All Eyes on Me

Arvanya's POV:

I turned, my breath catching in my throat. The forest clearing seemed to twist and shift around me as if it were alive. The once-crumbling stone pillars, weathered by time and covered in moss, were no longer the same. Their surfaces were pristine, the intricate carvings of symbols now glowing faintly, pulsating in sync with the energy of the clearing.

Tentatively, I reached out, my fingers brushing against the cold stone. A jolt of energy surged through me as the symbols flared to life, their brightness growing until they illuminated the clearing like a beacon. I stumbled back, my heart hammering in my chest.

One by one, the other three pillars responded, their carvings coming alive with the same blinding light. Each symbol seemed to hum with power, their rhythm syncing into a deep, resonant thrum that vibrated in my bones.

At the center of the clearing, the ground shifted with a low rumble, sending vibrations through my feet. Slowly, the circular door emerged from beneath the forest floor, shedding layers of dirt and debris like it had been slumbering for centuries.

I froze.

This was the same gate I had seen before—but it wasn't the same. Its appearance was altered, darker, as if the very essence of the place had warped. The glowing symbols etched into its surface shimmered faintly, forming patterns that felt ancient yet disturbingly familiar, like fragments of a forgotten memory.

An invisible force tugged at me, compelling me forward. I couldn't resist. My hand hovered over the door, my fingertips trembling as they inched closer to its surface. The air around it felt charged, humming with power that both drew me in and warned me away.

Just as I was about to make contact, a voice shattered the silence, deep and resonant, cutting through the clearing like a blade.

"Finally, you are here."

The voice pierced the silence, deep and commanding.

I jolted back, my breath hitching as my heart hammered against my ribs. The light from the pillars flared, bathing the clearing in a surreal, blinding glow. Shadows twisted and writhed around me, alive with an eerie, unrelenting energy.

"Who... who is that?" I managed to whisper, my voice trembling as it barely broke through the oppressive air.

The voice answered, resonating through the clearing like a thunderclap:

"You cannot run from your destiny. From me."

A wave of cold rushed through me, rooting me to the spot. The symbols on the door burned brighter, their light twisting into patterns that seemed to crawl across its surface, reaching for me.

The ground began to tremble violently. The swirling light from the pillars merged into a vortex, spinning faster and faster, dragging the very air around me into its pull.

My vision blurred as I stumbled back, the clearing dissolving into chaos. A suffocating darkness surged forward, swallowing the light, the pillars, and everything in its path.

"No!" I screamed, the sound swallowed by the consuming void.

And then, silence.

I gasped as my eyes snapped open, my body jerking upright. My chest heaved as I struggled to catch my breath, my heart racing as if it might burst from my chest.

A gentle glow filtered through my curtains, casting faint streaks across the room. It was quiet—too quiet.

But the weight of the dream, the raw intensity of that voice, still clung to me like a shroud. The clearing, the pillars, the symbols—they were gone, but their echoes remained, sharp and unyielding.

I ran a trembling hand through my hair, my face damp with sweat. The lingering chill and the voice's ominous promise were too real to dismiss.

This wasn't just a dream. It couldn't be.

Esme's steady breaths filled the room, soft and rhythmic, a stark contrast to the chaos spinning through my mind. She looked so peaceful, her features relaxed, untouched by the storm that wouldn't let me rest.

But the stillness of the room was unnerving. It felt unnatural, like the air itself was holding its breath, waiting.

I reached for my phone on the nightstand, its pale glow casting faint shadows on the walls. 6:00 AM. Too early to wake Esme, but too late to dismiss the chill that clung to me.

I slid out of bed as quietly as I could, my movements deliberate, cautious. My feet barely made a sound against the cool floor as I moved to the balcony, drawn by some need for air—space to think.

The crispness of the morning greeted me, carrying the faint scent of dew and the earthy freshness of the forest. The sky stretched out in shades of pale blue and soft pink, the rising sun painting the world in its serene glow.

But serenity was the furthest thing from my mind.

My fingers curled around the cold metal railing, its chill grounding me as my thoughts swirled. The dream—or was it something else?—refused to fade, its echoes sharp and insistent.

That voice.

"Finally, you are here."

The memory of it sent a tremor through me. It wasn't just a voice; it was a command, resonating with a power that seemed to settle deep in my chest, leaving an ache behind. Whoever—or whatever—it was, they hadn't been asking. They'd been waiting.

"You cannot run away from your destiny. From me."

The words hit me again, their weight pressing down like an unseen hand. They weren't a threat; they were a promise—a chilling one.

The image of the clearing surged back, vivid and searing. The glowing pillars, the carved symbols that pulsed with life, the door rising from the earth, beckoning me closer. I could still feel the hum of energy beneath my fingertips, the weight of it coursing through me.

A shiver prickled at the base of my neck.

