Unveiling the Unseen: The Power of Healing

Lucian's POV:

I gently shook Aria, my voice trembling with a mix of fear and desperation. "Aria, please... open your eyes. Wake up, damn it!" My fingers brushed against her pale cheek, searching for any sign of life. The lifelessness of her body and the faint, shallow breaths gripped me with a terror I couldn't contain.

A trickle of blood had already started to stain her forehead, a deep gash where the chandelier had struck her. The blood flowed in a steady stream, making it worse—her condition was serious, far worse than I wanted to admit. Her hands were bruised too, as if she had instinctively tried to protect herself from the fall. Small cuts marred her palms, and there was blood beneath her nails. The sight made my stomach tighten, the weight of it heavy on my chest.

I didn't waste any time.

Without thinking, I scooped her up into my arms and ran. The air around me seemed to tremble with the intensity of my fear. Each step I took, my mind raced—this wasn't just an injury, it was worse than that. I could feel the panic rising, clawing at me, but I forced it down. I couldn't afford to lose control.

"Get her to the Infirmary," I heard Zane’s voice behind me, laced with an edge of worry. His words were a signal, but I knew the infirmary wasn’t far.

I didn’t acknowledge him. My focus remained entirely on Aria. My heart pounded, each beat in sync with the thunderous rhythm of my boots on the marble floor. Her condition—those injuries—were more than just wounds; they felt like fragments of something I couldn’t fully grasp. As if losing her in this moment would tear away a part of me I couldn’t bear to part with.

I heard my friends—Zane and Ryker—moving swiftly behind me, their voices barely audible over the rush of my thoughts. Esme and Calen were also trailing behind, their steps tense, the air thick with anxiety.

Esme's voice was quiet but strained. "Lucian, we need to hurry... She's... she's in bad shape."

I didn't answer. I couldn't. My thoughts were consumed by the sight of Aria in my arms, her blood staining my sleeve, her body so fragile it felt as if it might break apart at any moment. The wound on her head—it was deep, far too deep for comfort. The blood seemed endless, a vivid, horrifying contrast against the shredded remains of her blue gown, now drenched and wretched in crimson.

The Infirmary was close now, but every step felt like a lifetime. I had to get her help before it was too late. My heart thudded in my chest as I ran, each second stretched out in front of me like a cruel reminder of how little time I had to save her.

I rushed into the Infirmary, carefully placing Aria on one of the beds, my hands trembling as I fought to keep control. Dr. Kaelis, a healer renowned for her precision and unshakable focus, was already present. Yet, as her sharp eyes assessed Aria's injuries, even she seemed momentarily taken aback.

For agonizing moments, she didn't act, her attention locked on analyzing Aria's condition.

I couldn't hold back, my voice breaking under the weight of fear. "Why aren't you doing anything? Treat her already!"

Dr. Kaelis straightened, her tone calm but commanding. "Lucian, patience. I need to understand what's happening before I proceed."

Zane placed a steadying hand on my shoulder, his voice low but reassuring. "Lucian, let her do her job."

Ryker nodded beside him, his own worry etched across his face. "She's the best there is. Aria's in good hands."

Their attempts at comfort felt distant, muffled by the relentless pounding of my heart as I looked down at Aria, her fragile, unmoving form a stark reminder of how helpless I felt.

As time passed, my fear tightened around me, suffocating every rational thought. Each second that slipped by felt like an eternity. I could see Aria's pale face, her stillness haunting me more with each breath I took. My mind raced with terrifying possibilities, and I struggled to keep the panic at bay. Was she going to be okay? Was this my fault? Why wasn't she waking up? The questions circled endlessly, but all I could do was wait and hope that Dr. Kaelis knew what she was doing.

Dr. Kaelis brow furrowed, lips pressed tightly together. "This... is unusual," she muttered under her breath, leaning in closer to inspect Aria's wounds. She gently touched the bloodstained cut on her forehead, and the movement made me stiffen.

"What happened, Doctor?" I asked, my voice trembling. "Is she okay?" Fear clawed at my chest, consuming me more with every passing second. The silence between her words felt unbearable, stretching the uncertainty to its breaking point.

Dr. Kaelis glanced up at me, her expression a mix of concern and confusion. "It's strange... Her wounds, they're healing. And at an incredible speed."

I frowned, my heart racing even faster. "Healing? What do you mean?"

She sighed, her gaze flickering between me and Aria. "Normally, when someone sustains injuries this severe—especially a blow from something as heavy as that chandelier—they should be unconscious for a while. At least a few days. And the healing process, depending on the severity of the injury, would take weeks—perhaps even a month or more."

I felt a sharp pang of dread. But then she added something that froze me in place.

