Chapter 2
*Aria*
Since the event from fifteen years ago, I grew up with that bitterness and hatred lodged deep inside me, especially for the royal family. I knew for sure that my father wasn't the type to betray anyone. He was loyal to the core, respected, feared even. Something had gone terribly wrong. Either he was framed…
Or the Crown wanted him gone.
Since then, I vowed to uncover the truth.
No matter how long it took.
No matter what it cost me.
Even if it meant walking straight into the heart of the kingdom that destroyed my family.
The very academy that trained elite guardians meant for the royal family. The royal Guardian Academy
***
I stood in front of the massive gates of the Royal Guardian Academy, my heart pounding so hard it felt like it might burst out any minute.
The academy was larger than I imagined. High stone walls enclosed the entire grounds, with heavy iron gates at the front.
The building itself was massive, built from dark stone, its tall towers visible even from the road. Narrow windows ran along the structure, and guards stood stationed near the entrance. Nothing about the place felt soft or welcoming. It looked exactly like what it was meant to be, a fortress for warriors.
I had dreamed about this day for years, and now that I was here, it felt unreal and terrifying at the same time, because I knew well what awaited me inside.
I exhaled, bracing myself as I walked in. I had barely made it inside the academy when the speakers blared.
"Aria Vale, come to the principal's office immediately."
I stood still in my spot, confused. How had they spotted me as soon as I walked in. It felt like they'd been awaiting my arrival. Yeah I had some obviously distinct features that differentiated me from most, but still.
I clutched the acceptance letter tightly in my hand, heading inside the building.
The busy hallway became silent almost as soon as I walked in. All eyes turned to me, some casting judgemental glares, others genuinely curious. I couldn't blame them. My silver white hair was one thing that was hard to ignore.
I walked briskly through the hall way, my skin prickling uncomfortably from all the stares. If there was anything I hated, it was attention.
Why don't I just dey my hair you ask? Well, I've tried, a dozen times infact. But I never knew it was possible to have hair that was impossible to dye. Nothing I did worked, not even natural dye.
I walked for several minutes, and soon realize I had no idea what direction to take to the principal's office. I looked around, sucking in my breath.
It's usually times like these I wish I'd awakened my wolf. Maybe it's just my rotten luck, but my wolf refused to awaken even after my eighteenth birthday. It's been three years ever since and there's still not a single sign of that it'll manifest anytime soon.
Forcing on a tight smile, I approached the closest and nicest looking person I could find.
She was leaning against the wall, flipping through a book, her dark curls pulled into a neat bun. Unlike the others who stared openly, she barely glanced at me.
"Excuse me," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Can you tell me where the principal's office is?"
Her eyes finally lifted, scanning my face, then my hair. "You're Aria Vale?" she asked flatly.
I nodded. My name had been echoed throughout the academy so I wasn't surprised she knew my name already.
She tilted her head toward the far end of the hallway. "Second corridor to the left. Last door."
"Thank you."
She gave a small shrug and went back to reading her book as if I no longer existed.
Honestly, I preferred that.
I adjusted my grip on the letter and moved quickly, keeping my eyes to myself even though I badly wished to take a good look at every face I walked by.
By the time I reached the last door, my palms were damp. My mind raced with anticipation, although I already had an idea of why the principal had summoned me over.
I raised my hand and knocked.
"Enter." His deep voice echoed flatly.
I pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The office was large but simple. No unnecessary decoration. Just shelves lined with files, a wide desk, and a tall window letting in harsh daylight.
And behind the desk sat a face I knew too well. Commander Ryden, the very same man who'd killed my parents.
My stomach dropped. The world seemed to tilt sideways, and the letter in my hand felt like it had suddenly turned to lead. Commander Ryden was right here in front of me. Breathing the same air. The same man who had drenched my childhood in blood.
He didn't rise from his chair. His piercing cold eyes scanned me like a predator sizing up prey. A slow, cruel smile crept across his lips, the kind that made my blood run ice-cold.
"Aria Vale," he said, his voice a low rumble "I've been expecting you."
My fingers clenched the letter so tightly it crumpled slightly. I forced my legs to stay still, my breath coming out in shallow, uneven gasps. "You—what are you doing here?" I managed, my voice trembling despite my effort to steady it. "You—"
"Shh," he interrupted, cutting me off with the softest hiss that carried the weight of authority. "No need to cry over ghosts. You've come here for one reason. Don't pretend otherwise."
My pulse quickened. How could he possibly know? Unless, he's been keeping track of me for years.Rage flared hot inside me, but I forced myself to swallow it down. Anger and fear were a dangerous combination, and I was overwhelmed with both right now.
"I—I received my acceptance letter," I stammered, trying to sound composed. "were you behind it?"
It all made sense now. My application letter had been rejected, the board claiming they couldn't let the daughter of a traitor into the academy, but suddenly the decision was overruled without any explanation, and here I was.
He finally rose from his chair, his broad and familiar frame sending goosebumps prickling throughout my skin. My heart beat quicked, my chest tightening as panic clawed through me.
Damn it, It was happening again, I was having another panic attack. It only usually happened when I saw blood, but seeing this man right before me was even more scary than blood.
But his next words made my world come to a stop.
"I'm going to train you, and give you a chance to have your revenge... little one."