Unmasking the Truth: Arvanya's Quest for the Forgotten Dragons

Arvanya's POV:

I hesitated, feeling my heart race as I prepared to ask the question that had been gnawing at me for weeks. My fingers fidgeted with the hem of my shirt as I finally spoke, "Do you think... I could go to Vortex Academy? I mean, I could hide my identity and find out what's really going on there."

The room went silent. My brothers stared at me in disbelief, their expressions a mix of concern and astonishment. My dad's face shifted, his eyes narrowing as if weighing the gravity of my words. He stood up, his voice booming through the tension-filled air.

"Absolutely not, Arvanya! You cannot risk your life like that. The dangers at Vortex Academy are too great. We've kept your powers hidden for a reason."

Adrian, ever the protective older brother, added quickly, "Arvi, you have no idea how ruthless that place can be. The students there don't respect anyone who's different, and if they find out who you are... no. It's not safe."

Thiago and Luca nodded in agreement, their faces serious. "He's right. We can't just let you walk into danger like that," Thiago said, his voice edged with worry.

Even my friends seemed taken aback by my suggestion. "Arvi, you can't seriously be considering this!" Sofia exclaimed, shaking her head in disbelief. "They'd never treat you fairly there."

"Yeah," Dante added, his tone grave. "Vortex Academy is known for its discrimination based on elemental powers. It's not a place for someone like you to go in, alone."

My mom stepped closer, her eyes filled with concern. "Arvi, I can't let you put yourself in harm's way. That academy is dangerous, and I don't want you facing that kind of hostility."

Frustration surged within me, but I took a deep breath, grounding myself in the conviction that had fueled my desire to confront this challenge. "I know it's dangerous. I know they're not kind to those they see as different. But that's why I can't ignore this. These visions... they're calling out to me, and I can't just sit here while others suffer."

My dad's frown deepened, but I saw something flicker in his eyes—a glimpse of something deeper than just worry. "Dad, why do I have to hide my powers? Lucian has the same powers, yet he and his family don't hide it. What's so different about me?"

He stiffened, his jaw tightening as if he wanted to brush off the question. "It's different for him, Arvi. His situation isn't the same."

"How?" I pressed, frustration seeping into my voice. "Why should he be allowed to show his powers openly, while I have to pretend I'm nothing special?"

He avoided my gaze, glancing away as if searching for an excuse. "Because he's just not a prince, Arvi. He is the future ruler of all elemental kingdoms like his father. The expectations are different for him."

"But why should that matter? Just because of a title?" I felt my heart pounding, the tension boiling over. "What's really the difference? Am I not special? Am I not worthy of showing who I truly am?"

For a long moment, he didn't answer. The silence was thick, everyone watching as if they too sensed the gravity of the question. My dad took a slow breath, and his expression shifted to something softer, almost haunted.

"Lucian... went through something when he was younger," he began quietly. "Something terrible. When he was ten, he was attacked because of his powers. He was a target, Arvi. And his sister..." His voice broke, his eyes lowering. "His sister died trying to save him."

"I arrived just in time to save him, but... I couldn't save her." His voice grew quieter, burdened by the weight of old pain. "King Drakos and I agreed to keep this a secret, to protect the reputation of the Fire Kingdom. We never told anyone, not even Lucian's closest family, because it would tarnish their legacy."

He paused, his gaze distant, as if recalling the terrifying events. "Those who attacked him weren't just any elemental dragons. They were... different, unlike any dragons we've ever known. Their power was darker, twisted in ways I still don't fully understand. They didn't care about the elemental balance or the kingdoms' traditions. They wanted something far more dangerous: complete control, a ruthless power over every element. They saw Lucian as a threat, and they'd stop at nothing to eliminate him, even if it meant harming those he loved."

My father's face was etched with a mixture of anger and sorrow. "They were unlike anything I've encountered, and if they could reach the prince of the Fire Kingdom—the future ruler of all elemental kingdoms—then I fear for those of us in lesser kingdoms. If a kingdom as powerful as Fire couldn't protect their prince... then Aquara, with our limited resources, would be even more vulnerable."

Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

A chill ran down my spine. Lucian's sister—gone? The weight of my father's words crashed over me. My heart raced as I processed the implications; if such a strong kingdom like the Fire Kingdom couldn't protect their own, what hope did our Aquara Kingdom have?

I swallowed hard, grappling with the implications of my father's words. Lucian was not just a prince; he was the future ruler of the Fire Kingdom, the most powerful elemental kingdom.

And yet, even they couldn't save him or his sister from that tragedy. If such a strong kingdom could not shield its own from harm, what hope did our Aquara Kingdom have?

The enormity of my father's words settled in, and for the first time, I understood. My father's protectiveness wasn't just caution—it was rooted in a deeply personal fear, a memory of nearly losing someone dear to him, of actually losing someone he couldn't save.