"Her wounds are healing faster than I've ever seen," Dr. Kaelis continued, her voice low but laced with awe. "If anyone else had this kind of injury, it would take them at least 21 to 22 days to heal. But her body... it's healing at a speed that's simply unnatural. With this kind of speed, she'll be fully healed in two or three days. Maybe less."

My mind reeled. The words echoed in my head, but I couldn't fully process them. How was this happening? I turned to look at my friends—Ryker, Zane, Esme, and Calen—each of them standing there, just as shocked as I was.

I blinked, the shock settling over me like a heavy weight. I looked down at Aria's pale face, her body still, but the bleeding was already slowing, and the bruises on her hands were fading by the minute. "Two or three days?" I repeated, barely able to process it.

Dr. Kaelis nodded, still bewildered. "Yes. I don't know how... but it's happening."

I stood there in stunned silence, my mind racing. I had always known that Elementals could heal faster than the average being. But this? This was beyond anything I had experienced. Even with five dragons—five elemental dragons—my healing, though rapid, was nothing compared to this.

I glanced at Ryker and Zane, their faces mirroring my own disbelief. "But she's an air elemental..." I said, more to myself than anyone else. "How can she heal this quickly?"

Ryker’s voice cut through the haze of confusion. "A single elemental can’t recover this fast—not even you, Lucian, with all five elements. This isn’t normal. We’re not known for this kind of rapid physical healing. It's..." He hesitated, struggling to find the right words. "it's as if something else is influencing it."

I ran a hand through my hair, frustration creeping in. It didn't add up. I had thought that only someone with multiple dragons, like me, could heal this quickly. My own healing was fast, yes, but not on this level. Aria only had one dragon—the air element. So how was this possible?

Esme, who had been standing near the door, stepped forward cautiously, her voice soft but filled with concern. "Could it be... something else? Could her connection with the air be... different somehow?"

I shook my head, still unable to grasp what was happening. "I don't know," I muttered, my voice strained. "But this isn't normal. I've never heard of an elemental healing like this before."

Dr. Kaelis remained silent for a moment, continuing her examination. Then, she finally looked up at me, her face filled with uncertainty and awe. "This... whatever it is, it's completely unusual. The speed at which she's recovering, it's beyond anything I've seen before. There's a chance Aria may be aware of her healing abilities but hasn't shared it with anyone. After all, everyone has been injured at some point—whether it's during combat training or an accident. So it's possible Aria knows what's happening and has kept it to herself. Whenever she's been injured before, this is definitely how she heals. Her family must know about it too."

The room fell silent, the weight of the revelation settled heavily in the room. I turned to Esme and Calen, searching their faces for any hint that they knew something we didn't. They were Aria's closest friends here, after all, the ones she confided in the most. But as I looked at them, I saw only the same confusion and concern mirrored in their eyes. They had no idea either.

Esme's brow furrowed in disbelief. "She never told us anything about this," she murmured, shaking her head slowly.

Calen stood silent, his usual confident demeanor now replaced with an uncharacteristic uncertainty. "If she knew... she would've shared it with us," he said quietly, his voice laced with doubt.

My heart sank as I looked back at Aria, her body healing at a pace unlike anything I had ever witnessed. Whatever this was, it was a secret she had kept hidden—one that even her closest friends didn't know about. And now, I couldn't help but wonder why. Could this truly be linked to her air elemental powers, or was there something deeper at play, something she wasn't sharing with any of us? One thing was clear: Aria wasn't just any elemental.

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As the realization hit me, I suddenly became aware of the looming presence of the principal and the academy's faculty members. They would likely arrive soon, and the situation would escalate beyond our control. My mind raced, the weight of the secret pressing down on me.

I turned to Dr. Kaelis, my voice firm but laced with urgency. "This needs to stay between us—for now," I said, my eyes locking with hers. "I don't want anyone finding out about this before we understand everything fully." As a seasoned healer and someone who respected the rules, I knew she would comply with my request.

She gave a small nod, her gaze steady. "Understood, Prince Lucian."

Turning toward my friends—Zane, Ryker, Esme, and Calen—I spoke again, my tone grave. "You need to keep this between us as well. It's not safe for Aria if this gets out. We can't risk others finding out just yet."

Each of them exchanged concerned glances, but they understood. Zane placed a hand on my shoulder, giving a quiet nod. Ryker and Esme were silent, their faces etched with worry. Calen, though the most reserved, simply met my gaze, his usual calm replaced with unease

As I looked back at Aria, my thoughts darkened. I knew all too well how being different could put someone in danger. It wasn't just the risk to herself—people close to those with unique powers could become targets. I had lost my sister, Celine, because of the very same reason. She had been my closest ally, my protector, and yet, her death had been a harsh reminder of the dangers that came with being special. Being different was a curse as much as it was a gift. I couldn't bear to see Aria suffer the same fate.