"This isn't just a dream," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the stillness.

The morning felt wrong. Too quiet. Too still. As if the world around me was holding its breath, watching.

I tightened my grip on the railing, the bite of the metal grounding me, but my thoughts raced. Who was that voice? Why had it called me? It wasn't the first strange occurrence I'd experienced, but this... this felt different.

Darker.

The edge of my vision blurred for a moment, a flicker of movement I couldn't place. I turned quickly, but there was nothing there—just the endless stretch of trees beyond the balcony.

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My heart pounded, my instincts screaming warnings I didn't fully understand. This wasn't over. Whatever had found me in that dream—or vision—wasn't done.

"This is just the beginning," I thought, the weight of the realization settling over me. Something's coming. Something far beyond dragons, visions, or anything I've faced before.

I exhaled shakily, trying to calm the tremor in my hands. But the truth was undeniable.

The voice had been waiting for me.

And now, it knew exactly where to find me.

The evening had come faster than I expected, and Esme and I were rushing to get ready for the gala. She was already dressed, her long, elegant gown shimmering under the soft light of the room. She chattered excitedly as I fiddled with the makeup kit, trying to focus but feeling my thoughts pull in a hundred different directions.

"Aria, where's your mind today? You've strangely quiet since the morning," Esme laughed, glancing over at me from the mirror.

I forced a smile, trying to shake off the unease gnawing at me. "Nothing, just thinking about the makeup. I'm not great with these things."

"Oh please," she said with a teasing grin, "I'll do it for you. Trust me, I'm a pro at this."

I laughed softly, relieved to let her take over. "You're the perfect one for this. Go ahead and work your magic while I change."

Esme nodded and shooed me away with a wink, already grabbing her makeup brushes. I walked to the bathroom, my mind still wandering as I slipped into the dress.

It was like something out of a dream—sleek, silver, and fit to perfection. The fabric shimmered as I moved, tracing the curves of my body like it had been custom-made for me. When I stepped out of the bathroom, Esme's eyes widened as she took me in.

"Wow, Aria, you look... incredible," Esme said, her voice full of awe. She stood up from the vanity and walked around me, her gaze tracing every inch of the dress with admiration.

I could feel the fabric's delicate shimmer as it caught the light, its soft silver hue making the intricate details of the design even more striking. The bodice, fitted and elegant, had a subtle texture, as though it had been meticulously sculpted to mold to my form. The neckline dipped just enough to add a touch of allure, while the flowing skirt cascaded gracefully to the floor, its light layers giving it an almost ethereal quality.

The symbol of the brand, delicately embroidered on the dress, was a spiral encased within a circle, its edges adorned with intricate geometric patterns that seemed almost alive. It glowed faintly, as though infused with hidden energy, its timeless design speaking of an ancient legacy. Esme traced the symbol with her fingertips, her voice hushed with awe.. "The symbols," she said, almost reverently. "And the brand. This is Arviara—the most famous label across all the kingdoms."

She paused, clearly impressed, before continuing. "And the designer—Queen Seraphina Morrison of the Aquara Kingdom—her work is beyond amazing. This dress, it's like it was made just for you."

As I stood there, admiring my reflection, a wave of gratitude washed over me. This dress—this masterpiece—was more than just a beautiful creation. It was my mother's legacy, her talent, and her love woven into every thread. I could only imagine how many hours she'd spent, perfecting every detail to ensure it would be something truly special. The thought of how much care and passion she'd poured into making this for me filled my heart with warmth.

Thank you, Mom. For making this dress, for everything. You've given me more than just a gown. You've given me a piece of you.

Esme leaned in, clearly intrigued. "But where did you get it? Arviara dresses aren't easy to find, even in royal circles."

I froze for a moment, my heart quickening. How could I explain this?

"Oh, this?" I said casually, trying to sound nonchalant. "My mom got it for me a while ago. She’s a doctor and used to work with some high-profile clients. This dress was a gift from a designer friend of hers, from when she was involved in medical charity events for the royal family. It’s actually one of the first pieces she ever received before she fully dedicated herself to her practice."

Esme raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. "Your mom knows everyone, doesn't she?"

I chuckled softly, relieved she'd bought the excuse.

Esme waved me over, her smile wide. "Now sit, I'll do your makeup," she said, gesturing to the vanity chair. I sat down, trying to calm my racing thoughts as she moved around me, expertly applying makeup with quick, practiced motions.

She started with a light foundation, blending it seamlessly into my skin. Then, she applied a touch of blush to give my cheeks a natural, healthy glow. As she worked, I stared at my reflection in the mirror, feeling both excited and uneasy.

Esme was always so confident with these things, and her hands moved with a grace that made the whole process feel effortless. She added a subtle shimmer to my eyelids and a stroke of eyeliner, making my eyes pop. Finally, she finished with a soft, nude lip color, giving me a polished, yet natural look.