My heart ached at the thought—Lucian lost his sister because of his powers. I looked at my brothers, who were always so protective of me, their faces etched with concern.

They had fought to shield me from harm, to keep me safe. And then there were my parents, who had dedicated their lives to ensuring I was never in danger.

What if my powers caused them pain? What if my decision to embrace them led to someone I loved being hurt? I couldn't bear the thought of losing any of my family members because of me.

As I scanned the room, I saw the worry in my friends' eyes, the steadfast support they had always given me. Sofia, Dante, Kai, Lila, and Nico—they all had each other's backs. But if I stumbled, if my powers spiraled out of control, would they stand by me?

"I can't lose anyone," I whispered, my voice barely above a breath. "Not because of my powers. Not because of anything I do."

Dad's hand squeezed my shoulder gently, pulling me back to reality. "That's why we keep your powers hidden. We can't let history repeat itself. We can't let you become a target."

I nodded, but I felt a pang in my chest, a heavy ache that mirrored the storm within me. Holding my father's gaze, I softened my voice but stayed firm. "Dad, I understand the risks, and I promise to keep my powers hidden. But I can't ignore the dragons reaching out to me—they need help, and their cries resonate deep inside me. If I can make a difference, how can I turn my back on them? I have to try. This isn't just about my powers; it's about standing up for those who can't. Ignoring them would betray not only my abilities but also my heart.

His expression softened, but the tension in the room remained thick. He exchanged a glance with my mom, who looked equally torn. Finally, my dad sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. "You're asking for a lot, Arvi. You're asking us to trust you with your life."

"I know," I replied softly, my eyes pleading with him to see my resolve. "But if there's even a chance I can help those dragons, isn't it worth trying?"

After a long pause, he gave a reluctant nod, his expression stern yet softened by a hint of resignation. "Fine. You can go—but you must stay hidden. No one can know who you really are. And remember, Drakos Vortex is a friend, but that doesn't mean his academy will be kind to you."

I felt a rush of relief mixed with determination. I had convinced them, but I knew the real challenge lay ahead.

I would have to navigate Vortex Academy's secrets without revealing my own, and I couldn't afford to make any mistakes.

I sat across from my dad, determination hardening my voice. "Dad, I think you should speak to King Drakos. Tell him that I'm just an air elemental, a brilliant scholarship student from Aetheria Academy who is passionate about studying at Vortex Academy. No one will suspect anything if we keep my real powers hidden, and it'll be easier for me to investigate what's happening there."

My dad frowned, his brows drawing together. "Arvi, you don't understand. It would be safer if you went as a fire elemental. People there—especially students—are harsh on those with air dragons. If you go as a fire elemental, you'll have more respect and protection."

I shook my head, my resolve unwavering. "But that's exactly why I need to go as an air elemental, Dad. No one would expect an air elemental to be investigating anything. They'll see me as less of a threat, and it'll allow me to move under the radar. I know it sounds risky, but it's the best way."

Adrian, my eldest brother, leaned in, his face serious. "Arvi, Dad has a point. Those fire guys think they're untouchable. You'll face a lot of trouble just for being an air dragon. Are you sure you want to take that on?"

I nodded firmly. "I can handle it, Adrian. They can think what they want about air elementals. But it's the only way I'll be able to get close enough without drawing attention."

Thiago sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're stubborn, you know that? But if this is how you feel, we'll support you. Just... don't try to take everything on by yourself. You've got us."

Luca, the youngest of my brothers, grinned. "Yeah, Arvi, we've got your back. Even if you're going into the lion's den, you won't be alone."

My mom, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke, her voice gentle but worried. "Arvi, I know you want to do what's right, but your safety is important too. Your powers make you special, but they also make you a target. We've kept them hidden for so long for a reason."

I reached out to hold her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "I know, Mom. And I promise I'll be careful. But I can't ignore this. Dragons are reaching out to me for help. I need to do this, not just for them, but to understand what's really happening at Vortex Academy."

My dad let out a deep sigh, glancing at each of my brothers before meeting my eyes again. "All right, Arvi. I'll speak with King Drakos and make arrangements. But remember, if anything feels too dangerous, you have to let us know. We'll find another way."

Sofia, who had been standing beside me, placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "We're all in this together, Arvi. You're not doing this alone."

Lila nodded vigorously. "Just say the word, and we'll be there, no matter what. You've got a whole team backing you up."

I smiled at them, warmth swelling in my chest despite the tension in the air. "Thank you, all of you. I promise I won't let you down. And I'll be careful. But I have to go as an air elemental. It's the only way I can keep everyone safe and figure out what's really going on."

My dad's expression softened, but there was a shadow of worry behind his eyes. "Just promise me you'll come back in one piece, Arvi. We can't lose you."

"I promise, Dad," I whispered, though deep down, I knew the road ahead would be far more treacherous than any of us could imagine.