Dr. Kaelis gently placed a hand on my shoulder. "I’ll need to do some dressing on Aria and tend to her wounds. You’ll need to wait outside for a while." Her voice was calm, but I could sense the gravity of the situation in her tone.

Reluctantly, I nodded. "Alright. We’ll wait outside." I glanced at Aria one last time before stepping out into the corridor, the weight of the secret still pressing heavily on me.

As we gathered in the hallway, Zane broke the silence. "Lucian, Aria is completely a mystery. First, she defeats Reed, a final year fire elemental, and she’s just an air elemental. And now, this... her healing powers? What more is she hiding from us?"

I let out a breath, trying to calm the growing storm inside me. "I don’t know, Zane. But whatever it is, it’s something that’s been kept hidden. And I have a feeling that there’s a lot more to her than any of us realize."

Ryker spoke next, his voice low and serious. "It’s strange, you know? I’ve never seen anything like it before. First, her powers in combat, and now... this?

Esme stepped forward, her expression full of concern. "Whatever it is, it’s clear that Aria isn’t just any other elemental. She’s different. And it worries me. If people find out... they won’t let her go easily."

Just as Esme finished speaking, the sound of footsteps echoed from the stairs. My heart raced as I recognized the familiar tread. Principle Gale and Master Orin were coming. I quickly straightened, preparing for their questions.

I glanced around at my friends, seeing the anxiety on their faces. "Don’t show your nervousness," I said sharply, my voice low but firm. "If they sense anything off, they’ll start to doubt. Stay calm."

Zane, Ryker, Esme, and Calen nodded, trying to compose themselves as Principle Gale and Master Orin arrived.

Principle Gale's sharp gaze locked onto me. "Lucian, what happened to Aria?"

I swallowed the knot in my throat before answering, my voice steady but laced with an underlying tension. "Dr. Kaelis is treating her. She’s being well taken care of.

The infirmary door creaked open, and Dr. Kaelis emerged, her expression carefully neutral. Principle Gale turned to her, concern still etched on her face.

"What’s the situation, Dr. Kaelis?" she asked, her voice authoritative.

I glanced at Dr. Kaelis, silently urging her to cover the truth, to protect Aria. She met my gaze, understanding in an instant, and then turned back to the principal.

"She has some minor injuries, nothing too serious," Dr. Kaelis said smoothly. "Lucian managed to get her out in time. With proper care, she’ll be fine in two or three days."

I held my breath, watching Gale’s reaction. She nodded slowly, her eyes still lingering on me for a moment before she turned to Master Orin.

"Keep an eye on things, Orin," Principle Gale instructed, her voice carrying authority as she addressed her colleague. She turned as if to leave, but something in the air kept her rooted, her gaze lingering on me.

Sensing the weight of the moment, I stepped forward, my voice steady yet urgent. "Principle Gale," I said, drawing her attention back fully. She paused, her sharp eyes softening slightly as she met my gaze, though the tension of the situation was far from dispelled.

"I think it’s vital we investigate how such a significant incident could occur at an event like this," I said, my tone resolute. "Who oversaw the preparations for the gala hall? How could a chandelier fall without any warning? This wasn’t just carelessness—it was a serious risk. Students could have been severely injured. We need answers."

Principle Gale exchanged a glance with Master Orin before nodding. "You’re absolutely right, Lucian," she replied, her voice firm but laced with concern. "This isn’t something we can overlook. I’ll ensure the staff investigates thoroughly. Rest assured, we’ll get to the bottom of this."

After Principal Gale left, Master Orin hesitated near the door, glancing at Dr. Kaelis with an uncertain expression. His tone held a subtle weight as he asked, "May I see Aria?"

A slight furrow formed between my brows as I sensed the unspoken concern in Orin's request. Dr. Kaelis looked toward me, silently seeking approval.

I glanced at Zane, Esme, Ryker, and Calen. Their faces mirrored my own unease. Straightening my back, I spoke with calm authority, "Let’s go inside."

Without hesitation, they followed as Master Orin and Dr. Kaelis opened the infirmary door. I stepped in last, the air heavy with tension.

Inside, the atmosphere was quiet, yet thick with an undercurrent of unease. My gaze locked on Aria. She lay on the bed, now dressed in a simple patient gown, her wounds carefully bandaged. Dr. Kaelis moved around her, checking her vitals, but my focus remained fixed on Aria.

My mind flashed back to the gala, not long ago. Aria had been radiant, her gown shimmering under the light as we danced. Her laughter, her grace—she had been the center of attention. But now, here she was, still and fragile, her vibrant energy replaced by a serene calmness.

Anger surged within me, like a storm threatening to break free. Whoever was responsible for this—whoever dared to harm her—would face my wrath. My fists clenched involuntarily, the weight of my protectiveness pressing heavily on me.