When she stepped back to admire her work, she gasped. "Aria, seriously—you're looking like a royal today! In the gala, all eyes will be on you."

I couldn't help but laugh, but it was a nervous laugh—one that barely hid the unease bubbling inside me. In reality, I was royal, though no one in the academy knew that. They only saw the girl who was careful to hide her true identity.

"Maybe," I said, trying to sound casual, "but I'll be fine."

Esme just grinned, clearly excited for the night ahead. But I couldn't shake the feeling that, in a room full of people, I might stand out for all the wrong reasons.

Just as I was about to stand up, there was a sudden knock at the door. Esme grinned and rushed to open it. Standing in the doorway was Calen, looking sharp in his blue tuxedo. He took one look at us and raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk spreading across his face.

"Wow," he said, his voice dripping with humor. "Tonight, two beautiful ladies are going with me to the gala? All the men will be jealous of me."

Esme rolled her eyes, her lips curling into a teasing smile. "Oh, please, Calen. You're going to have to fight off the crowds with your charm."

The two of them slipped easily into their usual banter, laughing and poking fun at each other, but my mind wasn't entirely on them. I glanced at the clock on the wall, realizing how much time had passed.

"Let's go, we're getting late," I said, standing up and smoothing my dress.

As we made our way to the door, my mind was elsewhere. The gala, the people, the attention—I'd have to find a way to slip away later. I couldn't risk anyone discovering my secret tonight. The forest still called to me, and I needed to go back for further investigation. But how could I make an excuse to my friends? They'd want to stay and enjoy the night.

I kept my thoughts to myself, pushing the nervousness aside. For now, I had to blend in, act normal, and figure out how to get away without raising suspicion.

As we arrived at the venue—the grand Marquise Hall where the gala was being held—I could feel the anticipation in the air. Together, we entered the hall, and suddenly, I felt every pair of eyes in the room turn in our direction. I glanced at Esme, confusion written all over my face, and she simply smiled, her voice full of mischief. "I told you, all eyes will be on you today."

Calen nodded in agreement. "True, you actually look like a princess."

I could feel my nerves tighten. This wasn’t what I wanted. I hadn’t expected to be the center of attention, and it made me anxious. My family always kept me in the background, avoiding events like this, so I wasn’t used to the spotlight. How was I going to slip away unnoticed to help the air elementals?

The weight of the stares felt overwhelming. My parents’ voices echoed in my head, reminding me to blend in. But tonight, blending in wasn’t an option. I had to find a way out, and fast.

As I stood there, lost in thought, Nova and Finn approached us. Nova smiled and gave me a once-over. "Aria, you look gorgeous today. No one can beat you in this hall," she said, her voice full of admiration.

Finn nodded in agreement, his tone casual but sincere. "That dress really suits you. You're looking amazing tonight."

I smiled warmly at both of them, feeling a slight blush creep up my cheeks. "Thank you," I said softly.

Soon, we made our way deeper into the grand hall. The space was vast, its marble floors reflecting the glittering chandeliers above. The air buzzed with conversations, and the hall was divided into subtle groups. Higher-ranking individuals, most associated with the fire elementals, clustered near the center of the room, their confident stances commanding attention. The rest mingled around the edges, forming smaller groups that seemed less formal but no less lively.

As we settled into a quieter spot at the edge of the grand hall, I found myself only half-listening to the conversation around me. My mind was a storm of conflicting thoughts, each one centering on the same pressing question: How could I slip away unnoticed? The air elementals needed me, and time was running out.

The weight of the task ahead pressed down on me, and I glanced toward the large windows that framed the dark forest in the distance. The moonlight painted the trees in silver shadows, almost as if calling me to hurry.

"Aria, you okay?" Esme asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. Her eyes narrowed slightly in concern, but I quickly masked my unease with a smile.

"Yeah, just... taking it all in," I lied, hoping my voice sounded casual.

But before she could press further, the room seemed to shift. A sudden hush rippled through the hall, and my attention snapped to the center. The crowd parted slightly, and there he stood—Lucian.

He was standing with a group of higher-ranking individuals, a few distinguished figures from the kingdom, judging by their regal attire. Lucian himself looked every bit the part of a prince. His dark, tailored suit was cut to perfection, the charcoal fabric shimmering faintly under the grand chandeliers. The jacket fit him like a glove, highlighting his broad shoulders, while the trousers were sleek and perfectly pressed. His black tie, with its subtle silver detailing, gave him an air of both elegance and authority.

But what caught my attention the most were his eyes. They were locked on me from across the room, intense and unwavering. My breath hitched, and for a moment, I couldn't look away.

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, and my heart skipped a beat.

Whatever happened tonight, slipping away unnoticed might be more impossible than I had thought.