palace became quiet with everyone asleep. Yet the voice continued to haunt me. I could still hear whispers lifting the hairs at the back of my neck. My name continued to be beckoned by the voice, Ava… Ava…
I found myself leaving the room, my feet moving of their own accord, leading me back to the dining hall, where it had all started. I saw the mysterious door, it was there again, wide open, calling to me. I felt both fear and a strange pull of excitement urging me forward.
I stepped through the doorway, and as soon as I did, the door slammed shut behind me, sealing me inside. The room was pitch black, and a chilling presence towered behind me. I whirled around, my body tensing, ready to defend myself.
Suddenly, the room lit up, and what stood before me wasn’t something I could fight alone. My legs were frozen in place, my mind racing, but my body refusing to move.
Then it spoke, its voice calm yet also commanding said
“Child… do not be afraid.”
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