Reflections of a Hidden Power
Third Person's POV:
In the Aquara Water Kingdom, where rivers flowed like silver threads under the sun, Princess Arvanya Morrison stood beside a crystal-clear lake, her reflection dancing on the surface. The cool breeze gently tugged at her long, cascading hair, which shimmered like liquid gold in the fading sunlight.
Her deep blue eyes, more vivid than the kingdom's brightest sapphires, shone with a blend of curiosity and unspoken secrets. Arvanya's beauty was a tale often whispered among the kingdom's people, with her gentle smile and the kind-hearted warmth that radiated from her.
She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze drifting to the horizon as the sun began its descent, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink. Despite the peace surrounding her, her thoughts were restless. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter—her first day at Aetheria Academy.
A thrill shot through her, mixed with a trace of nervousness. The academy was known for its values of equality, where students were respected regardless of their backgrounds. It was the perfect place for someone like her, who wished to blend in despite the extraordinary gifts she possessed.
Arvanya's fingers traced the surface of the water, ripples spreading outward. Beneath her composed exterior, she held a secret that even the Aquara lake couldn't mirror.
Unlike others in her world, who were blessed with a single elemental dragon, she had five—each bound to her, representing the elements of fire, water, earth, air, and nature. She thought briefly about how the idea of dragons in their world might seem strange to outsiders.
Dragons were not creatures of myth here, not fire-breathing beasts from tales. Instead, they were pure elements, forces kept within each person, granting them a unique connection to the world around them.
Her five elemental dragons weren't visible or physical; they lived within her, waiting to be called upon, each embodying the strength of its element.
Her powers were a rare gift, one that came with a heavy burden. Her father's rule echoed in her mind: Never reveal your powers.
The world is not ready for them. She didn't fully understand why, but she trusted her father. As the king, he had seen and experienced far more of the world's harsh realities than she had, and she believed he only wanted to keep her safe.
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And then there was the matter of her mate—a destined bond that everyone in their world possessed, but which had eluded her. Arvanya often wondered who her mate might be. Would he understand the weight she carried? Would he accept her, dragons and all? Or would he see her powers as a threat, something to be feared?
She couldn't help but laugh softly, imagining her father's reaction if he knew she was out by the lake alone. King Thalor Morrison, ruler of the Aquara Kingdom, would likely send her brothers to find her, riding out like knights on a royal mission.
"Oh no," Arvanya chuckled to herself, her voice blending with the rustling leaves. "I can just picture it: 'Where is she? She's out there with her dragons again!' Adrian would be lecturing me about responsibility, Thiago would be grumbling about missing his training, and Luca would just roll his eyes, wondering why I can't stay put for once."
Her brothers were always so protective, each of them embodying strength in their own way. Adrian, the eldest, with his unwavering sense of duty and leadership, was often the first to remind her of the importance of keeping their family's secrets.
Thiago, the second eldest, was tough but caring, never hesitating to train with her until she mastered her skills. And Luca, her closest in age, had a quiet strength, always watching out for her even when he pretended not to care.
But they all had one thing in common—they worried about her. They feared what would happen if the world discovered that Arvanya could wield the elements, that she could connect with the souls of dragons and command the very forces of nature.
And while she appreciated their concern, she sometimes wished they could see the joy she felt in using her powers to help others, to bring comfort where she could.
With a playful twirl, she spun away from the lake, her dress flaring around her. "Time to vanish like a good little princess," she teased herself, her laugh echoing across the water.
The sun dipped lower, casting a warm glow over the kingdom as she hurried back to the palace, a smile playing on her lips. It was time to face the adventure awaiting her at the academy.
After a quick shower, Arvanya dressed in her favorite blue dress, the color a perfect match to the tranquil waters of her home. The fabric flowed around her like a river's current, accentuating her slender figure and the gentle curves that added to her natural grace.
She styled her hair into soft waves that tumbled down her back, catching the morning light like threads of silk. A few delicate hairpins, adorned with tiny aquamarine stones, glinted among the waves, adding a touch of elegance.
As she looked in the mirror, her bright, expressive eyes held a new determination. Today was more than just a day of introductions and new classes—it was a chance to start fresh, to prove that she was more than just a princess with a hidden secret.
She wanted to be seen as someone strong, someone who could make a difference in the world. And if she had to keep her powers hidden for now, so be it. She would find a way to help others, even if it meant blending in among the ordinary.
With one last glance at her reflection, she straightened her shoulders and took a deep breath. "Here's to a new beginning," she whispered to herself, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
The weight of her secret felt a little lighter with every step she took toward her future, and she couldn't help but wonder if her journey would one day lead her to discovering her mate.
Little did she know, her first day at Aetheria Academy would be anything but ordinary.