"I won’t spare them," I thought, my jaw tightening. "Not a single person involved."

Dr. Kaelis’s soft voice broke through my thoughts. "She’s stable now, but she’ll need rest."

I barely heard her, my mind already spiraling with plans to uncover the truth. For now, I kept my expression neutral, unwilling to show any vulnerability in front of Orin or Dr. Kaelis. But inside, my resolve hardened. Aria’s safety was no longer just a priority—it had become my mission.

Master Orin’s voice, uncharacteristically filled with concern, cut through the tension. "Are you sure, Doctor? She fell from so high—are you absolutely certain there’s nothing serious?"

My eyes widened at the depth of worry in Orin’s tone. He was not one to express concern like this, especially not for someone else. I exchanged glances with Zane, Esme, Ryker, and Calen. Their confusion mirrored mine—why was Master Orin so worried about Aria?

Dr. Kaelis met our questioning looks, her calm voice reassuring. "Yes, she will be fine. The injuries are minor, and she’s healing remarkably fast. Lucian got her out just in time—if he hadn’t acted, the outcome could have been much worse. There’s nothing to worry about."

Orin hesitated for a moment, his unease lingering. After a final glance at Aria, he nodded, though his worry was still apparent. "Very well. I’ll leave it in your hands." He turned to Esme, his voice softening. "Esme, stay with her. Let us know if anything changes."

As Master Orin left, Zane turned to me, his expression serious. "Lucian, you need to change. You’re covered in blood, and your hands and face… it’s not something you should walk around with."

I opened my mouth to protest, but before I could speak, Esme stepped forward and said firmly, "I’m staying here with Aria. You all should go and get changed. We’ll be fine here."

Reluctantly, I agreed, nodding at Esme before turning to leave with Zane, Ryker, and Calen. My thoughts were still a whirlwind, but for now, I had to trust that Aria was in capable hands.

Once in my room, I wasted no time. I quickly bathed and changed into fresh clothes, but even as the warm water ran over me, the image of Aria’s still form refused to leave my mind. Her wounds healing with unnatural speed only added to the growing unease gnawing at me.

Someone had caused the chandelier to fall. I was certain of it now. It hadn’t been an accident. Someone had intended to harm Aria. The question gnawed at me—who? And why? The tension in the air felt suffocating as I stood in my room, still damp from the shower, my thoughts racing. My pulse hadn't slowed since I saw her lying there, fragile and hurt. I couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t just an attack—it was personal.

I was still seething over the events of the night when the sound of hurried footsteps reached my ears. Zane and Ryker entered, their faces a mix of concern and uncertainty, as if they had something they needed to ask but weren’t sure how to approach it.

I raised an eyebrow, breaking the silence. "What is it?"

They exchanged a glance, then Zane spoke first, his voice cautious but probing. "Lucian, you… you’re different when it comes to Aria. The way you lost control in front of Owen when he insulted her—it’s not like you. And… you didn’t even hesitate to jump after her from the window. Do you even realize what that means?"

My jaw tightened, and I felt a flicker of something inside me at Zane’s words. He was right. Every time something involved Aria, my carefully built walls shattered. I had spent years constructing them, protecting myself from emotions, from weaknesses—yet she managed to tear through them effortlessly. And I didn’t know why.

"I don’t have an answer," I muttered, my voice quieter than usual. "I don’t know why I lose control like this when it comes to her."

Ryker hesitated, his voice unsure but sincere. "Do you think… is it possible that she’s your mate?"

The word hit me like a strike to the chest. Mate. I hadn’t even considered it. I thought about it now, though—the way my pulse raced when we touched, the way she stirred something deep inside me every time I looked at her. The sparks were undeniable. But the scent, that instant recognition that mates were supposed to feel—it wasn’t there. Or was it?

I frowned and shook my head slightly. "No," I said firmly, though the conviction in my voice was starting to waver. "She’s not my mate. That can’t be it."

Zane leaned forward, his tone pressing. "But what you feel—it’s not normal, Lucian. It’s like… everything we’ve heard about how mates feel for each other. The protectiveness, the pull. Are you sure?"

I clenched my jaw, trying to ignore the storm of thoughts swirling inside my head. "I felt the sparks," I admitted reluctantly, "when we danced, when I touched her hand. But the scent, the recognition—those things weren’t there. And the first time I saw her, there wasn’t… that overwhelming realization. She’s not my mate." I said it with more force this time, as if repeating it could make it true.

But as I looked at Zane and Ryker, exchanging those uncertain glances, my mind refused to calm. If she wasn’t my mate, why did I feel like this? Why did everything about her unnerve me, draw me in, and break through the walls I had spent so long constructing?

If Aria wasn’t the one I was destined for, then why did she feel like she was always meant to be?